If they can’t explain it in plain English, that’s a red flag for me.
Totally agree with this. When I refinanced last year, there was a “courier fee” that nobody could really explain—just kept getting passed around. I pushed back and they dropped it, no questions asked. Makes you wonder how many people just pay without realizing. I’m all for paying what’s fair, but if it’s not clear, I get suspicious real quick.
Yeah, those mystery fees drive me nuts too. If I can’t explain a charge to a client in two sentences, it probably shouldn’t be there. Some lenders just hope you won’t notice—always worth asking for a breakdown. I’ve seen “processing” fees that were just… nothing.
Totally get where you’re coming from. When I refinanced last year, I spotted a “courier fee” that was almost $100. I asked what it was for, and the guy just mumbled something about “document handling.” I pushed back and—surprise—it disappeared. It’s wild how some of these charges just vanish if you question them. Always pays to double-check, even if it feels awkward.
That’s a good catch. I’ve seen those “processing” or “courier” fees pop up on settlement statements more times than I can count. Sometimes they’re legit, but often they’re just padded in because people rarely question them. In my experience, lenders and title companies expect a bit of pushback, especially from folks who’ve been through the process before. It’s not just about saving a few bucks—it’s about knowing what you’re actually paying for.
For H1B holders, the paperwork can already feel overwhelming, so it’s easy to let these little charges slide. But honestly, it’s worth scrutinizing every line item, even if it feels nitpicky. The industry’s gotten better about transparency over the years, but there are still gray areas. I always tell buyers: if something doesn’t make sense or seems vague, ask for clarification. Worst case, you get an explanation; best case, you save some money.
One thing I’d add—sometimes these fees are bundled under different names depending on the lender or state. It pays to compare closing disclosures side by side if you’re shopping around. Those small differences can add up fast.
