I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had the opposite experience with rush fees once or twice. There was a deal last year where the seller was threatening to walk if we didn’t close in five days. The rush fee got everything through—underwriting, appraisal, even title—way faster than normal. It stung to pay extra, but losing the property would’ve cost way more. I agree it’s not usually worth it for routine deals, but sometimes that “just in case” expense is the only thing that saves the transaction. Guess it really depends on how tight your timeline is and how much you stand to lose if things fall apart.
sometimes that “just in case” expense is the only thing that saves the transaction
I get what you mean, but I’ve seen rush fees backfire too—like, pay extra and still get stuck waiting on some random doc or third party. Honestly, I’d rather focus on prepping my credit and docs way ahead. That’s saved me more headaches than any rush fee ever did.
Couldn’t agree more—rush fees feel like paying extra for express shipping and still getting a “your package is delayed” email. Prepping docs early is my new superpower. Makes me wonder how many people have paid rush fees just to end up in the same waiting room...
Makes me wonder how many people have paid rush fees just to end up in the same waiting room...
That’s exactly it. I once shelled out for a rush fee thinking it’d be the golden ticket, but the underwriter still sat on my file for days. Honestly, prepping docs early is underrated—last time, I had everything lined up and the process was smoother than any “expedited” option I’ve tried. If you can get your credit reports and financials squeaky clean ahead of time, lenders seem way more responsive. Rush fees feel like paying for front-row seats and still watching from the balcony...
Rush fees feel like paying for front-row seats and still watching from the balcony...
Ha, that’s a perfect analogy. But I’ll throw in a curveball—sometimes those “rush fees” actually make a difference if you’ve got the right relationship with your lender. Last year, I was in a time crunch, paid the fee, and my file did get bumped. Not saying it’s magic every time, but I wouldn’t write them off completely. Maybe it’s more about who you know than how fast you pay?
