RMN 2025 Year in Review: A Year of Learning, Lending & Leading
As we wrap up another exceptional year at RMN, we want to take a moment to reflect on everything we’ve accomplished together in 2025. This year was filled with meaningful milestones and industry recognition, all while our monthly blogs continued to guide Iowa homebuyers with clarity, and advice.
RMN’s 2025 Accomplishments: A Remarkable Year
2025 was a great year, and we are humbled to have been recognized in some pretty awesome ways!
Diamond Lender Recognition and Top Lender Status
RMN was honored as a Diamond Lender for 2024 through the Iowa Finance Authority— for empowering 153 Iowans to become homeowners with access to down payment assistance and grant programs.
Jessica was also awarded the Top Lender title! Something she truly deserves for the passion she has for the IFA programs and helping Iowa homebuyers with them.
#1 USDA Lender in Iowa
RMN was again named the #1 USDA Lender in the entire state of Iowa, reflecting our expertise and commitment to helping rural buyers succeed.
Growing Education Through the RMN School of Lending
In September, RMN received a $10,000 grant from the Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Association of Realtors to expand our Realtor education classes—furthering our mission of empowering local professionals and buyers. We’re so excited by the opportunity to offer even more classes in 2026!
Professional Excellence Award
In October, Jessica received the Affiliate Award for Outstanding Professional Cooperation at the Iowa Association of Realtors Banquet, recognizing her dedication to partnership, communication, and client success.
Throughout it all, we maintained our commitment to getting the right information into the hands of Iowa Homebuyers!
January: Getting Your Ducks in a Row for 2025
We kicked off the year by talking preparation.
In January’s blog, we walked through actionable steps buyers can take long before they start house hunting. Whether it’s improving credit, getting finances organized, or simply understanding the process, preparation pays off.
We also emphasized one major advantage of working with RMN: we meet you wherever you are. In-person, by phone, or through our secure online portal, we make pre-approvals easy—and we stay with you through every step until you close.
February: Underwriting Isn’t Scary—We Promise
In February, we addressed one of the most misunderstood parts of the mortgage process: Underwriting.
While underwriting can feel intimidating, at RMN it’s a sign of progress. Our thorough pre-approval process helps avoid surprises, and our in-house underwriter (who knows our programs, partners, and clients) keeps everything moving smoothly. When your file heads to underwriting at RMN, it means we’re one step closer to getting your keys in hand.
March: Appraisal vs. Home Inspection
Many buyers mix these up, so March’s blog focused on the difference.
We explained how appraisals determine a home’s value for the loan, while inspections assess the home’s condition for the buyer. Both are important, but each plays a very different role in the homebuying process.
April: Spring Clean Your Finances
With warm weather approaching, April was all about fresh starts.
This blog highlighted ways to “spring clean” your financial life: decluttering debts, boosting your credit score, and creating (or refreshing) a homebuying budget. With a tidy financial picture, buyers feel more prepared heading into the busy market season.
May: Busting Common VA Loan Myths
In honor of Military Appreciation Month, we used May to clear the air around VA loans.
We tackled and debunked common misconceptions like:
- “You can only use a VA loan once.”
- “VA loans take longer to close.”
- “VA loans have higher fees.”
- “VA sets the interest rate.”
- “You can’t have more than one VA loan.”
VA loans can often be misunderstood—and this blog helped set the record straight.
June: Preparing for the Summer Market
June’s blog focused on strategy during one of the busiest buying seasons of the year.
We covered the importance of working with a local lender (hello—that’s us!), staying organized as a buyer, and how RMN’s strong, reliable pre-approval letters help you stand out in multiple-offer scenarios.
July: USDA Rural Development Loans—Not Just for First-Time Buyers
In July, we shed light on a secret many don’t know: USDA loans are available to any qualifying buyer, not just first-time homeowners.
We highlighted no-down-payment benefits, surprising eligible areas, and 2025’s increased income limits, which opened the door to more buyers in Iowa counties like Johnson, Linn, Benton, Cedar, and Polk counties.
August: The Hidden Costs of Homeownership
August’s blog helped future buyers prepare for the things that aren’t always obvious.
We walked through expenses such as property taxes, insurance, utilities, HOAs, furnishing, and ongoing maintenance. Planning ahead makes for more confident, comfortable homeowners.
September: Back to School, Back to Busy
When fall hit and schedules got hectic, September’s post explained how RMN keeps the homebuying process manageable, even during one of the year’s busiest seasons.
With flexible communication, local expertise, and a supportive team, we help buyers keep everything on track.
October: Don’t Get Spooked by Mortgage Myths
Just in time for Halloween, we addressed the most common fears and misinformation we hear from buyers.
We broke down myths about government loans, PMI, down payments, underwriters, and more.
A smoother, less-spooky mortgage experience starts with fact, and we’re always happy to clear up confusion.
November: A Season of Thankfulness
We ended the year with gratitude.
November’s blog reflected on the many things we’re thankful for:
- Our experienced team
- Our local roots and community relationships
- The chance to help Iowans become homeowners
- The RMN School of Lending
- Our trusted Realtor partners
- The Iowa Finance Authority
- Our network of local partners
- And most importantly—our customers
Every closing, every referral, and every relationship means something to us. We never take that lightly.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we close the chapter on 2025, one thing remains clear: our commitment to serving Iowans with expertise, warmth, and integrity is stronger than ever. We’re grateful for every partnership, every closing, and every opportunity to help someone achieve their dream of homeownership.
Here’s to another year of helping people find home.