Your Loan Estimate: they owe you one within 3 days
Once you submit a complete application, federal rules (the TRID rule, enforced by the CFPB) require the lender to give you a Loan Estimate within three business days. It's not a favor — it's the law, and it's free.
The Loan Estimate is a standardized three-page form, identical in format from every lender, so you can lay two side by side and compare them line for line. Here's what to check:
- Page 1 — your interest rate, monthly principal & interest, and whether the rate or payment can increase.
- Box A (page 2) — origination charges and discount points. This is where lenders pad their margin.
- Cash to Close — the total you'll need at the table.
- Page 3 — the APR and the "In 5 Years" comparison, designed for shopping multiple lenders.
You never have to accept a Loan Estimate, and you can request as many as you like. Treat it as a quote you're entitled to — because you are.
Move your credit score and down payment and watch your rate update.




