Gift funds and down payment sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
The numbers on the Loan Estimate are estimates. Some costs can change, while others cannot. For example, the interest rate is only locked if you have specifically received and paid for a rate lock. Certain fees, like the lender’s origination charge, are also subject to a “zero tolerance” rule, meaning they cannot increase at closing unless your application changes.
No. The APR is an annualized rate that reflects the cost of the loan each year. The total interest paid is the sum of all interest payments over the entire life of the loan, which will be a much larger dollar figure.
Mortgage points, also known as discount points, are an upfront fee you pay to your lender at closing in exchange for a lower interest rate on your home loan. One point typically costs 1% of your total loan amount.
Most lenders do not charge an upfront fee for a standard rate lock period (e.g., 30-60 days). However, if you need to extend the lock period because your closing is delayed, you will likely incur an extension fee. Longer lock periods (e.g., 90+ days) may also come with a higher initial cost or a slightly higher interest rate.
The form is broken down into clear sections:
Loan Terms: Details like loan amount, interest rate, and monthly principal/interest.
Projected Payments: An estimate of your total monthly payment, including mortgage insurance and estimated escrow for taxes and insurance.
Closing Costs: A detailed table of all the costs you will pay at closing, separating lender fees from third-party fees.
Comparisons: Key metrics to help you compare loans, like the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and Total Interest Percentage (TIP).
Other Considerations: Information on assumptions, late payments, and servicing of the loan.
Loan Terms: Details like loan amount, interest rate, and monthly principal/interest.
Projected Payments: An estimate of your total monthly payment, including mortgage insurance and estimated escrow for taxes and insurance.
Closing Costs: A detailed table of all the costs you will pay at closing, separating lender fees from third-party fees.
Comparisons: Key metrics to help you compare loans, like the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and Total Interest Percentage (TIP).
Other Considerations: Information on assumptions, late payments, and servicing of the loan.
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