Median household income: $78,429; value-to-income ratio 2.74. Waverly ranks 20 by home value and 40 by population among 42 places in our IA dataset.
What does a first-time buyer loan cost on a typical Waverly home?
| Item | Waverly |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Census ACS) | $215,200 |
| Iowa median home value | $195,900 |
| Down payment (3%) | $6,456 |
| Loan amount | $208,744 |
| Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI) | $1,869 |
| Income needed (28% / 36%) | $81,000 / $63,000 |
| Bremer County 2026 conforming limit (1 unit) | $832,750 |
| Max purchase price at the limit | $858,000 |
Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.
Payment includes Iowa's 1.43% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $1,342/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and an estimated 0.5% PMI.
What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in Waverly?
Waverly is in Bremer County. Conventional 3%-down loans go up to the $832,750 conforming limit (price ≈ $858,000); FHA loans go up to $541,287.
The Waverly median home value of $215,200 is 10% above the Iowa median, and within what the county limit supports.
Which down payment assistance programs can Waverly buyers use?
- Iowa Finance Authority 2nd Loan Program — Up to 5% of the home's sale price or appraised value (whichever is lower), with no maximum; deferred; state-level. Iowa Finance Authority · Verified October 23, 2026
- FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs Grant — $2,500 grant; grant; state-level. Iowa Finance Authority · Verified October 23, 2026
First-time buyer loans in nearby cities
First-time buyer loan FAQs for Waverly
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates
- FHFA — 2026 Conforming Loan Limit Values
- Fannie Mae Selling Guide
- NAIC — Homeowners Insurance Report, Data for 2023 (HO-3 average premium)
- Freddie Mac — Primary Mortgage Market Survey
- Iowa Finance Authority — Iowa Finance Authority 2nd Loan Program
- Iowa Finance Authority — FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs Grant
Data last updated October 23, 2026.
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Get My MatchesFigures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.