Your home loan toolkit
A step-by-step guide
Consumer Financial
Protection Bureau
1
Page 1
How can this toolkit help you?
Buying a home is exciting and, let’s face it, complicated. This booklet is a toolkit
that can help you make better choices along your path to owning a home.
After you finish this toolkit:
§ You’ll know the most important steps you need to take to
get the best mortgage for your situation
§ You’ll better understand your closing costs and what
it takes to buy a home
§ You’ll see a few ways to be a successful homeowner
Section 1: Page 3
Section 2: Page 16
Section 3: Page 24
How to use the toolkit:

The location symbol orients you to where you are in the home buying process.
 The pencil tells you it is time to get out your pencil or pen to circle, check, or
fill in numbers.
 The magnifying glass highlights tips to help you research further to find
important information.
 The speech bubble shows you conversation starters for talking to others and
gathering more facts.
About the CFPB
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a federal agency that helps
consumer finance markets work by making rules more effective, by consistently
and fairly enforcing those rules, and by empowering consumers to take more
control over their economic lives.
Have a question about a common consumer financial product or problem?
You can find answers by visiting consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb. Have an issue
with a mortgage, student loan, or other financial product or service? You can
submit a complaint to the CFPB. We’ll forward your complaint to the company
and work to get you a response. Turn to the back cover for details on how to
submit a complaint or call us at (855) 411-2372.
2 YOUR HOME LOAN TOOLKIT
Page 2
This booklet was created to comply with federal law pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 2604,
12 CFR 1024.6, and 12 CFR 1026.19(g).
SECTION 1: CHOOSING THE BEST MORTGAGE FOR YOU 3
Page 3
Choosing the best
mortgage for you
You’re starting to look for a mortgage or
want to confirm you made a good decision.
To make the most of your mortgage, you need to
decide what works for you and then shop around to
find it. In this section, you’ll find eight steps to get
the job done right.
IN THIS SECTION
1. Define what affordable
means to you
2. Understand your credit
3. Pick the mortgage type
that works for you
4. Choose the right down
payment for you
5. Understand the trade-
off between points and
interest rate
6. Shop with several lenders
7. Choose your mortgage
8. Avoid pitfalls and handle
problems
1. Define what affordable means to you
Only you can decide how much you are comfortable paying
for your housing each month. In most cases, your lender can
consider only if you are able to repay your mortgage, not whether
you will be comfortable repaying your loan. Based on your whole
financial picture, think about whether you want to take on the
mortgage payment plus the other costs of homeownership such
as appliances, repairs, and maintenance.
THE TALK
Ask your spouse, a loved one, or friend about what affordable means to you:
“ What’s more important—a bigger home with a larger mortgage or more
financial flexibility?”
“ How much do we want to budget for all the monthly housing costs,
including repairs, furniture, and new appliances?”
“What will a mortgage payment mean for other financial goals?”
4 YOUR HOME LOAN TOOLKIT
Page 4
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
Calculate the home payment you can take on by filling in the worksheets below:
Think about what an affordable home loan looks like for you. These worksheets can help. First,
estimate your total monthly home payment. Second, look at the percentage of your income that will
go toward your monthly home payment. Third, look at how much money you will have available to
spend on the rest of your monthly expenses.
Step 1. Estimate your total monthly home payment by adding up the items below
Your total monthly home payment is more than just your mortgage. There are more expenses that go
along with owning your home. Start with estimates and adjust as you go.
EMPTY CELL
MONTHLY ESTIMATE
Principal and interest (P&I)
Your principal and interest payment depends on your home loan
amount, the interest rate, and the number of years it takes to repay the
loan. Principal is the amount you pay each month to reduce the loan
balance. Interest is the amount you pay each month to borrow money.
Many principal and interest calculators are available online.
$
Mortgage insurance
Mortgage insurance is often required for loans with less than a 20%
down payment.
+ $
Property taxes
The local assessor or auditor’s office can help you estimate property
taxes for your area. If you know the yearly amount, divide by 12 and
write in the monthly amount.
+ $
Homeowner’s insurance
You can call one or more insurance agents to get an estimate for homes
in your area. Ask if flood insurance is required.
+ $
Homeowner’s association or condominium fees, if they apply
Condominiums and other planned communities often require
homeowner’s association (HOA) fees.
+ $
My estimated total monthly home payment
= $
SECTION 1: CHOOSING THE BEST MORTGAGE FOR YOU 5
$
Page 5
Step 2. Estimate the percentage of your income spent on your monthly home payment
Calculate the percentage of your total monthly income that goes toward your total monthly home
payment each month. A mortgage lending rule of thumb is that your total monthly home payment
should be at or below 28% of your total monthly income before taxes. Lenders may approve you for
more or for less depending on your overall financial picture.
My estimated total monthly
home payment (from step 1)

My total monthly income
before taxes

Percentage of my income
going toward my monthly
home payment
Step 3. Estimate what is left after subtracting your monthly debts
To determine whether you are comfortable with your total monthly home payment, figure out how
much of your income is left after you pay for your housing plus your other monthly debts.
Total monthly income after taxes
$
My estimated total monthly home payment (from step 1)
— $
Monthly car payment(s)
— $
Monthly student loan payment(s)
— $
Monthly credit card payment(s)
— $
Other monthly payments, such as child support or alimony
— $
Total monthly income minus all debt payments
This money must cover your utilities, groceries, child care, health
insurance, repairs, and everything else. If this isn’t enough, consider
options such as buying a less expensive home or paying down debts.
= $
Step 4. Your choice
I am comfortable with a total monthly home payment of:

