What is a good faith estimate? How long into the loan process should I be getting that? In the beginning or end?

The 'Good Faith Estimate' no longer exists. It has been replaced by the 'Loan Estimate' or LE. But basically it is the document the lender gives you in the beginning of the loan process that gives you a really close idea of what all your costs will be associated with closing the loan. Appraisal, Credit report, title company costs, lender costs, state and country costs, first year insurance, and even Pro-rated property taxes. The document shows you the total costs from all parties involved in the transaction. It is NOT a guaranteed number, but rather a really close number you can realistically expect at closing. Right before closing you will get a final 'closing disclosure' (CD) with the exact final number. For lane in MN, WI, and SD, contact me at www.JoeMetzler.com or (651) 552-3681. NMLS 274132

As Joe pointed out, the GFE is no longer.. it was replaced by the LE (Loan Estimate) and CD (Closing Document). The LE should have been given to you within 3 days of you applying... the initial CD must go to you 3 days before you sign the final closing documents. Both documents look similar, and they should have all your costs and fee's associated with the loan listed in detail. Some of those fee's have zero tolerance, meaning they cannot change one penny.. other fee's are subject to a 10% variance.. while other fee's have no restrictions at all. Also, some items you can shop for, while other items you cannot. I'm a preferred Lender with California and Arizona being my primary markets. If you or someone you know is looking for financing options, feel free to contact me or pass along my information. 480-287-5714 WilliamAcres.com NMLS# 226347 / RPM Mortgage NMLS 1541014 / AZMB0121893