Yeah, I’ve seen that too—sometimes those “non-negotiable” fees are actually pretty flexible if you push a bit. Lenders want deals to close, especially in a competitive market. It’s wild how much is just... negotiable, honestly. Always worth asking, even if it feels awkward.
Couldn’t agree more—those “set in stone” fees are often anything but. I’ve refinanced twice now, and both times I managed to get a few charges reduced or waived just by asking for a breakdown and questioning the line items. Lenders want your business, especially if you’ve got good credit or competing offers. It’s awkward, sure, but it can save you hundreds, sometimes more. Just goes to show, it really does pay to be persistent... even if it feels a bit uncomfortable at first.
Lenders want your business, especially if you’ve got good credit or competing offers. It’s awkward, sure, but it can save you hundreds, sometimes more.
That’s been my experience too, though I’m always a bit nervous about pushing back on the fees. Last time I refinanced, I noticed a “processing” charge that seemed vague—asked about it and they dropped it without much fuss. Still, I double-check everything since I worry about missing something buried in the paperwork. It’s a hassle, but being thorough definitely paid off for me... just wish it was all more straightforward.
I hear you on the paperwork—there’s always some random “miscellaneous” fee that pops up, and half the time it feels like they’re just testing to see if you’ll notice. I’ve had lenders try to sneak in courier fees even when everything was done electronically. It’s a bit of a dance, but I’ve found if you question things politely, they’ll often back down. Still, it’d be nice if the process wasn’t such a scavenger hunt for hidden charges... but I guess that’s just part of the game.
Yeah, those “miscellaneous” fees drive me nuts too. Here’s what I do: I ask for a full fee breakdown up front, then compare it line by line with the closing disclosure. If something looks off—like a courier fee when everything’s digital—I just flag it. Nine times out of ten, they’ll remove it without much fuss. It’s a bit tedious, but you save a few hundred bucks here and there... adds up over time.
