I get where you’re coming from, but I’d argue that not all those fees are just “junk”—sometimes they’re tied to legit third-party services, even if they seem outdated. I’ve had deals where the courier fee actually covered overnighting original docs for wet signatures, especially with older title companies. It’s rare, but it happens. That said, yeah, a lot of lenders do pad the numbers hoping nobody notices. Still, I wouldn’t assume every line item is negotiable or unnecessary... sometimes there’s a real cost behind it, even if it looks silly on paper.
Still, I wouldn’t assume every line item is negotiable or unnecessary... sometimes there’s a real cost behind it, even if it looks silly on paper.
Yeah, I’ve seen that too—sometimes those weird fees actually have a purpose, even if it feels like we’re paying for someone’s lunch. But man, some lenders really do sneak in stuff that just doesn’t add up. I once had a “processing fee” that was literally just to email me the docs. Like, come on. I get there are legit costs, but it pays to double-check what you’re actually being charged for.
I swear, some of these fees are like those mystery charges you find on your restaurant bill—“ambiance fee” or “bread service,” except here it’s “document prep” or “courier fee” and you never saw a courier in your life. I had a client once who got charged $85 for a “fax fee.” In 2023. I’m not even sure where you’d find a fax machine anymore.
But yeah, sometimes there’s real stuff buried in there too, like underwriting or appraisal costs that actually go to real people doing work. It’s just wild how much it varies from lender to lender. Has anyone tried pushing back on these fees and actually gotten one removed? I’ve seen mixed results—sometimes they’ll budge, sometimes they act like you’re asking them to hand over the keys to the vault. Curious if folks have had any luck negotiating lately, especially with VA loans getting more attention these days...
I’ve had mixed luck pushing back on those “junk fees”—sometimes they’ll shave off $50 here or there, but usually only if you catch them on something obviously padded or redundant. Honestly, with VA loans, I’ve noticed the fees can sometimes be higher than conventional loans depending on the lender’s mood that week. Has anyone run into lenders trying to justify higher rates by pointing to “extra compliance” with VA guidelines? I’m skeptical that all of it’s legit... seems like a lot of smoke and mirrors.
WHY DO VA MORTGAGE RATES SEEM HIGHER LATELY?
Had a similar experience a couple years back—thought I’d be saving a bundle with a VA loan, but then the closing docs showed up and I was scratching my head at some of those fees. One lender tried to explain away a higher origination charge by saying “VA compliance is more work.” Maybe, but it felt like an excuse to pad things. I pushed back (politely) and suddenly, some of those fees “weren’t required after all.” Go figure.
It’s easy to assume VA loans are always cheaper, but in my experience, it really depends on who you’re dealing with. There’s definitely some smoke and mirrors, especially if you don’t question the line items. I’ve learned to ask for detailed breakdowns and compare them side-by-side with conventional quotes—sometimes the numbers just don’t add up.
One thing I do trust: lenders will try to get away with what you let them. Doesn’t hurt to be persistent, even if it feels awkward. You’re not imagining things—the “extra compliance” angle gets tossed around a lot, but it’s not always legit. Keep digging.
