SETTLEMENT FEES

Financed VA funding fee or MIP-Most buyers choose to finance their VA or FHA fees rather than pay them in cash.

Origination Fee Paid to Lender-If you don't pay "points," you'll probably pay this fee. The more you pay, the lower your rate.

Discount Points Paid to Lender-A point is 1 percent of the loan amount. The interest rate goes down as points go up.

Appraisal Fee-Pays for appraiser's services; $150-$350.

Credit Report Fee-About $50.

Appraisal Review Fee-Shouldn't be charged unless you ask for a formal review.

Document Preparation-Considered a "garbage fee"  Have the lender waive it.

Processing Fee Paid to Lender-Also a garbage fee. Have the lender waive it .

Underwriting Fee-Another processing fee you should negotiate; usually $150-$300.

Courier Fees-Couriers charge up to $50 per trip.

Other-A catch-all category for expenses that don't fit neatly elsewhere. Make sure the charges are itemized and question any that don't seem reasonable.

Flood Certification-A fee to determine if you're in a flood zone; $50-$200.

Wire Transfer Fee-Charge for having funds wired or electronically transferred; about $25.

Warehouse Fee-Usually a garbage fee of about $200; ask for a waiver.

Inspection Fee-Most home-inspectors charge $250-$350.

VA Funding Fee-Ranges from 1 percent to 3 percent of the loan amount, depending on your down payment and other factors.

Settlement or Closing (Escrow Fee)-Can reach $1,000. Negotiate with the seller to split the cost.

Title Misc Fees-A catch-all category for unusual expenses incurred by the title company. These usually run less than $100.

Notary Fees-Notaries charge $10-$20 per document. May be waived if the lender has an in-house notary.

Lender's Title Insurance-You must pay $200-$400 for this insurance, even though it protects only the lender.

Owner's Title Insurance-Costs about $250 and protects your interest in the home. Not required, but worth buying.

Tax Service Fee-The meaning varies, but this fee involves checking property-tax records and runs $50 to $200.

Recording Fees-City or county charges for recording transaction-related documents. Usually totals about $50.

Transfer Tax-Local government's tax on the sale. Varies from county to county

Pest Inspection-Usually $75-$225. Shop around for the best price.