Free loan templates & checklists

• Lender / offer date
• Amount borrowed ($)
• Net cash received ($)
• Interest rate / APR (%)
• Term (months)
• Required monthly payment ($)
• Upfront cash fees ($)
• Total payments / finance charge ($)

APR and interest rate differ. Compare over the same period and confirm what each fee includes.

• Current balance / remaining months
• Current monthly principal and interest ($)
• Proposed new balance / term (months)
• New monthly principal and interest ($)
• Cash-paid refinance costs, net of credits ($)
• Fees added to the new balance - track separately ($)
• Monthly payment reduction - current minus new ($)
• Simple break-even months - cash costs / reduction
• Expected months you will keep the new loan
• Changes in taxes, insurance, rate type or other costs
• Total-cost questions and follow-up

If the payment reduction is zero or negative, this formula does not apply. A longer term can cost more.

• Verify the organization and the person handling your loan.
• Ask which programs may fit your property and circumstances.
• Request the interest rate, APR and whether the rate can change.
• Separate principal and interest from taxes, insurance and other costs.
• Ask about origination charges, points and lender credits.
• Confirm any rate-lock period, conditions and cost.
• Ask about mortgage insurance and applicable cancellation terms.
• Ask whether a balloon payment or prepayment penalty applies.
• Request closing costs and estimated cash to close in writing.
• Confirm the document list and secure delivery channel.
• Ask about processing milestones and communication if delayed.
• Compare the written Loan Estimate with the discussion.

A conversation or worksheet is not an approval, commitment or guaranteed rate. Keep written estimates.

• Get the actual lender request list and required date ranges.
• Verify the secure upload channel and recipient.
• Prepare identification only as requested by the verified lender.
• Gather requested employment and income records.
• Gather tax returns or business records if requested.
• Prepare account statements for the periods requested.
• List recurring debts, minimum payments and housing obligations.
• Ask what evidence is needed for gifts or unusual deposits, if relevant.
• Prepare applicable property, contract or existing-mortgage details.
• Ask about documents for self-employment or variable income.
• Track outstanding items, deadlines and additional requests.
• Keep private copies of request lists and submission confirmations.

Do not enter account numbers, passwords or identification numbers here. Requirements vary.

• Month / household planning period
• Reliable monthly take-home income ($)
• Housing, utilities and essential bills ($)
• Food, transport and other living costs ($)
• Existing debt payments ($)
• Irregular-bill allowance ($)
• Planned savings / reserve contribution ($)
• Proposed new loan payment ($)
• Total outgoings - add expense lines above ($)
• Remaining cash - income minus total outgoings ($)
• Lower-income or higher-cost scenario notes

A positive balance does not prove affordability. Test less favorable months and keep a reserve.

• Monthly amount available after essential bills ($)
• Priority approach and assumptions
• Next review date / changes to watch

Compare highest-interest-first and smallest-balance-first approaches. Continue required payments on all debts.

• Loan nickname / planning period
• Unresolved items / next contact date

This log does not change obligations or legal deadlines. Verify payment instructions through an official channel.

• Describe the funding purpose, amount and planned use.
• Prepare realistic cash-flow and repayment assumptions.
• Gather the financial statements requested by the lender.
• Ask which tax returns and business records are required.
• List existing business debts, payments and liens.
• Confirm requested ownership and registration information.
• Ask about lender and program eligibility requirements.
• Ask about collateral and personal guarantees, if applicable.
• Compare written rates, fees, payment frequency and total costs.
• Consider seasonal revenue and variable-rate scenarios.
• Confirm steps, document deadlines and secure delivery.
• Keep written terms and a list of unresolved questions.

An SBA guarantee does not guarantee borrower approval. Program and lender requirements differ.