Guides
Plain-language guides to your mortgage paperwork
Your lender sends two key forms: a Loan Estimate after you apply and a Closing Disclosure before you close. These guides explain what's on them, which costs are allowed to change, and where you have room to push back. Each one cites the federal rules and consumer guides it draws on.
Last reviewed
All guides
When you apply7 min read
How to read your Loan Estimate, page by page
What each part of the three-page form means, which closing costs you can shop for, red flags to look for, and how to compare two offers.
While you shop5 min read
Mortgage junk fees and how to push back
Which lender fees are negotiable, common padded charges to question, what you can't change, and wording you can adapt when you ask a lender to cut fees.
Before closing5 min read
TRID tolerance: which closing costs can go up
Zero tolerance, the 10% group and no-limit fees in plain language, with worked examples, valid reasons for changes, and the 60-day refund rule.
Before closing6 min read
Closing Disclosure explained: what to check before you sign
The three-business-day rule, what should match your Loan Estimate, the page 3 "Did this change?" table, and a checklist for closing day.
These guides are general education, not legal or financial advice. Your lender or a real estate attorney can speak to your specific loan.
Put it to work
Check your own numbers
Report
Estimate Compare
Upload 2 to 4 Loan Estimates. See which offer costs less, which fees look unusual, and what to raise with each lender.
Report
Closing Disclosure Audit
Your Closing Disclosure checked line by line against your Loan Estimate and the federal tolerance limits, before you sign.
Report
Refi Check
Should you refinance? Your expected rate, monthly savings and break-even month, worked out from your mortgage statement.
Report
Buyer Check
A home price you can live with: comfortable target, full monthly cost, expected rate range and a pre-approval checklist.
Free calculator
Mortgage payment calculator
Your full monthly payment: principal, interest, taxes, insurance and PMI. Free, no sign-up.
Free calculator
Refinance calculator
Try your own numbers: new payment, monthly savings and how long until you break even. Free, no sign-up.