Signature guide
The 7 decisions that shape your mortgage.
A short pre-application guide for organizing the decisions that matter before you compare rates or apply anywhere.
6 min read
Most borrowers think the mortgage decision starts with a rate. It usually starts earlier, with the structure: what payment is comfortable, how much cash is available, how income is documented, and what should be clarified before a file moves.
Use this guide before your first conversation with Juan Diego Currea. It does not recommend a loan, estimate approval, or replace a licensed review. It helps you bring better questions to the call.
1. The payment you can live with
A purchase price or loan amount is only useful after you understand the monthly payment that still leaves room for the rest of your life.
- What monthly payment would feel comfortable, not just technically possible?
- What debts, HOA dues, insurance, taxes, or family obligations need to be part of that number?
- What payment would make the house feel stressful even if a lender says you qualify?
2. Cash to close and reserves
Down payment is only one part of the cash conversation. Closing costs, prepaid items, reserves, repairs, moving costs, and large deposits can all affect the review.
- How much cash is available now, and where is it held?
- Are any gift funds, transfers, or large deposits part of the plan?
- How much should remain after closing so the move does not create pressure?
3. The income story
The same income can look simple or complicated depending on how it is earned and documented. W-2, self-employed, 1099, bonus, commission, rental, and mixed income each raise different questions.
- How do you earn income, and what documents show it clearly?
- Has anything changed recently: job, business, hours, commission, or ownership?
- What would Juan Diego need to understand before the file becomes urgent?
4. Credit context
A score is not the whole credit picture. Recent accounts, balances, late payments, disputes, and timing can matter as much as the number.
- What credit range do you believe you are in?
- Are there recent accounts, disputes, collections, or balances that need context?
- What should you avoid changing before the next conversation?
5. Property and location
In Southern California, county, property type, HOA dues, insurance, taxes, and occupancy can change which questions need answers first.
- Which city, county, and property type are you considering?
- Is there an HOA, condo project, ADU, multifamily, or insurance concern?
- Does the timeline require a fast answer before the structure is clear?
6. The Loan Estimate, if you already have one
If another lender has already provided a Loan Estimate, do not review only the rate. The structure includes payment, cash to close, points, credits, escrow, mortgage insurance, and assumptions.
- What is the monthly payment, and what is included in it?
- How much cash is needed to close?
- Are points, credits, mortgage insurance, or escrow changing the picture?
7. Timing and what not to change
The wrong move at the wrong time can create avoidable friction: new debt, moved funds, unexplained deposits, job changes, or documents gathered too late.
- When do you actually need a decision?
- What should wait until Juan Diego reviews the context?
- What information would make the next call more precise?
Want to apply this to your situation?
Bring the questions. Juan Diego Currea can help you understand what matters before you apply anywhere.