Closing costs in Iowa usually range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. These costs may include fees for appraisals, inspections, title insurance, and lender charges. Your loan officer can give you a personalized estimate based on your purchase.

For example, on a $300,000 home, buyers can expect to pay between $6,000 and $15,000 in closing costs. 

The most common loans among Iowa buyers are:

• Conventional Loans – Flexible terms with competitive interest rates. Often preferred by buyers with strong credit and larger down payments, though options with as little as 3% down are available.

• FHA Loans – Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, these are popular with first-time buyers. They allow lower credit scores and down payments starting at 3.5%.

• VA Loans – Available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).

• USDA Loans – Designed for qualifying buyers in rural and suburban areas. These loans also offer no down payment and reduced mortgage insurance costs.

Iowa’s public schools perform well overall, with many districts earning strong marks for academics, graduation rates, and student growth. Several districts consistently appear among the state’s top performers for college readiness and student outcomes.

• Top districts include Pleasant Valley Community School District and Gilbert Community School District, both ranked “A” or “A+” by Niche.

• Notable high schools such as those in Ankeny Community School District are recognized for strong student performance and advanced coursework.

• The state uses the Iowa School Performance Profiles to rate schools as exceptional, high-performing, commendable, acceptable, in need of improvement or priority. 

For full school and district data, including test scores and performance metrics, visit Iowa’s School Performance Profiles. iaschoolperformance.gov