Preapproval
A reviewed, documented preapproval — not a calculator estimate. It sets your real budget and strengthens your offer.
Move the Chains
Five plays from question to keys
Buying your first home feels overwhelming because nobody shows you the sequence. Here it is.
- 1st Down
Mortgage Review
We look at income, credit, savings, and goals before anything else happens.
- 2nd Down
Preapproval
Documented preapproval so you can shop and write offers with confidence.
- 3rd Down
Find the Property
Your Realtor takes the field. We stay available for payment scenarios in real time.
- Red Zone
Under Contract
Appraisal, underwriting, conditions, and a clean path to your closing date.
- Touchdown
Closing
Signing, funding, and keys in hand.
The Fundamentals
What actually matters
Credit
Score matters, but so do balances, history, and timing. Small moves at the wrong moment can change your pricing.
Income
How your income is documented matters as much as how much you earn — W-2, bonus, commission, and self-employment are read differently.
Down payment
There are low down payment options. We compare what happens to your payment and mortgage insurance at each level.
Closing costs
Lender fees, third-party fees, title, recording, and prepaids. Seller credits and lender credits can offset some of it.
Reserves
Money left after closing. Some programs require it; all of it protects you after move-in.
Loan programs
Conventional, FHA, VA where offered, and first-time buyer options — matched to your actual file, not a template.
Realtor selection
Interview more than one. You want communication, negotiation, and local knowledge on your side.
Making an offer
Preapproval, proof of funds, timelines, and contingencies all shape how your offer reads to a seller.
Educational content only. Qualification requirements, program availability, and costs vary by borrower, property, lender, and market conditions and may change without notice. Not all borrowers will qualify.
Before you lock, let Curb 31 compete
Ready for 1st down?
Start with a mortgage review. No pressure, no obligation.
No obligation to switch lenders simply by requesting a comparison.