I’ve run into this too—those “processing” fees always make me wonder if someone’s just padding the margins. I’m curious, have you ever actually gotten a lender to lower or remove a fee just by pushing back? I’ve had mixed results. Sometimes they cave, sometimes they just dig in and say it’s non-negotiable. Also, do you think these extra costs are worse with reverse mortgages or HELOCs, or is it all the same racket?
Title: My experience getting monthly income from home equity
I’m curious, have you ever actually gotten a lender to lower or remove a fee just by pushing back? I’ve had mixed results.
You’re not alone—those “processing” fees can feel like a moving target. Here’s what I’ve seen:
- Pushing back sometimes works, especially if you’re comparing offers or have strong credit. I’ve had clients get origination or doc prep fees reduced, but it’s hit or miss.
- Some lenders are more flexible than others. Credit unions and local banks tend to negotiate more than big national chains.
- Reverse mortgages usually come with higher upfront costs (origination, counseling, insurance), while HELOCs often have fewer fees but can sneak in annual charges or early closure penalties.
- “Non-negotiable” is often just code for “we don’t want to bother,” but occasionally it’s legit—regulatory or third-party fees can be fixed.
Honestly, it’s always worth asking, even if it feels awkward. Worst case, you get a no. Best case, you save a few hundred bucks. The whole system’s a bit of a racket, but there’s still some wiggle room if you’re persistent.
