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Loan Estimate Comparison Worksheet

Lenders compete for your VA loan — but only if you make them. Every lender must give you a standardized Loan Estimate on the same form, which makes apples-to-apples comparison possible. Put two or three side by side here, focus on the total loan costs and cash to close (not just the rate), and bring the winner back to the others.

Your data stays on your device. Nothing you type here is sent to StandWatch or anyone else. This is just a printable form — fill it in, print or save the PDF, and it's yours.

Compare your Loan Estimates

Enter the numbers straight off each lender's official Loan Estimate. Same loan amount and same lock period for all three, or the comparison is meaningless.

Line itemOption AOption BOption C
Lender name
RATE & COST
Interest rate
APR
Points / credits (page 2, A)
Total loan costs (D)
Lender credits (J)
Estimated cash to close
Monthly principal & interest
VA funding fee (and is it financed?)
THE 5-YEAR VIEW (page 3)
In 5 years, total you'll have paid
In 5 years, principal paid off
Break-even on points (if any)
TERMS
Loan term (years)
Fixed or adjustable
Prepayment penalty? (Y/N)
Rate-lock period & expiration
Compare the right line. The interest rate alone can hide fees. The Total Loan Costs box (page 2, D) and the APR capture what you're really paying. A slightly higher rate with much lower fees can win — especially if you won't keep the loan long enough to recoup points.
Use the official explainer. The CFPB has a free interactive guide to every box on the Loan Estimate at consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/loan-estimate. If a lender's form looks different from the standard, that's a flag.

Before you choose — checklist

Check each box once you have confirmed it. Empty boxes are your to-do list.

For information purposes only. This worksheet is a free educational tool, provided "as is," to help you organize and compare offers — it is not financial, tax, legal, or insurance advice, not a quote or appraisal, and not a guarantee of savings, rates, or eligibility. Terms, prices, and rules change and vary; verify everything with the provider, official sources, and a licensed professional before acting. StandWatch is not a lender, broker, or the VA, and does not originate loans or set rates. Nothing you enter here is transmitted to StandWatch.