Mortgage Loan Costs
Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 13, 2009
As you look for a home loan, remember that mortgage loan fees vary with each loan program and lender. By shopping around, you can find a home loan that fits your financial needs.
Also, there are fees that lenders often require you to pay in advance when the mortgage loan is initiated:
Common Fees
While mortgage costs will vary by lender, here are some common fees with estimations:- Appraisal Fee ($250-$400) - cost of the appraiser's report, which estimates the value of the home for mortgage loan purposes.
- Attorney's Fees ($350-$700) - for reviewing legal documents and negotiating with the buyer/seller.
- Credit Report ($30-$75) - details your credit history.
- Flood Insurance - if required in your area.
- Home Owner's Insurance (Hazard Insurance) ($350-$700) - protects you against loss from fire and other hazards.
- Mortgage Loan Interest - accrues from the date of the settlement to the first monthly home loan payment.
- Loan Origination Fee or "Points" - covers the lender's costs in processing the home loan and often is one or two percentage points of the loan. If a lender charges two points on a $100,000 loan, the fee is $2,000.
- Mortgage Broker Fee - fees paid to broker who shopped around for your home loan.
- Real Estate Transfer Tax - where applicable, a fee charged by a municipality each time a property is sold or bought. Can be 2-4 percent of the sale price. On a $100,000 home, the fee is $2,000 to $4,000.
- Taxes - city and county taxes, as required, can range from $50 to several hundred.
- Title Insurance ($300-$700) - protects you against liens on the title.
Also, there are fees that lenders often require you to pay in advance when the mortgage loan is initiated:
- One Year of Mortgage Insurance
- One Year of Home Owner's Insurance
Mortgage Calculators
When trying to estimate your total mortgage loan fees, look for Web sites with mortgage calculators. Many Web sites also list current mortgage rates, refinancing options, and home equity loan programs.Reducing Mortgage Loan Costs
There are many competitive mortgage loan companies vying for your business. Ask friends and neighbors for referrals and shop for a home loan online. Many mortgage loan lenders offer loans with low closing costs, no points, little documentation, and other incentives. Before committing to one home loan lender, ask for an estimate of closing costs.Top 3 Articles
Deals for Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012
-
Lenders will battle for your business. Get competitive loan quotes from up to four lenders. No cost and no obligation.