100
6 YOUR HOME LOAN TOOLKIT
RESEARCH STARTER
Page 6
2. Understand your credit
Your credit, your credit scores, and how wisely you shop for a loan that best fits
your needs have a significant impact on your mortgage interest rate and the fees
you pay. To improve your credit and your chances of getting a better mortgage,
get current on your payments and stay current. About 35% of your credit scores
are based on whether or not you pay your bills on time. About 30% of your credit
scores are based on how much debt you owe. That's why you may want to consider
paying down some of your debts.
TIP
Be careful
making any
big purchases
on credit
before you
close on your
home. Even
financing a new
refrigerator
could make
it harder for
you to get a
mortgage.
Check out interest rates and make sure you’re getting the credit you’ve earned.
¨ Get your credit report at annualcreditreport.com and check it for errors.
If you find mistakes, submit a request to each of the credit bureaus asking them
to fix the mistake. For more information about correcting errors on your credit
report, visit consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb.
¨ For more on home loans and credit, visit consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home.
TIP
Correcting
errors on your
credit report
may raise your
score in 30
days or less.
It’s a good
idea to correct
errors before
you apply for a
mortgage.
NOW
IN THE FUTURE
§
If your credit score is below 700, you will
likely pay more for your mortgage.
§ Most credit scoring models are built
so you can shop for a mortgage within
a certain period—generally between
14 days and 45 days—with little or
no impact on your score. If you shop
outside of this period, any change
triggered by shopping should be
minor—a small price to pay for saving
money on a mortgage loan.
§
If you work on improving your credit
and wait to buy a home, you will likely
save money. Some people who improve
their credit save $50 or $100 on a typical
monthly mortgage payment.
§ An average consumer who adopts
healthy credit habits, such as paying
bills on time and paying down credit
cards, could see a credit score
improvement in three months or more.
YOUR CHOICE
Check one:
¨ I will go with the credit I have.
OR
¨
I will wait a few months or more
and work to improve my credit.
SECTION 1: CHOOSING THE BEST MORTGAGE FOR YOU 7
Page 7
3. Pick the mortgage type—fixed or adjustable—that
works for you
With a fixed-rate mortgage, your principal and interest payment stays the same for
as long as you have your loan.
§ Consider a fixed-rate mortgage if you want a predictable payment.
§ You may be able to refinance later if interest rates fall or your credit or financial
situation improves.
With an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), your payment often starts out lower
than with a fixed-rate loan, but your rate and payment could increase quickly. It is
important to understand the trade-offs if you decide on an ARM.
§ Your payment could increase a lot, often by hundreds of dollars a month.
§ Make sure you are confident you know what your maximum payment could be
and that you can afford it.
Planning to sell your home within a short period of time? That’s one reason some
people consider an ARM. But, you probably shouldn’t count on being able to sell
or refinance. Your financial situation could change. Home values may go down or
interest rates may go up.
You can learn more about ARMs in the Consumer Handbook on Adjustable Rate
Mortgages (files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201401_cfpb_booklet_charm.pdf) or by
visiting consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home.
TIP
Many
borrowers
with ARMs
underestimate
how much
their interest
rates can rise.
YOUR CHOICE
Check one:
¨
I prefer a fixed-rate mortgage.
OR ¨
I prefer an adjustable-rate mortgage.
Check for risky loan features
Some loans are safer and more predictable than others. It is a good idea to make
sure you are comfortable with the risks you are taking on when you buy your home.
You can find out if you have certain types of risky loan features from the Loan
Terms section on the first page of your Loan Estimate.
A balloon payment is a large payment you must make, usually at the end of your
loan repayment period. Depending on the terms of your loan, the balloon payment
could be as large as the entire balance on your mortgage.
A prepayment penalty is an amount you have to pay if you refinance or pay off your
loan early. A prepayment penalty may apply even if you sell your home.
8 YOUR HOME LOAN TOOLKIT
Page 8
4. Choose the right down payment for you
A down payment is the amount you pay toward the home yourself. You put a percentage
of the home’s value down and borrow the rest through your mortgage loan.
YOUR CHOICE
Check one:
YOUR DOWN PAYMENT
WHAT THAT MEANS FOR YOU
¨
I will put down 20%
or more.
A 20% or higher down payment likely provides the best rates and most
options. However, think twice if the down payment drains all your savings.
¨
I will put down
between 5%
and 19%.
You probably have to pay higher interest rates or fees. Lenders most
likely require private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI is an insurance
policy that lets you make a lower down payment by insuring the lender
against loss if you fail to pay your mortgage.
Keep in mind when you hear about “no PMI” offers that doesn’t mean zero
cost. No PMI offers often have higher interest rates and may also require
you to take out a second mortgage. Be sure you understand the details.
¨
I will make no down
payment or a small
one of less than 5%.
Low down payment programs are typically more expensive because
they may require mortgage insurance or a higher interest rate. Look
closely at your total fees, interest rate, and monthly payment when
comparing options.
Ask about loan programs such as:
§ Conventional loans that may offer low down payment options.
§ FHA, which offers a 3.5% down payment program.
§ VA, which offers a zero down payment option for qualifying veterans.
§ USDA, which offers a similar zero down payment program for eligible
borrowers in rural areas.
The advantages of prepayment
Prepayment is when you make additional mortgage payments so you pay down
your mortgage early. This reduces your overall cost of borrowing, and you may
be able to cancel your private mortgage insurance early and stop paying the
premium. Especially if your down payment is less than 20%, it may make sense to
make additional payments to pay down your loan earlier.
TIP
Prepayment
is your choice.
You don’t have
to sign up for a
program or pay
a fee to set it up.
SECTION 1: CHOOSING THE BEST MORTGAGE FOR YOU 9
Page 9
5. Understand the trade-off between points
and interest rate
Points are a percentage of a loan amount. For example, when a loan officer talks about
one point on a $100,000 loan, the loan officer is talking about one percent of the loan,
which equals $1,000. Lenders offer different interest rates on loans with different
points. There are three main choices you can make about points. You can decide you
don’t want to pay or receive points at all. This is called a zero point loan. You can pay
points at closing to receive a lower interest rate. Or you can choose to have points paid
to you (also called lender credits) and use them to cover some of your closing costs.
The example below shows the trade-off between points as part of your closing
costs and interest rates. In the example, you borrow $180,000 and qualify for a
30-year fixed-rate loan at an interest rate of 5.0% with zero points. Rates currently
available may be different than what is shown in this example.
COMPARE THREE SCENARIOS OF HOW POINTS AFFECT INTEREST RATE
RATE
4.875%
5.0%
5.125%
POINTS
+0.375
0
-0.375
YOUR
SITUATION
You plan to keep your
mortgage for a long time.
You can afford to pay
more cash at closing.
You are satisfied
with the market rate
without points in
either direction.
You don’t want to pay a
lot of cash upfront and
you can afford a larger
mortgage payment.
YOU MAY
CHOOSE
Pay points now and get
a lower interest rate. This
will save you money over
the long run.
Zero points.
Pay a higher interest rate
and get a lender credit
toward some or all of your
closing costs.
WHAT
THAT
MEANS
You might agree to pay
$675 more in closing
costs, in exchange for a
lower rate of 4.875%.
Now: You pay $675
Over the life of the loan:
Pay $14 less each month
With no
adjustments in
either direction,
it is easier to
understand what
you’re paying and
to compare prices.
You might agree to a
higher rate of 5.125%, in
exchange for $675 toward
your closing costs.
Now: You get $675
Over the life of the loan:
Pay $14 more each month
10 YOUR HOME LOAN TOOLKIT
Page 10
6. Shop with several lenders
You’ve figured out what affordable means for you. You’ve reviewed your credit
and the kind of mortgage and down payment that best fits your situation. Now is
the time to start shopping seriously for a loan. The work you do here could save
you thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.
TIP
A loan officer is
not necessarily
shopping on
your behalf or
providing you
with the best fit
or lowest cost
loan.
TIP
It is illegal
for a lender
to pay a loan
officer more to
steer you into
a higher cost
loan.
GATHER FACTS AND COMPARE COSTS
¨ Make a list of several lenders you will start with

