I’ve actually seen a few buyers in Dallas push back on those “processing” or “doc prep” fees and get them reduced, but it’s hit or miss. Some lenders are more willing to budge than others—especially if you call out that the fee seems arbitrary or inflated. Title companies tend to be less flexible, though. I had one client who got a $150 courier fee knocked off just by asking what it was for... turns out, nobody could really explain it. Always worth questioning anything that doesn’t make sense.
- I get what you’re saying about pushing back on fees, but honestly, I’ve tried questioning a couple of those charges and didn’t get anywhere.
- Some lenders just flat-out refused to budge, even when I pointed out the numbers didn’t add up.
- I guess it’s worth asking, but I wouldn’t count on getting much knocked off—especially if you’re not super comfortable negotiating.
- For me, it felt a bit awkward to push too hard and risk souring the deal, you know?
- Maybe I’m just too cautious, but I’d rather budget for those “junk” fees than assume they’ll disappear.
I totally get that awkward feeling—been there myself. When I bought my place in Dallas a few years back, I actually tried to haggle over the “processing” and “origination” fees. One lender just stared at me like I’d asked for free lunch. Another shaved off a couple hundred bucks, but honestly, it felt like pulling teeth. I ended up just factoring those fees into my budget too. Maybe some folks have better luck, but in my experience, lenders here aren’t exactly eager to negotiate on those line items. Still, can’t hurt to ask... just don’t bank on it.
Honestly, I hear you on the lender fees—those “processing” and “origination” charges always feel like a bit of a shakedown. When I refinanced last year, I pushed back on every single line item just out of principle. Got a little knocked off, but not much. Still, I’d argue it’s worth pushing, even if it feels awkward. Sometimes just showing you’re paying attention gets you a better deal, or at least some transparency. Even if you don’t win, you don’t lose anything by asking.
Pushing back on lender fees is underrated, honestly. I’ve had lenders quietly “find room” to cut a couple hundred bucks just because I questioned those random admin charges. It’s not always a huge win, but it adds up—plus you get a sense of what’s negotiable and what isn’t. Doesn’t hurt to ask, ever.
