(DES MOINES) – The Branstad/Reynolds Administration today announced an innovative summer social media contest hosted by the Iowa Finance Authority, Iowa Association of Realtors, Iowa Home Ownership Education Project and the Iowa Mortgage Association to help spur home sales this summer. The organizations are asking all Iowa mortgage lenders, housing counselors and realtors to ask their clients to show-off their best home improvement projects for a chance to win the statewide competition.
Participants will be asked to write a word or short phrase that best describes the project on a memo board and submit the photo throughout national homeownership month in June. Entries will be voted on by the public at facebook.com/MeaningofHomeownership in July and the winning entry will receive a $2,500 Lowe’s gift card. The lender/ housing counselor and realtor with the most combined votes will each receive a $2,500 community betterment grant. Any Iowa lender, housing counselor or realtor may sign-up to participate, and is encouraged to do so by visiting IowaFinanceAuthority.gov/Contest.
“This proactive partnership between these industry organizations with a shared mission of advancing homeownership within our state is commendable,” said Governor Branstad. “I encourage all Iowa lenders, housing counselors, realtors and Iowans to participate in this unique opportunity and to learn more about homeownership resources available in our state.”
“Homeownership not only forms a strong foundation for Iowa families, but it is a strong contributor to vibrant neighborhoods, strong communities and ultimately a thriving state,” said Lt. Governor Reynolds.
“The Iowa Finance Authority offers many resources to assist Iowa home buyers and this contest is a fun way to raise awareness of these programs and the overarching benefits of homeownership in partnership with other organizations within Iowa’s housing industry,” said Iowa Finance Authority Executive Director Dave Jamison.
“Nearly 35,000 Iowans purchased a home last year, a slight increase from 2011, and I’m confident that partnerships amongst Iowa housing organizations and professionals – like the one between the Iowa Association of realtors, Iowa Finance Authority, Iowa Home Ownership Education Project and the Iowa Mortgage Association will assist in keeping that growth pattern,” said Iowa Association of realtors CEO Dave Bert.
