- When I refinanced last year, I was shocked at how many “required” fees just... vanished after I asked about them. The lender acted annoyed, but suddenly the doc prep fee and a weird “mailing charge” were gone. Didn’t even have to argue, just asked what they were for.
- Agree on shopping around. I got three quotes and the first lender magically found a lower rate when I showed them another offer. It felt awkward, but it saved me a chunk of change.
- For H1B folks, I’d double down on making sure the lender knows what they’re doing with visa paperwork. My friend almost lost his earnest money because the underwriter didn’t understand his visa status and delayed everything. Not fun.
- Title and escrow fees—yeah, those are more flexible than people think. I called around and found a title company that matched a competitor’s lower rate. It took a few calls, but worth it.
- One thing I’d add: don’t be afraid to walk away if something feels off or you’re getting stonewalled on questions. There’s always another lender out there.
For H1B folks, I’d double down on making sure the lender knows what they’re doing with visa paperwork. My friend almost lost his earnest money because the underwriter didn’t understand his visa status and delayed everything. Not fun.
This is spot on. I once had a client whose loan officer kept asking for “proof of residency” even after we’d sent over every document under the sun. We ended up switching lenders mid-process—stressful, but way better than risking the deal. And yeah, those “required” fees? Half the time they’re just... suggestions. Always worth questioning them.
Couldn’t agree more about the lender part—way too many don’t actually know the ins and outs of H1B paperwork. I’ve seen deals get derailed over the simplest misunderstandings. It’s wild how something like “proof of residency” trips them up when all the docs are already there. And yeah, those fees? Half the time you push back, they magically become “optional.” Definitely pays to stay skeptical and double-check everything.
Couldn’t agree more about the lender part—way too many don’t actually know the ins and outs of H1B paperwork.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had a different experience with the “proof of residency” issue. Sometimes it’s not just about the docs being there—it’s about how they’re presented or even the specific wording. Lenders can be picky, but I’ve found that if you organize everything in a really clear, logical order, it cuts down on confusion. As for the fees, yeah, some are negotiable, but not all. I’ve pushed back and still had to pay a few that seemed pretty set in stone. Maybe it depends on the lender’s internal policies more than we think.
Honestly, I think you nailed it about how picky lenders can get. I’ve had them question the tiniest details—like, one time they got hung up on a date format in my lease. It’s frustrating, but being super organized really does help. Fees are another story... I’ve tried negotiating too, and yeah, some just won’t budge. Guess it’s all about finding that one lender who’s actually willing to work with you instead of making things harder. Don’t let it discourage you though—persistence pays off, even if it takes a few tries.
