What is an origination fee?

Lender fees are any charges added to a loan by the lender in addition to the loan amount. The largest lender fee is usually the origination fee, which could also be listed separately as a processing fee, underwriting fee or funding fee. Lenders might also charge an application fee, rate lock fee or title fee. Ask your lender for a list and explanation of all fees before closing on a loan.

Origination points refer to fees borrowers pay directly to lenders for evaluating qualifications, processing paperwork, securing underwriting and funding the loan. Origination fees and origination points refer to the same thing. One origination point equals 1% of the loan amount. Typically it will cost the borrower less over time to pay higher origination points upfront on a mortgage, especially if the buyer plans to stay in the home and pay off the loan. Paying lower origination points at closing will likely result in a higher interest rate over the life of the loan because the lender will want to recoup the money in exchange for working on your mortgage.

Closing costs typically include origination fees, appraisal fees, title fees and other third-party fees. During the home-buying process, a buyer must meet certain criteria to complete the mortgage. Services performed by any entity other than your lender incur third-party fees, including inspection and insurance. These fees are usually added to closing costs.

• Appraisal fee: Before a home is eligible for sale, a licensed professional must determine the market value. The appraisal includes an inspection of the property, a comparison to home values in the area and a final report. The buyer typically pays the appraisal fee.
• Title insurance: Title insurance can protect the lender and borrower from problems related to contested legal ownership of a property. Possible issues with a title include back taxes, liens or unsettled wills from previous owners. The insurance premium is paid during escrow, and coverage lasts until the loan is settled.
• Assignment recording fee: Real estate transactions are required to be part of public record. The assignment recording fee pays for a government agency to register the purchase or sale of real estate.
• Tax service fee: A mortgage lender hires a tax service at closing to research a property and determine it is free of tax liens and other impediments. If delinquent taxes exist and the buyer defaults on the loan, the preexisting tax liens allow the state to seize the property and the lender would have no access to the collateral. The lender usually passes this charge on to the borrower.
• Credit report fee: The credit report fee covers the cost the lender pays to obtain a copy of your credit report during the loan approval process.
• Flood certification: Flood certification is a document that states the flood zone status of a piece of real estate. If a home is determined to be in a flood zone, flood insurance might be required to complete the loan. Lenders typically partner with a professional for this service and pass the cost on to the borrower.

Some loan types and lenders let borrowers roll closing costs into the loan amount. Financing closing costs means the buyer pays interest on those costs over the life of the loan, which increases the overall cost compared to paying upfront.

Closing costs are due when the borrower signs the final loan documents. At this point, the title is transferred.

Escrow fees are paid to the company or professional who handles the transfer of funds and associated paperwork during a real estate sale. This can be a title company, attorney or escrow agent.

Escrow fees average between 1% and 2% of the home’s purchase price.

Buyers typically pay escrow fees. Buyers can also ask sellers to pay escrow fees in whole or part, though the seller’s acceptance of these terms will depend on how motivated they are to complete the sale.

Loan origination fees are negotiable. Be aware that when a lender agrees to a lower origination fee, the interest rate will most likely be higher over the life of the loan to recoup money for the lender.

Loan origination is a process that includes applying for a loan and the disbursement of funds. In other words, lenders must “originate” the loan.