DES MOINES — The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and Iowa-based Happy Medium are set to take their highly successful digital tool, designed to connect potential homebuyers with lenders, to a national audience. They will do so by launching a subscription-based service based on their proven model: Project Homecoming.
“The effectiveness of our digital tool has been refined over the past several years,” said IFA Communications Director Ashley Jared. “We’ve seen remarkable success in assisting Iowa homebuyers, even amid challenging market conditions, thanks to our integrated marketing solution developed in partnership with Happy Medium.”
This innovative tool addresses key challenges by integrating an eligibility precheck and lender connection feature. It matches potential homebuyers with local lenders and provides clear return-on-investment tracking, significantly increasing the rate at which leads are converted into successful homebuyers.
“The Iowa Finance Authority has set a new standard in this field and we have received numerous inquiries from various states eager to implement our approach. We are thrilled about the opportunity to replicate this success and enhance homeownership accessibility not just in Iowa but nationwide,” said Katie Patterson, CEO of Happy Medium.
Housing Finance Agencies face unique challenges in reaching potential homebuyers. These include indirect application processes—where prospective homebuyers cannot apply directly for HFA programs—and the complexity of evaluating marketing investments due to these indirect processes. Project Homecoming will offer a highly adaptable model for other housing finance agencies, lending and real estate companies facing similar challenges.
In addition, IFA and Happy Medium recently partnered with Emigrait, an Iowa-based TechStars Iowa accelerator startup, to further refine the approach. Emigrait’s predictive data model enhances the targeting of potential homebuyers, boosting overall success.
This adaptable solution will also be available to other states looking to replicate the success. To request more information visit itsahappymedium.com/projecthomecoming.