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Answers · Loan Estimate guide

The Loan Estimate, line by line

Updated November 2026 · 47 pages · Every dollar figure is an illustrative example

The Loan Estimate is the three-page form every lender must give you within three business days of your application, and every lender uses the same form. Page 1 is the loan, page 2 is the costs in lettered sections A through J, page 3 is the comparison box. Below is the form laid out as printed. Pick a line and you get what it is, who gets the money, an illustrative range, whether you can shop for it, and whether the number can change at closing.

How to read the "can it change?" answers

A lender can reset any of these with a revised Loan Estimate when something real changes: the loan amount, the property's appraised value, your credit, a rate lock, or something you asked for. The Closing Disclosure, the final version of the same numbers, has to reach you at least three business days before you sign. Start with how to compare two Loan Estimates if you have two in hand, or the free Loan Estimate checker if you have one.

Page 1 · the loan

The top box

  • Rate Lock What does the Rate Lock box on a Loan Estimate mean?
  • Date Issued
  • Applicants
  • Property
  • Sale Price
  • Loan Term
  • Purpose
  • Product
  • Loan Type
  • Loan ID #

Loan Terms

  • Prepayment Penalty What is the Prepayment Penalty line on a Loan Estimate?
  • Balloon Payment What is the Balloon Payment line on a Loan Estimate?
  • Loan Amount
  • Interest Rate
  • Monthly Principal & Interest

Projected Payments

  • Principal & Interest
  • Mortgage Insurance
  • Estimated Escrow
  • Estimated Total Monthly Payment
  • Estimated Taxes, Insurance & Assessments

Costs at Closing

  • Estimated Closing Costs

Page 2 · the costs

A. Origination Charges

B. Services You Cannot Shop For

C. Services You Can Shop For

D. TOTAL LOAN COSTS (A + B + C)

E. Taxes and Other Government Fees

F. Prepaids

G. Initial Escrow Payment at Closing

H. Other

I. TOTAL OTHER COSTS (E + F + G + H)

J. TOTAL CLOSING COSTS

Calculating Cash to Close

  • Estimated Cash to Close What is estimated cash to close on a Loan Estimate?
  • Total Closing Costs (J)
  • Closing Costs Financed
  • Down Payment / Funds from Borrower
  • Deposit
  • Funds for Borrower
  • Seller Credits
  • Adjustments and Other Credits

Page 3 · the comparisons

Comparisons

Other Considerations

  • Other Considerations What is the Other Considerations box on a Loan Estimate?
  • Appraisal
  • Assumption
  • Homeowner's Insurance
  • Late Payment
  • Refinance
  • Servicing

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Related answers

Every dollar figure in this guide is illustrative. Fee ranges are general observations, not a survey or a quote, and are not a loan offer, approval, commitment to lend, or Loan Estimate. Your actual rates and fees depend on qualification with lenders, your state and county, and your closing date. The tolerance rules described are the federal TRID rules in general terms. comparemyloan does not negotiate with lenders, lock rates, or take loan applications.