Mortgages are typically offered by community banks, credit unions, mortgage
brokers, online lenders, and large banks. These lenders have loan officers you
can talk to about your situation.
¨ Get the facts from the lenders on your list

Find out from the lenders what loan options they recommend for you, and the
costs and benefits for each. For example, you might find a discount is offered
for borrowers who have completed a home buyer education program.
¨ Get at least three offers—in writing—so that you can compare them

Review the decisions you made on pages 4 to 8 to determine the loan type, down
payment, total monthly home payment and other features to shop for. Now ask at
least three different lenders to give you a Loan Estimate, which is a standard form
showing important facts about the loan. It should be sent to you within three days,
and it shouldn’t be expensive. Lenders can charge you only a small fee for getting
your credit report—and some lenders provide the Loan Estimate without that fee.
¨ Compare Total Loan Costs

Review your Loan Estimates and compare Total Loan Costs, which you can see
under Section D at the bottom left of the second page of the Loan Estimate. Total
Loan Costs include what your lender charges to make the loan, as well as costs for
services such as appraisal and title. The third page of the Loan Estimate shows the
Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which is a measure of your costs over the loan term
expressed as a rate. Also shown on the third page is the Total Interest Percentage
(TIP), which is the total amount of interest that you pay over the loan term as a
percentage of your loan amount. You can use APR and TIP to compare loan offers.
RESEARCH STARTER
Loan costs can vary widely from lender to lender, so this is one place where a little
research may help you save a lot of money. Here’s how:
¨ Ask real estate and title professionals about average costs in your area.
¨ Learn more about loan costs, and get help comparing options, at
consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home.
SECTION 1: CHOOSING THE BEST MORTGAGE FOR YOU 11
Page 11
THE TALK
Talking to different lenders helps you to know what options are available
and to feel more in control. Here is one way to start the conversation:
“ This mortgage is a big decision and I want to get it right. Another lender
is offering me a different loan that may cost less. Let’s talk about what the
differences are and whether you may be able to offer me the best deal.”
TRACK YOUR LOAN OFFERS
Fill in the blanks for these important factors:
LOAN OFFER 1
LOAN OFFER 2
LOAN OFFER 3
Lender name
Loan amount
$
$
$
Interest rate
%
%
%
o Fixed
o Adjustable
o Fixed
o Adjustable
o Fixed
o Adjustable
Monthly principal and interest $
$
$
Monthly mortgage insurance $
$
$
Total Loan Costs
(See section D on the second
page of your Loan Estimate.)
$
$
$
My best loan offer is:
12 YOUR HOME LOAN TOOLKIT
Page 12
7. Choose your mortgage
You’ve done a lot of hard work to get this far! Now it is time to make your call.
CONFIRM YOUR DECISION
Check the box if you agree with the statement:
¨
I can repay this loan.
¨
I am comfortable with my monthly payment.
¨
I shopped enough to know this is a good deal for me.
¨ There are no risky features such as a balloon payment or prepayment
penalty I can’t handle down the road.
¨
I know whether my principal and interest payment will increase in the future.
Still need advice? The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country to provide
free or low-cost advice. To find a HUD-approved housing counselor visit
consumerfinance.gov/find-a-housing-counselor or call HUD’s interactive voice
system at (800) 569-4287.
Intent to proceed
When you receive a Loan Estimate, the lender has not yet approved or denied
your loan. Up to this point, they are showing you what they expect to offer if you
decide to move forward with your application. You have not committed to this
lender. In fact, you are not committed to any lender before you have signed final
closing documents.
Once you have found your best mortgage, the next step is to tell the loan officer
you want to proceed with that mortgage application. This is called expressing your
intent to proceed. Lenders have to wait until you express your intent to proceed
before they require you to pay an application fee, appraisal fee, or most other fees.
Rate lock
Your Loan Estimate may show a rate that has been “locked” or a rate that is
“floating,” which means it can go up or down. Mortgage interest rates change daily,
sometimes hourly. A rate lock sets your interest rate for a period of time. Rate locks
are typically available for 30, 45, or 60 days, and sometimes longer.
SECTION 1: CHOOSING THE BEST MORTGAGE FOR YOU 13
Page 13
The interest rate on your Loan Estimate is not a guarantee. If your rate is floating
and it is later locked, your interest rate will be set at that later time. Also, if there are
changes in your application—including your loan amount, credit score, or verified
income—your rate and terms will probably change too. In those situations, the
lender gives you a revised Loan Estimate.
There can be a downside to a rate lock. It may be expensive to extend if your
transaction needs more time. And, a rate lock may lock you out of better market
pricing if rates fall.
THE TALK
Rate lock policies vary by lender. Choosing to lock or float your rate
can make an important difference in your monthly payment. To avoid
surprises, ask:
“What does it mean if I lock my rate today?”
“What rate lock time frame does this Loan Estimate provide?”
“Is a shorter or longer rate lock available, and at what cost?”
“What if my closing is delayed and the rate lock expires?”
“ If I lock my rate, are there any conditions under which my rate could
still change?”
14 YOUR HOME LOAN TOOLKIT
Page 14
8. Avoid pitfalls
WHAT NOT TO DO
WHY?
Don’t sign documents where
important details are left
blank or documents you
don’t understand.
You are agreeing to repay a substantial amount of money over
an extended period of time. Make sure you know what you are
getting into and protect yourself from fraud.
Don’t assume you are on
your own.
HUD-approved housing counselors can help you navigate
the process and find programs available to help first-time
homebuyers.
You can find a HUD-approved housing counselor in your area at
consumerfinance.gov/find-a-housing-counselor or call HUD’s
interactive voice system at (800) 569-4287.
Don’t take on more
mortgage than you want
or can afford.
Make certain that you want the loan that you are requesting and
that you are in a position to live up to your end of the bargain.
Don’t count on refinancing,
and don’t take out a loan if
you already know you will
have to change it later.
If you are not comfortable with the loan offered to you, ask
your lender if there is another option that works for you. Keep
looking until you find the right loan for your situation.
Don’t fudge numbers
or documents.
You are responsible for an accurate and truthful application. Be
upfront about your situation. Mortgage fraud is a serious offense.
Don’t hide important
financial information.
Hiding negative information may delay or derail your
loan application.
SECTION 1: CHOOSING THE BEST MORTGAGE FOR YOU 15
Page 15
Handle problems
WHAT HAPPENED
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
I have experienced a problem
with my loan application or
how my loan officer is
treating me.
Ask to talk to a supervisor. It may be a good idea to talk to
the loan officer first, and if you are not satisfied, ask to speak
with a supervisor.
I think I was unlawfully
discriminated against when
I applied for a loan or when
I tried to buy a home.
The Fair Housing Act and Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibit
housing and credit discrimination. If you think you have been
discriminated against during any part of the mortgage process,
you can submit a complaint and describe what happened. To
do so, you can call the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at
(855) 411-2372 or visit consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Submit
a complaint to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) by calling (800) 669-9777, TTY (800) 927-
9275. Or, file a complaint online at HUD.gov.
You can find more information about your rights and how to submit
a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/fair-lending.
I have a complaint.
Submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau if you have problems at any stage of the mortgage
application or closing process, or later if you have problems
making payments or become unable to pay. You can call (855)
411-2372 or visit consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
I think I may have been the
victim of a predatory lender
or a loan fraud.
