The Closing Disclosure, often called the CD, is a standardized five-page federal form that lists the final terms and costs of your mortgage — your loan amount, interest rate, monthly payment, and a complete, itemized breakdown of closing costs. By law, lenders must provide it to you at least three business days before closing.
That three-day window exists specifically so you have real time to compare the Closing Disclosure against the Loan Estimate you received earlier in the process — the document from the Finance stage that first laid out your projected costs. Checking that the two match, and understanding any differences, is one of the single most valuable things a buyer can do before signing.
Some numbers on a Loan Estimate are allowed to change by only a limited amount before closing (generally certain lender and third-party fees), while others, like the specific costs for services you were free to shop for yourself, have more flexibility. If you see a closing cost that increased significantly and unexpectedly, it's entirely reasonable — and expected — to ask your loan officer to explain the change before you sign anything.
The Closing Disclosure also lists your "cash to close" — the total amount of money you'll need to bring to the closing table, typically by cashier's check or wire transfer, combining your down payment and closing costs minus any credits. Confirming this number, and how to deliver those funds safely, a few days ahead of closing avoids a stressful scramble on closing day itself.
Wire fraud targeting home closings is a real and documented risk — scammers sometimes send fake wiring instructions that look like they come from your title company. It's always worth confirming wiring instructions by phone, using a number you look up independently rather than one provided in an email, before sending any closing funds.