I actually managed to get my title insurance fee knocked down a bit last year, but it took some awkward haggling and a lot of “let me check with my manager” moments. Maybe I just got lucky or caught them on a slow day? Either way, I wouldn’t say it’s impossible—just rare. The whole process felt like buying a used car, honestly.
Man, I totally get that “used car” vibe. I remember the first time I tried to negotiate title insurance, I felt like I was at one of those old-school dealerships where you just know you’re not getting the sticker price. It’s awkward, and honestly, most people don’t even realize you *can* haggle those fees. You definitely weren’t just lucky—sometimes it’s just about catching the right person on a day when they’re willing to play ball.
I wouldn’t call it common, but it’s not unicorn-rare either. I’ve had a couple friends manage to shave off a few hundred bucks here and there, but you’re right—it’s never straightforward. There’s always that “let me check with my supervisor” back-and-forth, which just drags things out. But hey, every little bit helps, especially with how much these refis can nickel-and-dime you.
Honestly, I think more folks should try pushing back on those fees, even if it feels weird. The worst they can do is say no, and sometimes they’ll surprise you. I’ve found that just asking if there are any discounts or if they can match another quote can open doors. Doesn’t always work, but when it does, it feels like a tiny victory.
Refinancing with a VA loan has its own quirks too—some costs are set in stone, but others, like title insurance, have wiggle room. It’s just not advertised. Makes you wonder how many people just pay full price without realizing there’s room to negotiate.
Anyway, props for sticking it out and getting that fee knocked down. It’s not easy, but it’s worth the hassle. If nothing else, you walk away knowing you didn’t just take the first number they threw at you... and that’s something.
- Totally agree, the “let me check with my supervisor” routine is straight out of the car dealership playbook.
- I’ve found that if you come in with a competing quote (even if it’s just a screenshot from another title company), they’ll usually at least pretend to negotiate.
- VA refis are weird—some fees are locked, but title insurance is almost always padded. I once got $400 knocked off just by asking if they could “do any better.”
- It’s wild how many people just pay the first number. I always tell friends: if it feels like a junk fee, it probably is.
- The back-and-forth is annoying, but hey, $200 here and there adds up... especially when you’re doing multiple deals a year.
I once got $400 knocked off just by asking if they could “do any better.”
That’s exactly it—most folks don’t realize how negotiable these “fixed” fees really are. I’ve seen lenders try to sneak in courier charges or “processing” fees that make zero sense. If you don’t question every line, you’re just leaving money on the table. Even if it feels awkward, it’s worth pushing back. The worst they can say is no, right?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had lenders flat-out refuse to budge on some of those fees. Sometimes they’ll just say “company policy” and that’s the end of it. I’m all for asking, but I try not to count on getting anything knocked off. It’s worth a shot, but I wouldn’t bank on it saving you a ton every time. Just my two cents...