Don’t believe anyone who tells you they are your “only chance
to get a loan,” or that you must “act fast.” Learn the warning
signs of predatory lending and protect yourself. Find more
information at portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_
offices/housing/sfh/hcc/OHC_PREDLEND/OHC_LOANFRAUD.
You could learn more about your loan officer at
nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
16 YOUR HOME LOAN TOOLKIT
Page 16
Your closing
You’ve chosen a mortgage. Now it’s time to
select and work with your closing agent.
Once you’ve applied for a mortgage, you may
feel like you’re done. But mortgages are
complicated and you still have choices to make.
IN THIS SECTION
1. Shop for mortgage closing
services
2. Review your revised Loan
Estimate
3. Understand and use your
Closing Disclosure
1. Shop for mortgage closing services
Once you’ve decided to move forward with a lender based on the Loan Estimate,
you are ready to shop for the closing agent who gathers all the legal documents,
closes the loan, and handles the money involved in your purchase. After you
apply for a loan, your lender gives you a list of companies that provide closing
services. You may want to use one of the companies on the list. Or, you may be
able to choose companies that are not on the list if your lender agrees to work with
your choice. The seller cannot require you to buy a title insurance policy from a
particular title company.
TIP
Settlement
services may
feel like a drop
in the bucket
compared to
the cost of the
home. But in
some states
borrowers who
shop around
may save
hundreds of
dollars.
Closing agent
In most of the country, a settlement agent does your closing. In other states,
particularly several states in the West, the person is known as an escrow agent. And
in some states, particularly in the Northeast and South, an attorney may be required.
RESEARCH STARTER
When you compare closing agents, look at both cost and customer service.
¨ Ask your real estate professional and your friends. These people may know
companies they would recommend. Be sure to ask how that company handled
problems and if they have a good reputation.
SECTION 2: YOUR CLOSING 17
Page 17
¨ Review the list of companies your lender gave you. Select a few companies
on the list and ask for references from people who recently bought a home.
Ask those people how the company handled problems that came up during
the transaction.
Title insurance
When you purchase your home, you receive a document most often called a deed,
which shows the seller transferred their legal ownership, or “title,” to the home to
you. Title insurance can provide protection if someone later sues and says they
have a claim against the home. Common claims come from a previous owner’s
failure to pay taxes or from contractors who say they were not paid for work done
on the home before you purchased it.
Most lenders require a Lender’s Title Insurance policy, which protects the amount
they lent. You may want to buy an Owner’s Title Insurance policy, which protects
your financial investment in the home. The Loan Estimate you receive lists the
Owner’s Title Insurance policy as optional if your lender does not require the policy
as a condition of the loan.
Depending on the state where you are buying your home, your title insurance
company may give you an itemized list of fees at closing. This itemized list may be
required under state law and may be different from what you see on your Loan
Estimate or Closing Disclosure. That does not mean you are being charged more.
If you add up all the title-related costs your title insurance company gives you, it
should match the totals of all the title-related costs you see on your Loan Estimate
or Closing Disclosure. When comparing costs for title insurance, make sure to
compare the bottom line total.
Home inspector and home appraiser
When you are considering buying a home, it is smart to check it out carefully to see if
it is in good condition. The person who does this for you is called a home inspector.
The inspector works for you and should tell you whether the home you want to
buy is in good condition and whether you are buying a “money pit” of expensive
repairs. Get your inspection before you are finally committed to buy the home.
A home inspector is different from a home appraiser. The appraiser is an
independent professional whose job is to give the lender an estimate of the home’s
market value. You are entitled to a copy of the appraisal prior to your closing. This
allows you to see how the price you agreed to pay compares to similar and recent
property sales in your area.
18 YOUR HOME LOAN TOOLKIT
Page 18
2. Review your revised Loan Estimate
When important information changes, your lender is required to give you a new
Loan Estimate that shows your new loan offer.
It is illegal for a lender to quote you low fees and costs for its services on your
Loan Estimate and then surprise you with much higher costs in a revised Loan
Estimate or Closing Disclosure. However, a lender may change the fees it quotes
you for its services if the facts on your application were wrong or changed, you
asked for a change, your lender found you did not qualify for the original loan
offer, or your Loan Estimate expired.
Here are common reasons why your Loan Estimate might change:
§ You decided to change loan programs or the amount of your down payment.
§ The appraisal on the home you want to buy came in higher or lower
than expected.
§ You took out a new loan or missed a payment and that has changed your credit.
§ Your lender could not document your overtime, bonus, or other income.
THE TALK
If your Loan Estimate is revised you should look it over to see what
changed. Ask your lender:
“ Can you explain why I received a new Loan Estimate?”
“ How is my loan transaction different from what I was originally
expecting?”
“ How does this change my loan amount, interest rate, monthly payment,
cash to close, and other loan features?”
SECTION 2: YOUR CLOSING 19
Page 19
3. Understand and use your Closing Disclosure
You’ve chosen a home you want to buy and your offer has been accepted. You’ve
also applied for and been approved for a mortgage. Now you are ready to take
legal possession of the home and promise to repay your loan.
At least three days before your closing, you should get your official Closing Disclosure,
which is a five-page document that gives you more details about your loan, its key
terms, and how much you are paying in fees and other costs to get your mortgage and
buy your home.
Many of the costs you pay at closing are set by the decisions you made when you
were shopping for a mortgage. Charges shown under “services you can shop for”
may increase at closing, but generally by no more than 10% of the costs listed on
your final Loan Estimate.
The Closing Disclosure breaks down your closing costs into two big categories:
YOUR LOAN COSTS
OTHER COSTS
§ The lender’s Origination Costs to make or
“originate” the loan, along with application
fees and fees to underwrite your loan.
Underwriting is the lender’s term for making
sure your credit and financial information
is accurate and you meet the lender’s
requirements for a loan.
§ Discount points—that is, additional money
you pay up front to reduce your interest rate.
§ Services you shopped for, such as your
closing or settlement agent and related
title costs.
§ Services your lender requires for your loan.
These include appraisals and credit reports.
§ Property taxes.
§ Homeowner’s insurance premiums. You can
shop around for homeowner’s insurance
from your current insurance company, or
many others, until you find the combination
of premium, coverage, and customer service
that fits your situation. Your lender will ask
you for proof you have an insurance policy on
your new home.
§ Any portion of your total mortgage payment
you must make before your first full payment
is due.
§ Flood insurance, if required.
RESEARCH STARTER
Get tips, a step-by-step checklist, and help with the rest of the documents you’ll
see at closing at consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home.
20 YOUR HOME LOAN TOOLKIT
Page 20
What is your Closing
Disclosure?
The five-page Closing
Disclosure sums up the terms
of your loan and what you
pay at closing. You can easily
compare the numbers to the
Loan Estimate you received
earlier. There should not be
any significant changes other
than those you have already
agreed to.
Take out your own Closing
Disclosure, or review the
example here. Double-check
that you clearly understand
what you’ll be expected to
pay—over the life of your loan
and at closing.
Projected Payments
Loan Terms
Can this amount increase after closing?
Loan Amount
$162,000
NO
Interest Rate
3.875%
NO
Monthly Principal & Interest
See Projected Payments below for your
Estimated Total Monthly Payment
$761.78

