If you are shopping for a mortgage it is important to understand the Good Faith Estimate mortgage lenders are required to provide you. This estimate will allow you to compare loan offers from a variety of mortgage lenders. The Good Faith Estimate will help you make an informed decision as to which mortgage offer is best for you; here is what you need to know about the Good Faith Estimate.

Mortgage lenders are required by law to provide you a standardized form known as the Good Faith Estimate three days after receiving your application. The Good Faith Estimate outlines all costs and fees associated with the mortgage you are applying for. Never commit to a mortgage without carefully reviewing the Good Faith Estimate.

This form is useful as it allows you to comparison shop mortgage offers based on fees lenders charge. The form can be confusing for the initiated; here are things you should consider using the Good Faith Estimate when shopping for a mortgage.

Points

The Good Faith Estimate will list any discount points the lender requires at closing. Make sure you are getting something in exchange for paying points; Points are generally paid up front in exchange for a lower interest rate. The conditions for the required points should be clearly outlined by the lender.

Interest Rate and Lender Fees

Your interest rate should be clearly explained on the Good Faith Estimate. This should have the actual interest rate, not just the introductory rate. If you are applying for an adjustable rate mortgage it should also outline the timeframe your lender will use when adjusting the interest rate and whatever caps are included.

Title Fees, Escrow, and Closing Costs

The closings costs include any escrow fees, title insurance and search, and taxes should be itemized on your Good Faith Estimate. Pay close attention to closing costs as these are subject to negotiation and vary form one lender to the next. If your title insurance is less than five years old you might save money by having the policy reissued; contact your title insurer to find out if this is a possibility. Shopping around for title insurance could also net you a lower price.

While the Good Faith Estimate is an excellent way to compare fees from various loan offers, it is still an estimate; these fees could go up at closing. To learn more about shopping for the best mortgage loan and avoiding common homeowner mistakes, register for a free mortgage guidebook.