President’s Message

Here we are, just a few weeks removed from this year’s fall conference, and already starting to plan the 2026 IMA Spring Conference. Overall, we received positive feedback from conference attendees. Participants praised our guest speakers, and we’re already working to secure speakers for our next event. Roundtable discussions continue to be engaging and useful. It was suggested that future speakers on artificial intelligence (AI) include live demonstrations showing how AI can improve processes for loan originators in their day-to-day work. Other topics of interest include networking, sales execution, and updates on appraisal and underwriting guidelines. IMA members and mortgage professionals considering membership are encouraged to share additional suggestions or topics they would find valuable.

The IMA Board of Directors has been discussing bringing back the golf event at our fall and spring conferences. The plan would include a golf event, registration and welcome on the first day, followed by the conference on the second day. This would allow travelers to stay one night instead of two, reducing expenses while bringing back the fun and camaraderie of golf. We will also pilot a small regional conference to encourage participation for those unable to attend the current semiannual conferences in Des Moines and Coralville. Our hotel contract runs through 2026, so expect changes toward a two-day conference beginning in 2027.

At the fall conference, I delivered the messages that “participation is our power” and “unity is our strength.” All mortgage professionals need to participate and unite as we provide services to Iowa homeowners. Our immediate call to action is to increase corporate and individual membership and participation in the IMA. We need everyone to unite with a collective voice and work together for all Iowans, whether you work for a bank, credit union, mortgage banker, mortgage broker or nonprofit lender. I encourage every current member to connect with a friend or peer to share the importance and value of IMA membership and get registered. We aim to provide value, relevance, minimal expense and personal growth.

We are entering the industry’s typical seasonal slowdown with the holidays and winter months approaching. I call on you to get involved, expand your knowledge through education and research, and sharpen your skills. In the mortgage industry, we always evolve and learn.

Association Updates

As the new year approaches, it’s time to renew your IMA membership. By addressing current issues in government relations, public relations, professional development and more, the IMA connects the mortgage community through education and resources to promote homeownership. Please join the IMA for another successful year by renewing your membership. Through membership in the IMA, you will receive:



• Monthly updates through IMA Prime Times
• Discounts on IMA program registration fees, including the annual spring and fall conferences
• Legislative efforts to strengthen the industry
• Industry information and association updates via the IMA website

Membership renewals will be sent via email to the IMA main contact in early December. Contact Darcy Burnett to receive a renewal invoice now.

Industry News

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued two memos outlining how it will approach enforcement of the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Both memos explicitly withdraw certain guidance documents issued by previous administrations.

The Fair Housing Act Enforcement and Prioritization of Resources (Sept. 16) memo indicates HUD will prioritize disparate treatment, and further indicates that it will not prioritize enforcement of redlining, including “reverse redlining.” The memo criticizes the previous administration’s focus on appraisal bias, stating the FHA does not prohibit consideration of factors other than race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or familial status. Finally, the memo explicitly withdraws guidance documents, some of which may have been available only to HUD staff. Documents listed include HUD’s statement in support of the homeowners in the appraisal bias case of Connolly v. Lanham, as well as 2016 guidance on FHA protections for limited English proficiency (LEP) persons (which, among other things, cautioned lenders against targeting LEP persons for disadvantageous products).

The Notice of the Withdrawal of FHEO Guidance Documents (Sept. 17) memo states that HUD is reviewing its guidance consistent with executive orders on deregulation and government efficiency. The memo then indicates HUD is withdrawing guidance listed, although withdrawal is not final. HUD states that its review of its guidance is ongoing, but in the meantime, the listed guidance should not be enforced or otherwise relied on by HUD or stakeholders. In the memo’s list of withdrawn guidance, two documents may be of particular interest to banks — HUD’s 2021 statement that the FHA permits special purpose credit programs and HUD’s 2024 guidance on marketing through digital platforms.