NO
Does the loan have these features?
Prepayment Penalty
YES
• As high as $3,240 if you pay off the loan during the
first 2 years
Balloon Payment
NO
Costs at Closing
CLOSING DISCLOSURE
PAGE 1 OF 5 • LOAN ID # 123456789
Payment Calculation
Years 1-7
Years 8-30
Principal & Interest
Mortgage Insurance
Estimated Escrow
Amount can increase over time

$761.78
+
82.35
+
206.13
$761.78
+
—
+
206.13
Estimated Total
Monthly Payment
$1,050.26
$967.91
Estimated Taxes, Insurance
& Assessments
Amount can increase over time
See page 4 for details
$356.13
a month
See Escrow Account on page 4 for details. You must pay for other property
costs separately.
This estimate includes
In escrow?
x Property Taxes
YES
x Homeowner’s Insurance
YES
x Other: Homeowner’s Association Dues
NO
Closing Costs
$9,712.10
Includes $4,694.05 in Loan Costs + $5,018.05 in Other Costs – $0
in Lender Credits. See page 2 for details.
Cash to Close
$14,147.26 Includes Closing Costs. See Calculating Cash to Close on page 3 for details.
Transaction Information
Borrower
Michael Jones and Mary Stone

123 Anywhere Street

Anytown, ST 12345
Seller
Steve Cole and Amy Doe

321 Somewhere Drive

Anytown, ST 12345
Lender
Ficus Bank
Loan Information
Loan Term 30 years
Purpose
Purchase
Product
Fixed Rate

Loan Type
x Conventional
FHA
VA
_____________
Loan ID #
123456789
MIC #
000654321
Closing Information
Date Issued
4/15/2013
Closing Date
4/15/2013
Disbursement Date 4/15/2013
Settlement Agent
Epsilon Title Co.
File #
12-3456
Property
456 Somewhere Ave

