financing
Loan Estimate
A standardized form lenders must provide within three business days of a consumer loan application, disclosing estimated costs and terms under TRID.
In depth
The Loan Estimate, replacing the old Good Faith Estimate, is the first major TRID disclosure. It estimates loan costs, interest rate, projected payments, and other key terms. Misconception: the Loan Estimate is not the final word; the Closing Disclosure later provides actual final figures. Practically, in seller-financed consumer mortgage deals, a Loan Estimate may be required if a licensed RMLO is involved. Most pure FSBO seller-finance deals do not generate a Loan Estimate because TRID does not apply. Buyers should compare the Loan Estimate to the Closing Disclosure to catch unexpected charges. RESPA penalty rules limit how much certain charges can change between the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.
Related terms
Educational content only. Definitions reflect typical usage in US owner-finance and FSBO transactions; statutes and case law vary by state. Consult a licensed real-estate attorney for fact-specific guidance.
