Understanding loan estimates and closing disclosures
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Lenders are generally prohibited from charging you a fee to receive a Loan Estimate. The only exception is a reasonable credit report fee, which can be charged before providing the estimate. You should be wary of any lender that demands an upfront payment for other services to issue a Loan Estimate.
A Loan Estimate is a standardized three-page form you receive within three business days of submitting your formal loan application. It provides key details about your proposed loan, including the estimated interest rate, monthly payment, closing costs, and any special features or risks, allowing you to compare offers from different lenders.
A Loan Estimate is a standardized, three-page form that you receive after applying for a mortgage. It provides key details about the loan you’ve applied for, including the estimated interest rate, monthly payment, total closing costs, and other critical loan features. Its purpose is to help you understand the offer and compare it to loans from other lenders.
The Closing Disclosure and Final Walkthrough are two critical, final steps in the homebuying process. The CD ensures the financial and loan details are correct on paper, while the walkthrough ensures the physical property meets your expectations. A problem discovered during the walkthrough could directly impact the financials on the CD if it results in a request for a repair credit from the seller.
If you find a mistake or something you don’t understand, contact your lender and your real estate agent immediately. Some errors may be simple typos, while others, like a change in the loan product or APR beyond a certain threshold, could require the lender to issue a revised CD and potentially delay your closing to provide a new three-day review period.
Get weekly rate updates and mortgage tips
Are you interested in learning more about mortgage brokers in your area? Tell us a bit about yourself and we'll point you in the right direction — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.