Anytown, ST 12345
Sale Price
$180,000
This form is a statement of final loan terms and closing costs. Compare this
document with your Loan Estimate.
Closing Disclosure
Closing Disclosure, page 1. The most important facts about your loan are on the first page.
ON PAGE 1 OF 5
Loan terms
Review your monthly payment.
Part of it goes to repay what you
borrowed (and may build equity
in your new home), and part of
it goes to pay interest (which
doesn’t build equity). Equity is
the current market value of your
home minus the amount you
still owe on your mortgage.
Costs at Closing
Be prepared to bring the
full “Cash to Close” amount
with you to your closing. This
amount includes your down
payment and closing costs.
The closing costs are itemized
on the following pages.
ON PAGE 2 OF 5
Total Loan Costs
Origination charges are fees
your lender charges to make
your loan. Some closing costs
are fees paid to the providers
selected by your lender. Some
are fees you pay to providers
you chose on your own.
Prepaids
Homeowner’s insurance is
often paid in advance for the
first full year. Also, some taxes
and other fees need to be paid
in advance.
SECTION 2: YOUR CLOSING 21
Page 21
Escrow
An escrow or impound
account is a special account
where monthly insurance and
tax payments are held until
they are paid out each year.
You get a statement showing
how much money your lender
or mortgage servicer plans
to require for your escrow or
impound account.
You also get an annual analysis
showing what happened to the
money in your account. Your
lender must follow federal
rules to make sure they do not
end up with a large surplus
or shortage in your escrow or
impound account.
Borrower-Paid
Seller-Paid
Paid by
Others
At Closing
Before Closing
At Closing
Before Closing
A. Origination Charges
$1,802.00
01 0.25 % of Loan Amount (Points)
$405.00
02 Application Fee
$300.00
03 Underwriting Fee
$1,097.00
04
05
06
07
08
B. Services Borrower Did Not Shop For
$236.55
01 Appraisal Fee
to John Smith Appraisers Inc.
$405.00
02 Credit Report Fee
to Information Inc.
$29.80
03 Flood Determination Fee
to Info Co.
$20.00
04 Flood Monitoring Fee
to Info Co.
$31.75
05 Tax Monitoring Fee
to Info Co.
$75.00
06 Tax Status Research Fee
to Info Co.
$80.00
07
08
09
10
C. Services Borrower Did Shop For
$2,655.50
01 Pest Inspection Fee
to Pests Co.
$120.50
02 Survey Fee
to Surveys Co.
$85.00
03 Title – Insurance Binder
to Epsilon Title Co.
$650.00
04 Title – Lender’s Title Insurance
to Epsilon Title Co.
$500.00
05 Title – Settlement Agent Fee
to Epsilon Title Co.
$500.00
06 Title – Title Search
to Epsilon Title Co.
$800.00
07
08
D. TOTAL LOAN COSTS (Borrower-Paid)
$4,694.05
Loan Costs Subtotals (A + B + C)
$4,664.25
$29.80
Loan Costs
CLOSING DISCLOSURE
PAGE 2 OF 5 • LOAN ID # 123456789
J. TOTAL CLOSING COSTS (Borrower-Paid)
$9,712.10
Closing Costs Subtotals (D + I)
$9,682.30
$29.80
$12,800.00
$750.00
$405.00
Lender Credits
Closing Cost Details
Other Costs
E. Taxes and Other Government Fees
$85.00
01 Recording Fees
Deed: $40.00
Mortgage: $45.00
$85.00
02 Transfer Tax
to Any State
$950.00
F. Prepaids
$2,120.80
01 Homeowner’s Insurance Premium ( 12 mo.) to Insurance Co.
$1,209.96
02 Mortgage Insurance Premium ( mo.)
03 Prepaid Interest ( $17.44 per day from 4/15/13 to 5/1/13 )
$279.04
04 Property Taxes ( 6 mo.) to Any County USA
$631.80
05
G. Initial Escrow Payment at Closing
$412.25
01 Homeowner’s Insurance $100.83 per month for 2 mo.
$201.66
02 Mortgage Insurance
per month for mo.
03 Property Taxes
$105.30 per month for 2 mo.
$210.60
04
05
06
07
08 Aggregate Adjustment
– 0.01
H. Other
$2,400.00
01 HOA Capital Contribution
to HOA Acre Inc.
$500.00
02 HOA Processing Fee
to HOA Acre Inc.
$150.00
03 Home Inspection Fee
to Engineers Inc.
$750.00
$750.00
04 Home Warranty Fee
to XYZ Warranty Inc.
$450.00
05 Real Estate Commission
to Alpha Real Estate Broker
$5,700.00
06 Real Estate Commission
to Omega Real Estate Broker
$5,700.00
07 Title – Owner’s Title Insurance (optional)
to Epsilon Title Co.
$1,000.00
08
I. TOTAL OTHER COSTS (Borrower-Paid)
$5,018.05
Other Costs Subtotals (E + F + G + H)
$5,018.05
Details of your closing costs appear on page 2 of the Closing Disclosure.
USE YOUR CLOSING DISCLOSURE TO CONFIRM THE DETAILS OF YOUR LOAN
Circle one. If you answer no, turn to the page indicated for more information:
The interest rate is what I was expecting based on my Loan Estimate.
YES / NO
(see page 10)
I know whether I have a prepayment penalty or balloon payment.
YES / NO
(see page 7)
I know whether or not my payment changes in future years.
YES / NO
(see page 7)
I see whether I am paying points or receiving points at closing.
YES / NO
(see page 9)
I know whether I have an escrow account.
YES / NO
(see above)
22 YOUR HOME LOAN TOOLKIT
Page 22
Calculating Cash to Close
BORROWER’S TRANSACTION
K. Due from Borrower at Closing
$189,762.30
01 Sale Price of Property
$180,000.00
02 Sale Price of Any Personal Property Included in Sale
03 Closing Costs Paid at Closing (J)
$9,682.30
04
Adjustments
05
06
07
Adjustments for Items Paid by Seller in Advance
08
City/Town Taxes
to
09
County Taxes
to
10
Assessments
to
11
HOA Dues 4/15/13 to 4/30/13
$80.00
12
13
14
15
L. Paid Already by or on Behalf of Borrower at Closing
$175,615.04
01 Deposit
$10,000.00
02 Loan Amount
$162,000.00
03 Existing Loan(s) Assumed or Taken Subject to
04
05 Seller Credit
$2,500.00
Other Credits
06 Rebate from Epsilon Title Co.
$750.00
07
Adjustments
08
09
10
11
Adjustments for Items Unpaid by Seller
12
City/Town Taxes 1/1/13 to 4/14/13
$365.04
13
County Taxes
to
14
Assessments
to
15
16
17
CALCULATION
Total Due from Borrower at Closing (K)
$189,762.30
Total Paid Already by or on Behalf of Borrower at Closing (L) – $175,615.04
Cash to Close x From
To Borrower
$14,147.26
SELLER’S TRANSACTION
M. Due to Seller at Closing
$180,080.00
01 Sale Price of Property
$180,000.00
02 Sale Price of Any Personal Property Included in Sale
03
04
05
06
07
08
Adjustments for Items Paid by Seller in Advance
09 City/Town Taxes
to
10 County Taxes
to
11 Assessments
to
12 HOA Dues 4/15/13
to 4/30/13
$80.00
13
14
15
16
N. Due from Seller at Closing
$115,665.04
01 Excess Deposit
02 Closing Costs Paid at Closing (J)
$12,800.00
03 Existing Loan(s) Assumed or Taken Subject to
04 Payoff of First Mortgage Loan
$100,000.00
05 Payoff of Second Mortgage Loan
06
07
08 Seller Credit
$2,500.00
09
10
11
12
13
Adjustments for Items Unpaid by Seller
14 City/Town Taxes 1/1/13
to 4/14/13
$365.04
15 County Taxes
to
16 Assessments
to
17
18
19
CALCULATION
Total Due to Seller at Closing (M)
$180,080.00
Total Due from Seller at Closing (N)
– $115,665.04
Cash
From x To Seller
$64,414.96
Summaries of Transactions
CLOSING DISCLOSURE
PAGE 3 OF 5 • LOAN ID # 123456789
Loan Estimate
Final
Did this change?
Total Closing Costs (J)
$8,054.00
$9,712.10 YES
• See Total Loan Costs (D) and Total Other Costs (I)
Closing Costs Paid Before Closing
$0
– $29.80 YES
• You paid these Closing Costs before closing
Closing Costs Financed
(Paid from your Loan Amount)
$0
$0 NO
Down Payment/Funds from Borrower
$18,000.00
$18,000.00 NO
Deposit
– $10,000.00
– $10,000.00 NO
Funds for Borrower
$0
$0 NO
Seller Credits
