Which refinance closing costs you may be able to shop for or negotiate, and how to compare them. Work through each part below with your own numbers and documents, and keep notes as you go.
Know which fees are shoppable
The Loan Estimate separates services you cannot shop for (Section B) from those you can (Section C). When you can shop, the lender must give you a written list of providers. You may choose one from the list or find your own, which can change how much the fee may vary at closing under the tolerance rules.
Ask about title reissue pricing
On a refinance, a new lender's title policy is usually required. In some states, title insurers offer reduced reissue pricing when an existing policy was issued recently. Ask the title company whether such a discount applies and what documents they need to apply it.
Which refinance closing costs you may be able to shop for or negotiate, and how to compare them.
Compare origination charges directly
Section A lists what the lender charges to make the loan, including points. These are often the easiest charges to compare across lenders. Ask whether any fee can be reduced or waived, or whether a lender credit can offset costs in exchange for a slightly higher rate.
Watch prepaid and escrow items
Prepaid interest, insurance premiums and the initial escrow deposit appear in Sections F and G. They are not lender profit, but they affect cash to close. When you refinance, your old escrow balance is usually refunded by the previous servicer after payoff, so plan for the timing gap.
Sources
Sources checked 10/23/2026. General education only; confirm current rules with official sources and a licensed lender.