- Totally agree about picking your battles. When I refinanced last year, I noticed a couple of “processing” fees that seemed vague, but when I asked for a breakdown, one actually got dropped—guess it wasn’t so necessary after all.
- I’ve found lenders are way more flexible on things like origination fees than on stuff like appraisal or credit report charges. Those seem pretty set in stone.
- One thing I’d add: sometimes just comparing Loan Estimates from a few different lenders makes the “fluff” fees stand out. If one lender’s charging $400 more for the same service, it’s a red flag.
- I do think it’s worth questioning anything that doesn’t make sense, but yeah, if you push too hard, they might just move on to the next buyer.
- It’s a weird balance—don’t want to overpay, but don’t want to lose the deal either. I guess being polite but persistent is key.
If one lender’s charging $400 more for the same service, it’s a red flag. - I do think it’s worth questioning anything that doesn’t make sense, but yeah, if you push too hard, they might ju...
I noticed the same thing with the appraisal and credit report fees—those were totally non-negotiable in my experience. But I did get an origination fee lowered after I asked about it. Has anyone ever actually managed to get an appraisal fee reduced, or is that just never happening? I always wonder if I’m missing some trick there.
I’ve never had luck getting the appraisal fee knocked down either. Every time I asked, they just said it’s set by the third-party appraiser and not negotiable. Credit report fee was the same deal. Origination and underwriting fees, though—those were definitely up for discussion. Funny how the “non-negotiable” stuff is always the stuff you most want to negotiate...
Has anyone ever actually managed to get an appraisal fee reduced, or is that just never happening?
If there’s a trick, I haven’t found it. Maybe someone’s got a secret, but I think we’re all stuck with those.
Funny how the “non-negotiable” stuff is always the stuff you most want to negotiate...
That’s the truth. I tried to haggle on the appraisal fee once—no dice. The lender just shrugged and said, “Wish we could help.” I guess it’s like trying to get a discount at the DMV... not happening. At least with origination fees, there’s some wiggle room if you push a little.
I tried to haggle on the appraisal fee once—no dice.
Yeah, those appraisal fees are set in stone. I’ve bought a few properties and never once seen a lender budge on that. It’s like they all got together and agreed, “This is the hill we die on.” Origination fees, though—totally different story. If you shop around or just ask, sometimes they’ll shave off a few hundred bucks. Not much, but hey, every bit helps when you’re closing in Dallas these days.
