FirstHome IQ partners with MBA to boost loan officer advocacy on Capitol Hill
FirstHome IQ, a nonprofit focused on first-time homebuyer education and financial literacy, announced Thursday that it’s teaming up with the Mortgage Bankers Association to bring a coalition of loan officers to Washington, D.C., for the MBA’s National Advocacy Conference in April.
The initiative aims to have at least one LO from every state advocating together on Capitol Hill for housing affordability, access to credit, financial literacy and sustainable homeownership.
“MBA’s National Advocacy Conference is where the mortgage industry comes together to wield its collective power on Capitol Hill,” Bob Broeksmit, the MBA’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “By bringing more local loan officers into this conversation, FirstHome IQ amplifies our influence and ensures that the professionals who work directly with borrowers play an active role in shaping the policies that affect them.”
The partnership involves industry leaders — including Jeremy Forcier of CrossCountry Mortgage, Shayla Gifford of Guild Mortgage and Dave Savage of Mortgage Coach — who are lending support through their networks and expertise.
“Local loan officers are the most powerful advocates for housing affordability in this country,” said Kristin Messerli, executive director and co-founder of FirstHome IQ. “They talk to borrowers every day. They understand the real barriers to homeownership. Washington needs to hear from them directly.”
The initiative also aims to address a growing trust gap, according to a FirstHome IQ press release. Messerli’s research on millennial and Gen Z homebuyers found that only 20% trust their lender. FirstHome IQ says visible advocacy is a way for LOs to rebuild trust and distinguish themselves in their markets.
“When a loan officer shows their community they’re not just originating loans but actively fighting for affordability and homeownership, it fundamentally changes the relationship,” said Savage, who serves as First Home’s chairman of board.
As part of the collaboration, FirstHome IQ will deploy professional videographers and content creators at the conference to produce personalized content for each participating loan officer. This includes five video reels, Capitol Hill footage and speaking-to-camera segments, allowing attendees to leave with professional media assets.
FirstHome IQ says that no prior advocacy or lobbying experience is required, and participants will receive full preparation, including talking points and advocacy training.
Thursday’s announcement comes at a time when MBA is boosting its advocacy efforts.
At the start of February, The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) and the MBA announced a partnership aimed at expanded advocacy, education and engagement opportunities for independent mortgage lenders. As part of the partnership, MBA will engage directly with TMC members through advocacy-focused discussions, programming, panels and webinars.