Honestly, I get where you're coming from about all the random fees, but I do think not every charge is just a cash grab. Some of those line items are legit—like, wire transfers actually do have costs sometimes, even if it seems silly. That said, I totally agree that a lot of people don’t realize how much is negotiable. I used to just accept whatever was listed because I didn’t want to seem difficult, but after my last refi, I started questioning everything. Ended up shaving a few hundred bucks off just by asking. Still, I guess some fees are just part of the deal... it’s the hidden or vague ones that bug me most.
Ended up shaving a few hundred bucks off just by asking. Still, I guess some fees are just part of the deal... it’s the hidden or vague ones that bug me most.
Totally with you on the vague fees—those are the ones I always flag first. Over the years, I've found it helps to break down the Closing Disclosure line by line, even if it feels tedious. Here’s my usual approach:
1. Print out the fee sheet and grab a highlighter. Mark anything that’s unclear or seems redundant (like “processing” and “admin” fees that look suspiciously similar).
2. Ask for a written explanation of each fee. Lenders and title companies will usually clarify, and sometimes just asking makes them drop or reduce something.
3. Compare with your Loan Estimate. If something jumps up at closing, push back—sometimes it’s an error, sometimes it’s negotiable.
4. For legit stuff like wire fees, I’ll ask if there’s a cheaper alternative (e.g., cashier’s check). Sometimes there is, sometimes not.
It’s surprising how often just questioning things saves money. The “don’t want to seem difficult” thing is real, but after a few deals, you realize it’s just business—they expect you to ask. Hidden fees are still my pet peeve, though... nothing like seeing “miscellaneous” pop up for $150.
Hidden fees are still my pet peeve, though... nothing like seeing “miscellaneous” pop up for $150.
Right? That “miscellaneous” line always makes me suspicious. I once had a “courier fee” for $90 and when I asked, they just shrugged and said it was standard. Spoiler: it wasn’t. They dropped it after I pushed back. It’s wild how much you can save just by being a little nosy. I’d rather be the annoying question-asker than pay for mystery charges.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve had similar “processing” or “admin” fees sneak onto my paperwork, and it’s always worth questioning them. Sometimes they’re legit, but a lot of the time, they’re just hoping you won’t notice. It’s not being annoying—it’s just being smart with your money. I’d rather double-check everything than pay for something I don’t understand.
I’d rather double-check everything than pay for something I don’t understand.
Same here. I always ask for a breakdown of every fee, even if it feels nitpicky. Has anyone actually gotten a lender to waive or reduce one of those “processing” fees, or are they usually non-negotiable?
