BISMARCK, ND – North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) recently awarded Champion of Affordable Housing awards to fifteen outstanding loan officers, real estate agents, and lending institutions that consistently promote NDHFA’s homeownership programs. The state agency provides individuals and families, primarily first-time buyers, with low-cost financing, down payment and closing cost assistance.
“NDHFA’s Champion Awards recognize and celebrate the work of the individuals and businesses who go above and beyond to provide North Dakotans with an affordable home,” said Brandon Dettlaff, the agency’s executive director.
The Excellence in Homeownership Partner Award and Outstanding Homeownership Partner Recognition honor lending institutions for their strong performance in production volume, loan performance, and program delivery. This year’s recognized partners include Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, Gate City Bank, First International Bank and Trust, Town & Country Credit Union, and First Community Credit Union.
The Keys to Homeownership Impact Award and Recognition for loan officers highlight individuals who demonstrate excellence in production volume, loan quality, and best practices. Honorees include Aaron Stoneberg of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, Lisa Thuner of Town & Country Credit Union, Greg Dean of First Class Mortgage, Brianna Tabor of First Community Credit Union, and Katie Stockert of Guild Mortgage.
The Keys to Homeownership Impact Award and Recognition for real estate agents recognizes top performers based on loan production. This year’s honorees include Olivia Wellenstein of Continental Real Estate in Dickinson; Samantha Vigness of The Bakken Home Team — Realty One Group Caliber in Williston; Tammy Glasser of RE/MAX Integrity Realty in Dickinson; Amy Rogers of Brokers 12 in Minot; and Heather Stromme of Century 21 Morrison Realty in Bismarck.
“In 2025, NDHFA helped 1,898 households purchase a home — first-time buyers, as well as families who previously owned a home and needed assistance to buy again,” said Dettlaff. “All of these North Dakotans learned about our programs from the individuals and businesses employed in the private sector who collaborate with NDHFA to promote and originate our affordable home loans.”
Parties interested in NDHFA’s homeownership programs will find information online at ndhousing.nd.gov.
NDHFA is a self-supporting and mission-driven state agency dedicated to making housing affordable for all North Dakotans. The North Dakota Industrial Commission, consisting of Governor Kelly Armstrong as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Drew H. Wrigley, oversees the agency.