Application Fee: Fee charged by lender to offset fixed costs
related to mortgage loan processing such as appraisal, credit
report, and underwriting.
Closing Fee: The fee charged by the closing agent who
prepares the closing documents and closes the loan on behalf of the
lender.
Commitment Fee: This is often called an origination fee
and is generally computed at 1% of the mortgage amount.
Discount Points: Each point is equal to 1% of the mortgage
amount. Points are used by the lender to adjust the yield on the
mortgage when it is sold to an investor. By paying more points, the
borrower can obtain a lower mortgage interest rate.
Funding Fees: Normally applicable on VA loans only, equal
to 1% of the loan amount. The fee is due at closing or may be added
to the loan amount and financed.
Homeowner’s Insurance: One year premium is due in advance
at time of closing.
Mortgage Insurance: Insurance required by the lender when
the down payment is less than 20%. In the case of loan default, this
insurance reduces the lender’s loss.
Pre-payables:
Adjustment to escrow accounts from the date of closing to the date
of the first payment. Interest is paid through the end of the month
of closing, taxes are paid through the end of the month of closing
plus the following month. Two months of PMI (Principle Mortgage and
Interest) are collected. Two months of homeowner’s insurance may be
collected. A homeowner’s insurance policy must be provided along
with a receipt showing that the first year’s premium is paid.
Processing Fee: Fees charged by the escrow processor,
either working for the escrow company, title company, or real estate
company, for administrative escrow services performed from the point
of contract through closing.
Recording Fees: Fees charged by state or municipal
entities for entering the closing documents into the public record.
Survey Fee: Is usually required and is used by the lender
to check for encroachments from within or from outside the subject
property.
Title Insurance: Provides protection for lenders and
homeowners against financial loss resulting from legal defects in
the title.
Underwriting Fee: Usually included in the application fee.
However, practices vary from lender to lender.