Yeah, those “courier fees” always crack me up—like, are they hand-delivering my paperwork on horseback or what? I’ve tried the credit re-pull thing once. Didn’t really move the needle for me, but I guess if your score’s jumped a lot, it could help. The timing feels like a lottery sometimes. I just keep a close eye on the closing docs and question every weird fee. If they can’t explain it, I’m not paying it.
Yeah, those random fees always make me raise an eyebrow. I’ve seen “courier” charges that look like someone just made up a number and slapped it on the sheet. I always push back—sometimes they’ll drop it if you call them out.
- Credit re-pull: I’ve had mixed results too. If your score’s jumped 20+ points, maybe worth it, but otherwise, lenders seem to use it as an excuse to tack on more paperwork.
- Timing: Total crapshoot. Rates move fast and sometimes you lock in, then see a better deal two days later. Frustrating.
- Closing docs: I go line by line. If there’s anything that doesn’t make sense, I flag it. Had one lender try to sneak in a “processing fee” twice—caught it, they blamed “system error.” Right.
One thing I’ve noticed—VA loans can be especially heavy on the little fees because lenders know the government’s backing it. Doesn’t mean you have to just accept them. Push back every time. Sometimes they’ll cave just to get the deal done.
Had one lender try to sneak in a “processing fee” twice—caught it, they blamed “system error.” Right.
That “system error” excuse cracks me up. I once had a client where the “document prep” fee showed up three times, each with a slightly different name. When I called them out, the rep got all flustered and said, “Oh, that’s just how our software prints it.” Sure it is. VA loans do seem to attract more of these mystery charges—maybe because folks assume you won’t notice? Always pays to be a little paranoid and double-check every line.
Had a similar thing happen during my last refi—“courier fee” showed up twice, once as “overnight delivery” and again as “express mail.” When I questioned it, they acted like it was standard practice. I’ve learned to go through every item with a fine-tooth comb, especially on VA loans. It’s tedious, but those little charges add up fast. Funny how the “system” always seems to work in their favor...
Title: Thinking about refinancing my VA mortgage, curious what others are doing
Those “creative” line items on closing docs drive me nuts. I’ve seen the same thing—one loan had a “courier fee,” “overnight shipping,” and “document handling” all stacked up. When I called them out, they got cagey and said it was just how their system itemized things. Sure, Jan.
Here’s my step-by-step for anyone going through a VA refi (or any refi, really):
1. Get the Loan Estimate as early as possible and compare it to your Closing Disclosure. Don’t just skim—actually go line by line. If something looks off or is listed twice under different names, flag it.
2. Ask for explanations in writing. Phone calls are fine for quick questions, but if you want leverage, get their responses in an email. Lenders are way less likely to brush you off when there’s a paper trail.
3. Don’t be afraid to negotiate fees. Some folks think everything is set in stone, but I’ve had luck getting junk fees reduced or removed just by being persistent (and maybe a little annoying).
4. Double-check third-party charges like title insurance or appraisal fees. Sometimes lenders will pad these with “admin” costs that aren’t actually required.
5. For VA loans specifically, remember you shouldn’t be paying certain costs that non-VA borrowers have to cover (like escrow waivers or pest inspections in some states). If you see those pop up, push back.
It’s tedious, yeah, but honestly, I’d rather spend an hour nitpicking than hand over a few hundred bucks for nothing. The system isn’t always rigged against you—sometimes it’s just lazy clerical work—but either way, mistakes cost you money.
One time I caught a $95 “fax fee.” Fax! In 2023! They dropped it after I asked if they were sending documents via carrier pigeon next.
Bottom line: treat every dollar like it’s yours to lose... because it is.
