Reading a Loan Estimate line by line
The standardised form exists so you can compare lenders honestly. Most people never use it that way.
Page one is the loan, not the cost
Rate, term, payment and whether any of them can change. Check the prepayment penalty and balloon boxes before anything else.
Section A is negotiable, section B is not
Origination charges are the lender's own fees and can be argued. Services you cannot shop for are third-party costs the lender selected.
Section C is where you can save
These are services you are allowed to shop for, including title. Getting your own quotes here often saves more than negotiating the rate.
Compare the same day
Quotes expire and rates move. A comparison across three days is not a comparison at all.
Tools for this topic
Mortgage Payment Calculator
Full monthly payment including tax, insurance, PMI and HOA — plus the amortisation curve.
Mortgage & PropertyHome Affordability Calculator
How much house your income supports under the 28/36 underwriting rule.
Mortgage & PropertyClosing Cost Calculator
Estimate cash needed at the table, line item by line item.
Mortgage & PropertyRefinance Break-Even Calculator
How many months until a refinance pays back its own closing costs.