What is the “good faith estimate”?

The good faith estimate is a document that outlines the estimated closing costs associated with a mortgage. It provides potential borrowers with a clear understanding of the costs they might incur during the home buying process. This includes various fees such as loan origination fees, title insurance, and other costs that can arise at closing. The goal of the good faith estimate is to help consumers make informed decisions and compare different loan offers from various lenders, ensuring transparency in the borrowing process.

This document is particularly important because it is issued early in the loan process, allowing borrowers to grasp the financial implications of their mortgage before finalizing their decision. The estimates provided must be as accurate as possible to reflect what the borrower can expect to pay, thus reinforcing the lender's obligation to deal fairly and transparently.

In contrast, other options do not accurately depict what a good faith estimate represents. For instance, a final statement of sale costs summarizes the actual expenses at closing, while a list of required property inspections pertains to necessary evaluations rather than estimated costs. A loan application form is related to the initial request for borrowing funds, rather than outlining associated costs.