Loan Estimate vs. Closing Disclosure: what to compare

Start with the right pair of documents

Match the borrower, property, and lender, then check the issue dates. Use the latest applicable Loan Estimate from that lender. A competing lender’s quote or an estimate for another home is useful for shopping, but it is not the baseline for this closing review.

Compare terms before totals

Check the loan amount, interest rate, loan term, and loan type. Read any adjustable-rate, balloon-payment, or prepayment-penalty terms. A change to the loan structure can matter even when the monthly payment looks similar.

• Compare principal and interest separately from the total payment.
• Check mortgage insurance and escrow amounts.
• Identify taxes, insurance, or assessments paid outside escrow.

Closing costs and cash to close are different

Closing costs describe charges connected with the transaction. Cash to close also reflects items such as the down payment, deposits, credits, and adjustments. If the final cash amount changes, trace the individual lines rather than assuming that every dollar is a new lender fee.

Turn differences into specific questions

Ask which line changed, why it changed, and which document supports it. A difference is a reason to investigate; it does not by itself establish a violation or an error. Ask the lender or settlement agent to explain unresolved amounts before signing.

Keep the final version with your home records

Keep the estimate, the disclosure, and any corrected versions together, with their issue dates. In Lighthouse, document analysis and Home Profile provide a place to review the figures in context. Verify extracted facts against the originals, especially when more than one property or lender appears in your records.