01 Confirm your interest rate is locked You should have a rate lock in writing, with an expiration date that covers your closing. Rates can move meaningfully in 30 days. 02 Compare the Closing Disclosure to the Loan Estimate You received a Loan Estimate within 3 days of applying. You get a Closing Disclosure at least 3 days before closing. Fees should match — some are allowed to move slightly, most aren't. Question anything that grew. 03 Understand the APR — it's not the same as the interest rate APR includes fees. A low rate with huge origination fees can have a higher APR than a slightly higher rate with lower fees. That APR is the real cost of the loan. 04 Verify PMI details if you're putting less than 20% down Know how much it is monthly, when you can request it be removed (usually at 20% equity), and when it drops off automatically (usually at 22% equity). 05 Check the loan type Is it a 30-year fixed? 15-year fixed? ARM (adjustable-rate)? FHA? VA? Each has different tradeoffs. Make sure the paperwork matches what you agreed to. 06 Confirm there's no prepayment penalty Most mortgages don't have one, but some still do. You want the ability to pay extra principal anytime without penalty. 07 Check escrow setup for taxes and insurance Most lenders roll property taxes and homeowners insurance into your monthly payment via an escrow account. Verify the expected annual amounts are realistic — too low and you'll get a shortage notice later. 08 Verify your homeowners insurance is in place You'll need proof of a paid-up policy before closing. Shop at least 3 quotes; bundle with auto if cheaper. 09 Re-read the contingencies You should still have inspection, appraisal, and financing contingencies unless you knowingly waived them. If the seller 'snuck' a waiver in, challenge it. 10 Walk through the house within 24 hours of closing Confirm nothing has changed since inspection. Make sure the seller actually moved out, damage wasn't done, and agreed-upon repairs were made. 11 Verify the wire transfer info by phone Wire fraud in real estate is rampant. Call the title company using a number you looked up independently (not one from an email) and verbally confirm wiring instructions. Do not trust emails. 12 Don't open new credit, change jobs, or move big money Underwriting pulls your credit and bank statements again right before closing. Any change can torpedo your loan. No new cars, no furniture on credit, no job hops until after keys. 13 Bring government ID to closing You'll need a valid ID. Passport is cleanest; driver's license usually fine. 14 Save the closing packet Put a copy in a fireproof box or a cloud drive you actually remember. You'll need the HUD-1/CD for taxes, refinancing, and sale. 15 Note your first payment date Usually your first mortgage payment is due the first of the month after the month that is one full month after closing. So close on July 15, first payment is September 1. Weird but standard.