Our impact, live

Counted by the people who did it.

A room full of first-time buyers leaves no trace unless the person standing in front of it says so. Every number on this page is reported, which makes all of them a floor. That is what the plus signs mean.

4,750
Quizzes completed

Fifteen questions, five minutes, a score at the end. Counted since January 2023 and still climbing, including 800 taken through research panels. Our own test runs are excluded.

Counted live
214
Ambassadors with an education page

Housing professionals teaching in 165 cities across 44 states. Counted from the ambassador roster.

From the Ambassador roster
165
Cities with an Ambassador

Across 44 states, wherever an Ambassador keeps a live education page.

From the Ambassador roster
16,000+
Students funded

What supporters gave last year, in students educated rather than dollars raised. About $17 puts one student through, estimated from 2025 program actuals.

From program finances

Counted live means our own systems are counting it as you read this. The roster is every Ambassador keeping a live education page. Students funded is what supporters actually gave, divided by what one student costs us, and scholarship seats correctly add nothing to it.

Share your why

We all have our reasons why… what’s yours?

In your own words, what’s your why for FirstHome IQ?

Write yours →
"My 'Why' is rooted in empowerment through education. As a retired educator, I spent my career breaking down complex concepts to help students build a foundation for their future success. Today, as a Certified Mortgage Advisor, my mission remains exactly the same—only my classroom has changed. I don't just close loans; I teach the language of real estate finance. I believe that every homebuyer deserves to fully understand their options, feel confident in their decisions, and use homeownership as a tool to build long-term wealth.
Debra Jo SheardMortgage Broker
After 30 years in lending, my passion comes from connecting with people and helping them understand the process as we go. I love teaching but I really love seeing the light bulb turn on for someone. If they understand what is happening then results and joy are not far behind.
Hans BruhnerLoan Originator
I believe in the goal of home ownership and how it can impact individuals, families and communities, both financially and emotionally. It is my goal to help as many people as possible achieve this goal and to help them manage the years to come.
Jared Hamilton
I believe in the FirstHome IQ mission because I am passionate about empowering people and teaching them about money and real estate to help them make smart decisions that will enrich their lives forever.
An ambassador
As a former Operations Manager turned Loan Officer, teaching has become my passion. The lack of understanding about the homebuying process is frustrating and I want to be on the front lines to get the next generations of homeowners educated.
Jessica Krueth
After nearly four decades in the mortgage world, I've seen the biggest barrier to homeownership isn't credit scores, or interest rates, or down payment options. It's confusion. Most people simply don't know what to expect, how the system works, or how to make confident decisions. FirstHomeIQ is here to help people understand the process long before they ever talk to a lender; to give them the tools to advocate for themselves and to replace confusion with confidence and clarity.
Linda KommVice President
I believe buying a home starts with understanding your options — not with an application. That’s why I created this space: to give you helpful information, tools, and a place to start planning at your own pace. No pressure. Just good information and a plan when you’re ready.
Lizhomeloans
I believe in the FirstHome IQ mission because Home ownership starts with education, not an application.
Julie Leite
I believe in the FirstHome IQ mission because first-time home buyers are the lifeblood of the mortgage business!
Bill Dallas
I signed up because I believe this is what our industry should be doing. There is a massive gap in financial literacy and homebuyer education, and I want to be part of fixing it. I believe we earn trust by teaching first, simplifying what feels overwhelming, and helping people see a realistic path to homeownership, whether they are ready today or years from now.
Michael CreedProducing Branch Manager
I believe in the FirstHome IQ mission because no one taught me about finances until it was too late. Kids need to learn at a younger age.
Joe Soto
I believe in the FirstHome IQ mission because everyone deserves to own their own home.
Jessica Krueth
After years in this industry I have watched confusion cost people real money. When buyers understand the process, they make decisions they are proud of. Education is how I give that back
An ambassador
I believe in the FirstHome IQ because I want to give others the financial education, I wish my family had so they can build a confident path to homeownership.
Julie Leite
I believe in the FirstHome IQ mission because firsthomebuyers matter
Jen Schill
Every day I meet people who think homeownership is out of reach—not because they aren't capable, but because no one has taken the time to educate them. I want to change that by helping people understand their options, build confidence with money, and realize that owning a home can be an achievable goal, not just a dream.
Liz Maldonado
I am passionate about the FirstHome IQ mission because I believe, as a mortgage professional, we can help every person in America understand what it takes to be a homeowner. It's such a big problem that people don't know it and don't realize it. I want to be part of a community that changes that so everyone understands and has a personal journey to homeownership
Dave Savage
I believe in the FirstHome IQ mission because education gives people confidence. I love helping people understand where they are today and create a clear path to homeownership.
Julie Leite
I have always been very overwhelmed with financial information. No matter how much I actually "knew" or learned, I would shut down when it came to making important financial decisions like buying a home. For me, FirstHome IQ is about more than education. It's about making education accessible and actionable.
Kristin Messerli

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@FirstHomeIQ

Out in public.

Real posts from real Ambassadors. Tag @FirstHomeIQ and yours lands here too.

See the whole wall
LinkedIn · Sep 2026Debra Jo Sheard"My 'Why' is rooted in empowerment through education. As a retired educator, I spent my career breaking down complex concepts to help students build a foundation for their future success. Today, as a Certified Mortgage Advisor, my mission remains exactly the same—only my classroom has changed. I don't just close loans; I teach the language of real estate finance. I believe that every homebuyer deserves to fully understand their options, feel confident in their decisions, and use homeownership as a tool to build long-term wealth.Instagram · Sep 2026Hans BruhnerAfter 30 years in lending, my passion comes from connecting with people and helping them understand the process as we go. I love teaching but I really love seeing the light bulb turn on for someone. If they understand what is happening then results and joy are not far behind.Instagram · Sep 2026Jessica KruethAs a former Operations Manager turned Loan Officer, teaching has become my passion. The lack of understanding about the homebuying process is frustrating and I want to be on the front lines to get the next generations of homeowners educated.Instagram · Aug 2026Shane HuffmanAfter years in this industry I have watched confusion cost people real money. When buyers understand the process, they make decisions they are proud of. Education is how I give that backLinkedIn · Jun 2026NFM LendingAnnouncing their First Home IQ partnership: 93% of Millennials and Gen Z were never taught financial literacy in school, and only 20% trust lenders.LinkedIn · Jul 2026Scott M. DavisCongrats to a 73-year-old first-time buyer on his Pearl District condo in Portland: patience, the right questions, and a loan built around his retirement.LinkedIn · Jul 2026Amy Jones Real Estate GroupLaunching a Homeownership Education Portal through their partnership with FirstHome IQ.LinkedIn · Jul 2026DJ RobertsonFor CPAs and financial advisors: the 41% vs 88% “home as a good investment” gap, and how leading with education closes it.

Add your room to the count.

Every figure above moved because somebody stood in front of a room and then took twenty seconds to say so.