Crib Equity + FirstHome IQ Partnership

FirstHome IQ Partners with Crib Equity to Expand Homeownership Opportunities for First-Time Buyers

Partnership combines financial education with innovative co-investment model to make homeownership more accessible

Los Angeles, California — April 21, 2025 — FirstHome IQ, the leading provider of financial literacy resources for aspiring homeowners, today announced a strategic partnership with Crib Equity, an innovative co-investment platform that improves affordability by increasing the down payment and lowering debt. This collaboration aims to address two critical barriers to homeownership: financial knowledge gaps and down payment challenges.

The partnership comes at a crucial time, as FirstHome IQ data reveals the average American scores just 57% on basic financial literacy assessments, highlighting a significant need for education around homebuying fundamentals. 

"By combining FirstHome IQ's educational platform with Crib Equity's accessible funding solutions, we're creating a complete pathway to successful homeownership," said Kristin Messerli, Executive Director at FirstHome IQ. "This partnership empowers the next generation of homebuyers with both the knowledge and financial tools they need to enter the market with confidence."

Crib Equity's innovative model contributes to homebuyers' down payments as an investment rather than a loan, eliminating additional debt burden for first-time buyers. Their contribution allows buyers to:

• Achieve homeownership up to 2X faster, potentially resulting in 250% greater home equity through earlier market entry

• Reduce monthly mortgage payments by up to 25% 

• Increase purchasing power while maintaining affordable monthly payments

• Maintain financial flexibility by keeping savings or investment intact

"Our mission at Crib Equity perfectly aligns with FirstHome IQ's commitment to financial education," said Skye Laudari, Co-founder at Crib Equity. "Together, we're not just helping people reach the milestone of homeownership sooner—we're ensuring they do so with financial confidence and stability for the long term."

To learn more visit: www.cribequity.com/firsthomeiq 

About FirstHome IQ

FirstHome IQ is dedicated to improving financial literacy through its assessment that helps individuals understand their readiness for homeownership. Through its network of Ambassadors, FirstHome IQ delivers critical financial education to students and communities nationwide, empowering informed financial decision-making. For more information, visit www.firsthomeiq.com.

About Crib Equity

Crib Equity makes homeownership more affordable, flexible, and sustainable by helping buyers overcome their biggest hurdle, the down payment. By co-investing alongside buyers, Crib Equity reduces mortgage costs, eliminates the need for mortgage insurance, and increases purchasing power without adding debt. The result is greater access to homeownership and the financial flexibility to balance upfront costs, monthly payments, and long-term financial goals. For more information, visit www.cribequity.com.

Contact Information

Kristin Messerli
Executive Director
kristin@firsthomeiq.com
(918) 557-3716

Skye Laudari
Co-Founder, CEO
press@cribequity.com
(480) 485-2742