Get a Second Look at Your Loan Estimate
A Loan Estimate is a standard three-page form every lender must give you within three business days of your application. Because every lender uses the same form, you can compare offers line by line. But most people don't know where the real costs hide. Send me yours and I'll walk you through it, free and with no obligation.
How to read a Loan Estimate in 5 minutes
- Page 1, Loan Terms: Check the loan amount, interest rate, and whether the rate is locked and until when.
- Page 1, Projected Payments: Your monthly principal and interest, mortgage insurance, and estimated escrow for taxes and insurance.
- Page 2, Section A (Origination Charges): What the lender charges, including points. This is the most important section for comparing lenders.
- Page 2, Sections B and C (Services): Appraisal, title, and other third-party fees. Section C fees are ones you can shop for.
- Page 2, Section J (Lender Credits): Credits that reduce your closing costs, often in exchange for a higher rate.
- Page 3, Comparisons: The APR and the total cost over the first five years. These are the fairest numbers for side-by-side comparison.
Red flags I look for
- A low rate paired with high points in Section A
- A rate that isn't locked, or a lock that expires before your closing date
- Estimated taxes or insurance that look too low for the property
- Fees in Section B that seem high for the area
- A different loan program than the one you thought you were getting
What you get from my review
- A plain-English explanation of every section
- An honest opinion on whether the rate and fees are competitive
- A side-by-side comparison if you'd like a quote from me
- No pressure. If your current offer is a good one, I'll tell you to keep it.
Send your Loan Estimate
Frequently asked questions
Is a Loan Estimate a commitment to lend?
No. It's an estimate based on the information you've provided. Final terms appear on your Closing Disclosure.
Can I compare Loan Estimates from different lenders?
Yes. That's what the standard form is designed for. Compare Section A, the APR, and the five-year cost on page 3.
Can fees on my Loan Estimate change?
Some can, within limits set by federal rules, and some can change if your loan details change. I'll point out which numbers are firm and which could move.
Will you need to pull my credit to review it?
No. I can review the Loan Estimate itself without pulling credit.
How do I send my Loan Estimate?
Upload it with the form below. If your Social Security number appears on it, black it out first.