Mortgage Documents Explained

Before being approved for a mortgage, the borrower will typically receive several documents from the lender. These documents may include:

Credit report:

The lender will typically request a copy of the borrower's credit report in order to assess their creditworthiness. The credit report will show the borrower's credit score, credit history, and any outstanding debts.

Loan estimate:

This is a document that provides the borrower with an estimate of the mortgage loan terms, including the interest rate, closing costs, and monthly payment. The loan estimate is provided to the borrower within three business days of applying for a mortgage.

Good faith estimate:

This is a document that provides an estimate of the closing costs that the borrower will need to pay at closing. It is provided to the borrower within three business days of the lender receiving the borrower's loan application.

Loan Application:

The mortgage application is a document that the borrower completes and submits to the lender in order to apply for a mortgage. The application typically includes information about the borrower's income, assets, debts, employment history, and credit history.

Pre-approval letter:

A pre-approval letter is a document that the lender issues to the borrower indicating that they have been pre-approved for a mortgage. The pre-approval letter is not a guarantee of loan approval, but it does indicate that the borrower meets the lender's basic qualifications for a loan.

Appraisal report:

An appraisal report is a document that estimates the value of the property being purchased. Lenders will typically require an appraisal to ensure that the property is worth at least as much as the borrower is borrowing.

Title report:

A title report is a document that shows the ownership history of the property and any liens or encumbrances on the property. Lenders will typically require a title report to ensure that the property is free and clear of any legal issues.

Homeowner's insurance policy:

Lenders will typically require the borrower to obtain a homeowner's insurance policy to protect the lender's investment in the property. A homeowner's insurance policy typically covers damage to the home and its contents from events such as fires, storms, and burglaries. It may also provide liability coverage if someone is injured on the property. It is important for homeowners to carefully review their insurance policy and understand what is and is not covered, as well as the limits of their coverage.

Commitment letter:

A commitment letter is a document that the lender issues to the borrower indicating that they have been approved for a mortgage. The commitment letter outlines the terms of the loan, including the interest rate, closing costs, and monthly payment.

Closing documents:

Before closing on the mortgage, the borrower will receive a variety of closing documents that outline the terms of the loan and the borrower's obligations. These documents may include the mortgage note (which outlines the terms of the loan), the mortgage

Mortgage disclosure statement:

This is a document that provides information about the terms and costs of the mortgage, as well as any risks associated with the loan. It is provided to the borrower at least three business days before the closing date.

Closing disclosure:

This is a document that provides a final breakdown of the closing costs, loan terms, and other fees associated with the mortgage. It is provided to the borrower at least three business days before the closing date.

Promissory note:

This is a legally binding document that outlines the terms of the mortgage, including the amount of the loan, the interest rate, and the repayment schedule. It is typically signed at closing.

Mortgage or deed of trust:

This is a legally binding document that secures the mortgage and gives the lender a lien on the property. It is typically signed at closing.