"Makes me wonder how often people just pay these fees without questioning them..."
You're totally right about this. It's surprising how many people just accept these fees as unavoidable costs. From my experience, it's definitely possible to get some of these random charges waived completely, but it takes a bit of persistence and knowing exactly what to look for.
Here's what I usually do: First, always request a detailed breakdown of all fees upfront—don't wait until closing day. Then, compare that list with standard industry practices (a quick online search or even calling around can help). If something seems off or unnecessary, politely but firmly ask the lender to justify it. I've found that once lenders realize you're informed and willing to push back, they're more likely to either reduce or completely remove those questionable fees.
Negotiating down is common, but I've had success getting things like "processing" or "document prep" fees eliminated entirely by simply pointing out they're not charged by other reputable lenders. It never hurts to ask... worst case scenario, you end up where you started anyway.
You're spot on about questioning those fees. When I refinanced my VA loan last year, I almost got hit with a "courier fee"—like seriously, who's using couriers these days? I asked about it, and the lender stumbled around trying to explain it before finally agreeing to remove it. Another thing I noticed was a vague "administrative fee" tucked into the paperwork. When I pushed back, they admitted it was basically just padding their profit margin and agreed to waive it.
Honestly, lenders count on people being overwhelmed or too busy to question every line item. But if you take the time to dig in a bit, you can save yourself a decent chunk of change. It's your money after all...might as well keep as much of it as you can.
"Honestly, lenders count on people being overwhelmed or too busy to question every line item."
Haha, isn't that the truth? When I refinanced a couple years back, they tried to slip in a "document preparation fee." Like, isn't preparing documents literally their job? When I asked about it, the rep actually laughed and said, "Yeah, good point," and took it off without any fuss. Makes you wonder how many folks just shrug and pay these random charges without a second thought...
Speaking of weird fees, has anyone else seen a "digital processing fee"? I mean, isn't digital supposed to make things cheaper and easier? How exactly does clicking a mouse cost extra money? Sometimes I swear they're just making stuff up to see if we're paying attention.
I mean, isn't digital supposed to make things cheaper and easier?
Haha, yeah, the "digital processing fee" cracks me up. Reminds me of when I refinanced and they tried charging a "courier fee" for emailing documents... like, who's the courier, Gmail? Sometimes you just gotta laugh and push back a bit.
Yeah, these fees are ridiculous sometimes. When I refinanced my VA loan last year, they tried tacking on an "e-document preparation" charge. Like seriously? You're charging me extra to NOT print paper? I pushed back a bit, politely questioned it, and surprisingly, they ended up waiving the fee. Always worth politely challenging those random charges—half the time they're just seeing what they can get away with.
