10
Step 10

Closing Disclosure

Your final loan terms delivered at least 3 days before closing

The Closing Disclosure (CD) is a 5-page document that details your final loan terms, monthly payment, and closing costs. Federal law requires you receive it at least 3 business days before closing, giving you time to review everything carefully.

The 3-Day Rule

You must receive your Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing. This waiting period restarts if:

  • Your APR increases by more than 0.125%
  • A prepayment penalty is added
  • Your loan product changes (e.g., fixed to adjustable)

Key Numbers to Review

Loan Amount
The total amount you're borrowing
Interest Rate
Your locked rate and whether it's fixed or adjustable
Monthly Payment
Principal, interest, taxes, insurance (PITI)
Cash to Close
Exact amount you need to bring to closing
Closing Costs
Itemized fees from lender, title, and third parties
Prepaid Items
Taxes, insurance, and interest paid in advance

Compare to Your Loan Estimate

Pull out the Loan Estimate (LE) you received when you applied. Compare these items:

Loan origination fees
Interest rate and APR
Monthly payment amount
Cash to close total
Third-party fees (appraisal, title, etc.)
Prepaid items and escrow amounts

Tolerance Limits

Some fees can't change at all (lender fees), some can increase up to 10% (third-party fees the lender selected), and some have no limit (fees you shopped for yourself). If charges exceed these limits, the lender must refund the difference at closing.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • !Interest rate different from your rate lock
  • !Unexpected fees not disclosed earlier
  • !Cash to close significantly higher than estimated
  • !Loan terms different from what you agreed to
  • !Missing credits or seller concessions
  • !Wrong property address or borrower information

Don't Ignore Discrepancies

If something doesn't look right, speak up immediately. Contact your lender and attorney before closing. Once you sign, it's much harder to correct errors. You have the right to delay closing if issues aren't resolved.

Wire Transfer Instructions

Your Closing Disclosure will include your cash to close amount. You'll receive separate wire instructions from your attorney. Always verify wire instructions by phone using a known number—never trust email alone. Wire fraud is a serious risk.