law

Loan Estimate

A standardized three-page form that a lender must give a consumer within three business days after receiving a mortgage application under the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rule. It shows the estimated interest rate, monthly payment, closing costs, and other key loan terms, helping borrowers compare offers. Certain fees are limited in how much they can increase at closing.

Exam tip
Loan Estimate: within 3 business days of application. Closing Disclosure: at least 3 business days before consummation. Exams often swap these.
Example
A buyer applies with two lenders on Monday and receives a Loan Estimate from each by Thursday, allowing a side-by-side comparison.

1. Under the TRID rule, when must the lender deliver or mail the Loan Estimate?

Answer & explanation

Answer: C. The Loan Estimate must be delivered or placed in the mail within 3 business days of application, and generally at least 7 business days before consummation. The 3-business-day period before consummation applies to the Closing Disclosure, which is the tempting confusion.

Related terms & state variants

Sources

Source verification pending. Confirm current requirements with your state regulator.

Last verified: 2026-10-23