- Definitely agree on questioning those fees.
- Here’s what’s worked for me:
- I always ask for a Loan Estimate upfront and compare it line by line across lenders.
- “Processing” or “doc prep” fees are negotiable more often than people think.
- If a lender gets defensive, that’s usually a red flag for me—transparency matters a lot.
- Even small charges add up, especially when you’re closing multiple deals a year.
- Pushing back isn’t always comfortable, but I’ve shaved off hundreds just by asking.
- Funny enough, one lender once dropped a $150 “courier fee” after I pointed out everything was handled electronically... sometimes it pays to be nitpicky.
I’ve run into similar “creative” fees—had a lender sneak in a $95 “wire transfer” charge when everything was already set up for ACH. It’s wild how much you can save just by double-checking those line items. Curious if you’ve ever had a lender refuse to budge on fees, even after you called them out? Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth walking away or just eating the cost to keep the deal moving.
Yeah, those “creative” fees are everywhere—wire fees, doc prep, even “processing” fees that don’t make much sense. I’ve seen lenders dig their heels in over $50 charges, which honestly just feels petty. Sometimes they’ll fold if you push back, but other times they act like it’s non-negotiable. Personally, if it’s a small fee and the rate or terms are great, I’d probably just eat it to keep things moving, but if it starts adding up or feels shady, walking away isn’t crazy. There’s always another lender out there. Just gotta weigh the hassle versus the savings.
Totally agree—those little fees add up fast, and half the time they’re just junk. I actually walked away from a lender over a $95 “courier” fee that made zero sense. If they’re nickel-and-diming you before closing, what else are they hiding? Sometimes it’s worth the hassle to call their bluff.
Title: First-Time Buyer in Dallas: My Experience Finding the Right Mortgage Lender
You did the right thing walking away. Those “courier” fees and random line items are just a taste of what some lenders will try to sneak in. I’ve bought a few homes over the years, and every single time there’s a new mystery fee that pops up at closing. It’s like they’re hoping you’re so overwhelmed by paperwork that you won’t question it.
Honestly, I think standing your ground sends a message—not just to that lender but to any others you work with down the line. If they see you’re paying attention, they’re less likely to mess around. The first house I bought, I let a couple of those fees slide because I didn’t want to rock the boat or delay closing. Regretted it later when I realized how much it all added up.
To be fair, not every fee is total junk—some actually cover real costs—but if they can’t explain it clearly or it sounds like something from 1995 (who’s using couriers for loan docs these days?), then yeah, walk away. There are plenty of lenders out there who’ll treat you with more respect and transparency.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying your first place and just sign whatever’s put in front of you. Good on you for pushing back. The process can be exhausting, but being picky about who handles your mortgage is worth it in the long run. You’ll sleep better knowing you didn’t get fleeced before you even got the keys.
Funny enough, after I called out one lender on a “processing” fee that seemed bogus, suddenly they were able to “waive” it—no explanation, just gone from my statement. Makes you wonder how many people just pay without asking...
