Key facts
- Form name
- Loan Estimate (TRID) — standardized consumer disclosure
- Compare
- Interest rate, APR, loan amount, term, cash to close, projected payments
- Cash to close
- Down payment + closing costs − credits (details on LE)
- Website role
- Cross-check math — LE wins if numbers differ
- Refi angle
- Break-even months = costs ÷ monthly savings
- FHA line items
- Watch UFMIP financing and monthly MIP
- Shopping tip
- Same purchase price assumptions across lenders
- Authority
- CFPB consumer explainers on Loan Estimates
Pull these fields first
From each Loan Estimate, capture loan amount, interest rate, term, estimated cash to close, and projected monthly P&I (and escrow if shown).
Enter P&I assumptions into mortgage payment and cash needs into closing cost / down payment.
Compare two offers apples-to-apples
Use loan comparison for installment-style total cost views. For mortgages, also compare APR and cash to close on the LE itself — websites cannot see lender credits or tolerances.
If refinancing, estimate months to recoup costs with refinance break-even.
FHA and low-down special cases
Related calculators
Human-labeled links into the CalculatorUSA calculator set—mortgage, pay, debt, loans, and more.
All calculators · Mortgage & home · Tax & pay · Debt payoff · Home
Sources & further reading
Also see methodology, accuracy & sources, and editorial policy.
FAQ
What if the website payment differs from my Loan Estimate? ▾
Trust the Loan Estimate for that offer. Websites may use different rounding, escrow assumptions, or outdated MIP/PMI defaults.
Is APR the same as interest rate? ▾
No. APR includes certain finance charges and is meant for comparison, but you should still read fees and cash to close carefully.
Can I negotiate closing costs? ▾
Sometimes lender fees and credits are negotiable; third-party fees less so. Ask the loan officer and compare multiple LEs.
Does this checklist replace a real estate attorney or housing counselor? ▾
No. It is consumer education to help you ask better questions.
Where do I learn the official form layout? ▾
CFPB publishes consumer-facing Loan Estimate explainers.
Should I pick the lowest monthly payment? ▾
Not automatically. Longer terms and negative points can lower payment while raising total cost or cash needed.