🚨 March 9th Alert: The IHFA Bond Program is Back (And How to Get It in 2026)

Published: February 13, 2026

If you are planning to buy a home in Idaho this spring, the most important date on your calendar is now March 9, 2026.

On that Monday, the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) is releasing a highly anticipated, limited pool of Tax-Exempt Mortgage Revenue Bond funds. For homebuyers, this means one thing: Access to significantly below-market interest rates.

Historically, this program can drop your interest rate by a full 1% (or more) compared to standard market rates. But there is a catch: The funds are limited, and when the money runs out, the program shuts down.

Here is everything you need to know about the IHFA Bond Program, who qualifies, and why you need to start shopping this weekend to get in line.

What is the IHFA Tax-Exempt Bond Program for 2026?

The state of Idaho uses tax-exempt bonds to fund this specific tier of home loans. Because the state issues these bonds tax-free to investors, IHFA can pass those massive savings directly to you, the homebuyer, in the form of a deeply discounted fixed interest rate.

The Ultimate “Stack”:
The best part about this program is that it pairs perfectly with IHFA’s Second Mortgage Down Payment Assistance. This means you can secure a rock-bottom interest rate and get up to 7% or 8% of the purchase price covered to pay for your down payment and closing costs. In many cases, buyers can close with the IHFA minimum requirement of just $500 out-of-pocket.

More information about IHFA’s Down Payment Assistance.

Who Qualifies? (The IRS Rules)

Because this program is subsidized by tax-exempt bonds, it is governed by strict IRS guidelines. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

• First-Time Homebuyers Only: You cannot have owned a primary residence in the past three years. (Exception: The first-time buyer rule is usually waived if you are buying a home in specific rural “Targeted Counties” in Idaho, like Canyon, Owyhee, Gem, Elmore and many more!).
• Income Limits: Your household income must be under the county limit. For Ada County, the limit is $108,978 for a 1-2 person household, and $125,325 for 3+ people. For Canyon County, it is $128,400 for a 1-2 person household, and $149,800 for 3+ people. Income limits for other counties vary across Idaho, so contact us to verify your specific limit. (Note: This calculation includes the income of anyone 18 or older living in the home, not just the borrower).
• Purchase Price Limits: The price of the home cannot exceed the specific limits set for your county.
• Education: You must complete the brief “Finally Home!” homebuyer education course.

The Catch: Why You Need to Act TODAY

You cannot simply call us on March 9th and ask to “reserve” some of this bond money while you think about buying.

To lock this rate, you MUST be under contract on a house.

Last year, these bond funds ran out incredibly fast because the rates were so competitive. If you wait until March or April to start looking at houses, the money could be gone.

Your March 9th Action Plan:

1. Step 1 (Today): Contact us to get officially Pre-Approved. We will verify your household income and make sure you fit the bond criteria.
2. Step 2 (This Weekend): Get in the car with your Realtor and start shopping.
3. Step 3 (Late Feb / Early March): Find a home and negotiate an accepted purchase contract.
4. Step 4 (March 9th): The moment the IHFA portal opens, our team will lock your deeply discounted bond rate.

The clock is ticking. Don’t miss out on the cheapest money of 2026.

Realtors: If you have buyers on the fence, this program can dramatically improve affordability and help you win offers before spring competition spikes.

Frequently Asked Questions