Nebraska Investment Finance Authority

Nebraska’s housing progress is now easier to track.

The Nebraska Strategic Housing Council’s updated dashboard is live, giving communities, developers, policymakers, and housing partners a clearer look at where Nebraska stands and where work is still needed.

The dashboard now includes refreshed housing, workforce, and economic data, along with updated indicators tied to the Council’s four Strategic Pillars:

• Financial Support and Incentives for Development
• Education and Policy
• Safety Net and Special Populations
• Workforce and Community Capacity

Instead of a static report, this is a living tool designed to help track progress, identify gaps, and support better housing conversations across the state.

Learn more through the links in the first comment.

Thinking about buying a home?

June is National Homeownership Month, and it’s a great time to learn what options may be available before you take the next step.

NIFA programs can help eligible Nebraska buyers access affordable mortgage options, homebuyer education, and down payment and closing cost assistance.
Read the blog to learn what National Homeownership Month may mean for you if you’re ready to buy.

Link in comments.

June is National Homeownership Month, and we're spending it the way we spend every month: helping Nebraska families find a path to owning their own piece of this state. Since 1983, NIFA has helped more than 104,500 Nebraska households buy homes, with nearly $9 billion in financing and more than $128 million in down payment assistance. No tax dollars. No catch.

If you or someone you know is ready to explore what homeownership looks like, check the first comment.

Thinking about buying a home? A few early steps can help you feel more prepared before you start the process.

You do not have to have everything figured out before you start asking questions. NIFA homeownership resources, Participating Lenders and NIFA Specialists can help eligible buyers better understand what options may be available.

Check out our blog linked in the first comment to see how NIFA can help Nebraskans become homeowners.

The right questions can make the homebuying process easier to understand.

Buying a home can come with a lot of questions, especially if you’re not sure where to start.

Before you begin house hunting, it may help to ask:
• What loan programs may be available to me?
• Could I qualify for down payment or closing cost assistance?
• Are there income or purchase price limits I should know about?
• Do I need to complete homebuyer education?
• What monthly payment range may fit my budget?
• What documents should I start gathering now?

You do not have to know all the answers before you start. A NIFA participating lender and our NIFA Specialists can help you understand your options, review what may fit your situation and walk you through possible next steps. Check the first comment to connect with our NIFA Specialists.

A Participating NIFA Lender can help you review your credit profile, estimate how much home you may be able to afford and identify mortgage and homeownership programs that may fit your situation.

Programs offered through NIFA help many eligible buyers access affordable mortgage options, homebuyer education and down payment and closing cost assistance.

If you are interested in using a NIFA home loan or assistance program, your lender must be a Participating NIFA Lender.

Check the first comment to view the list of NIFA participating Lenders. Start the conversation today.

Don’t miss the final May Build Home Training.

Join NIFA on Wednesday, May 27 at 4 p.m. CDT for a free online training covering how Build Home works, who may qualify and how the program’s 180-day rate lock can help eligible buyers through the construction process.

Build Home is designed for buyers who plan to build a new primary residence rather than purchase an existing home. The program works within NIFA’s existing First Home and Welcome Home income and purchase price limits, and down payment assistance may also be available for eligible borrowers.

This session is a helpful opportunity for lenders and real estate professionals to better understand how Build Home can support Nebraska buyers considering new construction.

Register now for the free online training.

Interest rates can play a big role in the homebuying process.

When rates rise, mortgage rates often go up too, which can make borrowing more expensive. When rates fall, borrowing may become more affordable and buyers may save on interest over time.

Your interest rate can affect your monthly mortgage payment, your total cost over time and how much house you may be able to afford.

If you’re preparing to buy a home, understanding common mortgage terms can help you feel more confident when comparing options and talking with a lender.

Read NIFA’s blog to learn more about key homebuying terms and how market rates may affect you.

Each year at Innovation Expo, NIFA recognizes the people and organizations helping move housing forward across Nebraska.

This year’s award winners reflect the depth of that work, from affordable housing development and rural community advocacy to homelessness system reform and direct service. Their efforts are helping Nebraska communities become places where more people can afford to live, put down roots, and stay.

Read more about the 2026 Innovation Expo award winners and the impact they’re making across the state. Link in the first comment.