Can your closing costs go up after you get your Loan Estimate?

Which costs can't go up?

• Fees the lender or mortgage broker charges, such as origination charges
• Transfer taxes, including New Hampshire's real estate transfer tax
• Services you weren't allowed to shop for, such as the appraisal in many cases
• Services from a company affiliated with the lender

Which costs can go up a little?

Recording fees, and third-party services you were allowed to shop for but picked from the lender's list, are grouped together. Their total at closing can't be more than 10 percent above the total on your Loan Estimate. If it is, the lender has to refund the difference.

Which costs can change?

• Prepaid interest, which depends on your closing date
• Property insurance premiums and the escrow deposits for taxes and insurance
• Services you shopped for and chose on your own, outside the lender's list
• Optional items, such as an owner's title policy

In New Hampshire, the escrow deposit can shift if a new tax rate or bill comes out before closing; see when NH sets tax rates.

When can the lender send a revised Loan Estimate?

When something changes that affects the costs, such as the price or loan amount, a change in your application, a rate lock, or information about the property. The lender generally has to send the revised estimate within three business days of learning about the change. Ask what changed if you get one.

How do I catch surprises?

Compare your Closing Disclosure, which arrives at least three business days before closing, line by line with your latest Loan Estimate. See how to read a Loan Estimate, owner's title insurance and closing day.