A quick guide to your Loan Estimate

Published December 8, 2016

Updated May 6, 2025

Jen Herrmann
by Jen Herrmann

The Loan Estimate is intended to provide a clear and concise summary of the terms and costs associated with any loan. Here’s how to read it with confidence.





The Loan Estimate (LE) provides a clear and concise summary of the terms of your loan to help you understand the features, costs and risks associated with your mortgage as required by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB). Before moving forward with any lender, you should be sure to compare and understand your Loan Estimate.

Your initial LE

This is page 2 of sample LE in the CFPB-approved format. Make sure your lender provides an estimate in this format. Anything that looks different is not an official Loan Estimate.


Page 2 of the LE details your loan costs

Tips for comparing LEs from different lenders

Here are a few things to look out for:

1. Third-party fees appearing on one lender’s LE and not another’s

You should raise this with your Mortgage Expert. While the fee amount can vary, the types of third-party fees associated with a loan are fairly constant. One lender may be missing something.

2. Differences in loan amount for a refinance

A lender may increase your loan amount slightly to create a “no closing cost loan”. Borrowing a little more than the payoff on your current loan is one way to offset fees at the closing table, but this is increasing your debt to pay for your closing costs; it does not make them go away. For an apples-to-apples comparison across lenders, you should get LEs with identical loan amounts.

3. Promises of credits after close that do not appear on the LE

This is a major red flag. The purpose of the LE is to create transparency and accountability. You lose both by transacting outside of the standard disclosure.

4. Increasing costs during a change in circumstance

Some lenders may advertise attractive rates and fees for one product, then switch into something less competitive (bait-and-switch). You should ask about any additional fee and look at the relative competitiveness of the new product by continuing to shop before locking.

A Better way

Better Mortgage is committed to a transparent and efficient mortgage process. Contact us by email (hello@better.com), phone (888-501-3186), or chat with us via Better.com with any questions about your LE. We are happy to walk you through competing offers and answer any questions. No pressure, no sales — just a fast, easy and transparent process.



Related posts

Awaiting the Fed’s next move? Watch 10-year T-notes

Yields on 10-year Treasury notes often show trends in mortgage rates.

Read now

What the end of the foreclosure ban means for homeowners

The foreclosure ban has ended. Find out what it means for millions of homeowners, the choices you face now, and how to safeguard your home today.

Read now

What’s cash-on-cash return in real estate?

What’s cash-on-cash return? Learn why this key metric matters for real estate investors and how to calculate it to evaluate rental property profitability.

Read now

First-time homebuyer tax credit: Does it still apply?

What was the first-time homebuyer tax credit? Understand how it worked, who qualified, new initiatives to reprise it, and current options to get a tax break.

Read now

VA loan inspection requirements: A quick guide

Learn VA loan inspection requirements and optional assessment details. Understand your needs and move through the home buying journey smoothly.

Read now

When is the best time of the year to buy a house?

Each season has its pros and cons: We’ll help you identify your best time of the year to buy a house based on how you prioritize price, choice, and timing.

Read now

What hurts home appraisal for refinance? Things you should consider

Discover what affects a home appraisal for refinance, including how cleanliness and other factors may influence its value. Learn what appraisers look for and how to prepare your home.

Read now

A guide to understanding title fees

Better Settlement Service’s comprehensive guide to the title fees and closing costs associated with buying or refinancing a home.

Read now

How to get rid of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Discover how to get rid of PMI and save on mortgage payments. Explore actionable strategies, cancellation criteria, and decide if removing PMI is worth it.

Read now

Related FAQs

Interested in more?

Sign up to stay up to date with the latest mortgage news, rates, and promos.