$0
– $2,500.00 YES
• See Seller Credits in Section L
Adjustments and Other Credits
$0
– $1,035.04 YES
• See details in Sections K and L
Cash to Close
$16,054.00
$14,147.26
Use this table to see a summary of your transaction.
Use this table to see what has changed from your Loan Estimate.
ON PAGE 3 OF 5
Calculating Cash to Close
Closing costs are only a part
of the total cash you need to
bring to closing.
Summaries of Transactions
The section at the bottom of
the page sums up how the
money flows among you, the
lender, and the seller.
ON PAGE 4 OF 5
Loan Disclosures
Page 4 breaks down what is and
is not included in your escrow
or impound account. Make sure
you understand what is paid
from your escrow account and
what you are responsible for
paying yourself.
Assumption
If you sell or transfer this property to another person, your lender
will allow, under certain conditions, this person to assume this
loan on the original terms.
will not allow assumption of this loan on the original terms.
Demand Feature
Your loan
has a demand feature, which permits your lender to require early
repayment of the loan. You should review your note for details.
does not have a demand feature.
Late Payment
If your payment is more than 15 days late, your lender will charge a
late fee of 5% of the monthly principal and interest payment.
Negative Amortization (Increase in Loan Amount)
Under your loan terms, you
are scheduled to make monthly payments that do not pay all of
the interest due that month. As a result, your loan amount will
increase (negatively amortize), and your loan amount will likely
become larger than your original loan amount. Increases in your
loan amount lower the equity you have in this property.
may have monthly payments that do not pay all of the interest
due that month. If you do, your loan amount will increase
(negatively amortize), and, as a result, your loan amount may
become larger than your original loan amount. Increases in your
loan amount lower the equity you have in this property.
do not have a negative amortization feature.
Partial Payments
Your lender
may accept payments that are less than the full amount due
(partial payments) and apply them to your loan.
may hold them in a separate account until you pay the rest of the
payment, and then apply the full payment to your loan.
does not accept any partial payments.
If this loan is sold, your new lender may have a different policy.
Security Interest
You are granting a security interest in
456 Somewhere Ave., Anytown, ST 12345
You may lose this property if you do not make your payments or
satisfy other obligations for this loan.
CLOSING DISCLOSURE
PAGE 4 OF 5 • LOAN ID # 1234567890
Loan Disclosures
Escrow Account
For now, your loan
will have an escrow account (also called an “impound” or “trust”
account) to pay the property costs listed below. Without an escrow
account, you would pay them directly, possibly in one or two large
payments a year. Your lender may be liable for penalties and interest
for failing to make a payment.
Esc ow
Escrowed
Property Costs
over Year 1
$2,473.56 Estimated total amount over year 1 for
your escrowed property costs:
Homeowner’s Insurance
Property Taxes
Non-Escrowed
Property Costs
over Year 1
$1,800.00 Estimated total amount over year 1 for
your non-escrowed property costs:
Homeowner’s Association Dues
You may have other property costs.
Initial Escrow
Payment
$412.25 A cushion for the escrow account you
pay at closing. See Section G on page 2.
Monthly Escrow
Payment
$206.13 The amount included in your total
monthly payment.
No Escrow
Estimated
Property Costs
over Year 1
Estimated total amount over year 1. You
must pay these costs directly, possibly
in one or two large payments a year.
Escrow Waiver Fee
will not have an escrow account because
you declined it
your
lender does not offer one. You must directly pay your property
costs, such as taxes and homeowner’s insurance. Contact your
lender to ask if your loan can have an escrow account.
In the future,
Your property costs may change and, as a result, your escrow pay-
ment may change. You may be able to cancel your escrow account,
but if you do, you must pay your property costs directly. If you fail
to pay your property taxes, your state or local government may (1)
impose fines and penalties or (2) place a tax lien on this property. If
you fail to pay any of your property costs, your lender may (1) add
the amounts to your loan balance, (2) add an escrow account to your
loan, or (3) require you to pay for property insurance that the lender
buys on your behalf, which likely would cost more and provide fewer
benefits than what you could buy on your own.
Additional Information About This Loan
x
x
x
x
x
Top image: A summary
of important financial
information appears on page
3 of the Closing Disclosure.
Bottom image: More details
of your loan appear on page 4
of your Closing Disclosure.
SECTION 2: YOUR CLOSING 23
Page 23
ON PAGE 5 OF 5
Finance Charge
In addition to paying back the
amount you are borrowing, you
pay a lot of interest over the
life of the loan. This is why it is
worthwhile to shop carefully for
the best loan for your situation.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
Your APR is your total cost of
credit stated as a rate. Your
APR is generally higher than
your interest rate, because the
APR takes into consideration
all the costs of your loan, over
the full term of the loan.
If anything on the Closing
Disclosure is not clear to you,
ask your lender or settlement
agent, “What does this mean?”
Contact Information
Confirm Receipt
Other Disclosures
Appraisal
If the property was appraised for your loan, your lender is required to
give you a copy at no additional cost at least 3 days before closing.
If you have not yet received it, please contact your lender at the
information listed below.
Contract Details
See your note and security instrument for information about
• what happens if you fail to make your payments,
• what is a default on the loan,
• situations in which your lender can require early repayment of the
loan, and
• the rules for making payments before they are due.
Liability after Foreclosure
If your lender forecloses on this property and the foreclosure does not
cover the amount of unpaid balance on this loan,
state law may protect you from liability for the unpaid balance. If you
refinance or take on any additional debt on this property, you may
lose this protection and have to pay any debt remaining even after
foreclosure. You may want to consult a lawyer for more information.
state law does not protect you from liability for the unpaid balance.
Refinance
Refinancing this loan will depend on your future financial situation,
the property value, and market conditions. You may not be able to
refinance this loan.
Tax Deductions
If you borrow more than this property is worth, the interest on the
loan amount above this property’s fair market value is not deductible
from your federal income taxes. You should consult a tax advisor for
more information.
By signing, you are only confirming that you have received this form. You do not have to accept this loan because you have signed or received
