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Understanding Your Loan Estimate

This educational sample shows how to read the major sections of a Loan Estimate. It is not a quote, approval, disclosure or offer of credit. Your lender-issued Loan Estimate will contain your actual transaction terms and estimates.

LOAN ESTIMATE — EDUCATIONAL SAMPLE

Sample only

Loan Terms

Loan Amount$289,500
Interest RateSample 6.250%
Principal & InterestIllustrative

These items describe the basic loan terms. Always use the lender-issued LE for actual terms.

Projected Payments

Principal & InterestLoan calculation
Mortgage InsuranceIf applicable
Estimated EscrowTaxes/insurance

Mortgage insurance can apply to FHA and some Conventional loans. VA financing does not use monthly mortgage insurance, though other program charges may apply.

Closing Cost Details

Loan CostsLender + services
Other CostsTaxes/prepaids/etc.
Total Closing CostsSee actual LE

Loan costs and other costs are itemized so you can see where the estimate comes from.

Cash to Close

Down PaymentProgram/terms
Closing CostsEstimated
Credits / DepositsIf applicable
Estimated Cash to CloseCalculated total

This section combines the transaction pieces. Credits, deposits and financed items can change the amount.

Closing Costs vs. Prepaids

Closing costs can include lender charges, appraisal, title/settlement services, recording charges and other transaction costs. Prepaids and initial escrow funding can include homeowners insurance, property taxes, prepaid interest and amounts placed into an escrow account. These are different categories even though both can affect cash needed at closing.

Review the lender-issued Loan Estimate carefully and ask questions about any charge or assumption you do not understand.

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