this form.
Applicant Signature
Date
Co-Applicant Signature
Date
CLOSING DISCLOSURE
PAGE 5 OF 5 • LOAN ID # 123456789
Total of Payments. Total you will have paid after
you make all payments of principal, interest,
mortgage insurance, and loan costs, as scheduled.
$285,803.36
Finance Charge. The dollar amount the loan will
cost you.
$118,830.27
Amount Financed. The loan amount available after
paying your upfront finance charge.
$162,000.00
Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Your costs over
the loan term expressed as a rate. This is not your
interest rate.
4.174%
Total Interest Percentage (TIP). The total amount
of interest that you will pay over the loan term as a
percentage of your loan amount.
69.46%
Loan Calculations
x
Lender
Mortgage Broker
Real Estate Broker
(B)
Real Estate Broker
(S)
Settlement Agent
Name
Ficus Bank
FRIENDLY MORTGAGE
BROKER INC.
Omega Real Estate
Broker Inc.
Alpha Real Estate
Broker Co.
Epsilon Title Co.
Address
4321 Random Blvd.
Somecity, ST 12340
1234 Terrapin Dr.
Somecity, MD 54321
789 Local Lane
Sometown, ST 12345
45
987 Suburb Ct.
Someplace, ST 12340
123 Commerce Pl.
Somecity, ST 12344
NMLS ID
222222
ST License ID
Z765416
Z61456
Z61616
Contact
Joe Smith
JIM TAYLOR
Samuel Green
Joseph Cain
Sarah Arnold
Contact NMLS ID
12345
394784
Contact
ST License ID
P16415
P51461
PT1234
Email
joesmith@
ficusbank.com
JTAYLOR@
FRNDLYMTGBRKR.CM
sam@omegare.biz
joe@alphare.biz
sarah@
epsilontitle.com
Phone
123-456-7890
333-444-5555
123-555-1717
321-555-7171
987-555-4321
Questions? If you have questions about the
loan terms or costs on this form, use the contact
information below. To get more information
or make a complaint, contact the Consumer
Financial Protection Bureau at
www.consumerfinance.gov/mortgage-closing
?
NOW
IN THE FUTURE
§ Now you’ve spent time understanding
what you need to do and what you need
to pay, as a new homeowner.
§ Now is the time to step back and feel
sure you want to proceed with the loan.
§
If you are not comfortable with your
mortgage and your responsibility to
make payments, you might not be able
to keep your home.
§
If you’ve made a careful decision about
what you can afford and the mortgage
you wanted, you will be able to balance
owning your home and meeting your
other financial goals.
Loan calculations, disclosures, and contact information for your files are on page 5 of the Closing Disclosure.
24 YOUR HOME LOAN TOOLKIT
Page 24
Owning your home
Now you’ve closed on your mortgage
and the home is yours.
Owning a home is exciting. And your home is
also a large investment. Here’s how to protect
that investment.
IN THIS SECTION
1. Act fast if you get behind on
your payments
2. Keep up with ongoing costs
3. Determine if you need
flood insurance
4. Understand Home Equity
Lines of Credit (HELOCs)
and refinancing
1. Act fast if you get behind on your
payments
If you fall behind on your mortgage, the company that accepts payments on your
mortgage contacts you. This company is your mortgage servicer. Your servicer is
required to let you know what options are available to avoid foreclosure. Talk to your
mortgage servicer if you get into trouble, and call a housing counselor (see page 12
for contact information). HUD-approved counselors are professionals who can help
you, often at little or no charge to you.
Homeowners struggling to pay a mortgage should beware of scammers promising
to lower mortgage payments. Only your mortgage servicer can evaluate you
for a loan modification. If you suspect a scam you can call (855) 411-2372 or visit
consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
2. Keep up with ongoing costs
Your mortgage payment is just one part of what it costs to live in your new home.
Your escrow account holds your monthly taxes and homeowner’s insurance
payments—but if you have no escrow account, you need to keep up with these
on your own. Your home needs maintenance and repairs, so budget and save for
these too.
SECTION 3: OWNING YOUR HOME 25
Page 25
3. Determine if you need flood insurance
Flooding causes more than $8 billion in damages in the United States in an
average year. You can protect your home and its contents from flood damage.
Depending on your property location, your home is considered either at high-risk
or at moderate-to-low risk for a flood. Your insurance premium varies accordingly.
You can find out more about flood insurance at FloodSmart.gov. Private flood
insurance could also be available.
Although you may not be required to maintain flood insurance on all structures,
you may still wish to do so, and your mortgage lender may still require you to do
so to protect the collateral securing the mortgage. If you choose to not maintain
flood insurance on a structure, and it floods, you are responsible for all flood losses
relating to that structure.
4. Understand Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs)
and refinancing
Homeowners sometimes decide they want to borrow against the value of their
home to help remodel or pay for other large expenses. One way to do this is with a
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). You can learn more about HELOCs at
files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201401_cfpb_booklet_heloc.pdf.
Financial counselors caution homeowners against using a HELOC to wipe out
credit card debt. If you use a HELOC as a quick fix to a serious spending problem,
you could end up back in debt and lose your home.
If you decide to take out a HELOC or refinance your mortgage, the Truth in Lending
Act (TILA) gives you the right to rescind, meaning you can change your mind and
cancel the loan. But you can only rescind a refinance or HELOC within three days
of receiving a proper notice of the right to rescind from your lender. You cannot
rescind if you are using your HELOC to buy a home.
In the case of a refinance, consider how long it will take for the monthly savings to
pay for the cost of the refinance. Review the closing costs you paid for your original
loan to purchase the home. Refinancing costs can be about the same amount. A
common rule of thumb is to proceed only if the new interest rate saves you that
amount over about two years (in other words, if you break even in about two years).
 Congratulations!
You have accomplished a lot. It is not easy—you should feel proud of the work
you’ve done.

Online tools

CFPB website

consumerfinance.gov

Answers to common questions

consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb

Tools and resources for home buyers

consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home

Talk to a housing counselor

consumerfinance.gov/find-a-housing-counselor

General inquiries
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
1700 G Street NW
Washington DC 20552

Submit a complaint

Online

consumerfinance.gov/complaint

By phone

855-411-CFPB (2372);

TTY/TDD 855-729-CFPB (2372);

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday-Friday

By fax
855-237-2392

By mail
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
P.O. Box 4503
Iowa City, Iowa 52244

Share your thoughts

Facebook.com/cfpb

Twitter.com/cfpb
Last updated August 2015