Question 1

What are Stearns Lending's average closing costs?

Accepted Answer

Based on 49 homebuyer-submitted Closing Disclosures, Stearns Lending's median total closing costs are $16,175. This is about 397% above the $3,257 national peer median for comparable lenders. Actual costs vary by loan type, loan amount, property state, and individual borrower profile. This data is informational only and not financial advice.

Question 2

Does Stearns Lending charge junk fees?

Accepted Answer

18% of Closing Disclosures we've analyzed for Stearns Lending included at least one fee flagged as potentially excessive. Origination Fee fees stand out in particular, averaging $7,546 compared to a peer average of $1,618. "Junk fees" are charges that are inflated beyond what comparable lenders charge or that provide little discernible value to the borrower. Upload your Closing Disclosure for a line-by-line analysis of your specific loan. This is informational only and not financial or legal advice.

Question 3

How do Stearns Lending's fees compare to other lenders?

Accepted Answer

Stearns Lending currently holds a grade of F on Fair Closing Check, placing them significantly above the national average — a red flag worth investigating before closing. Their median closing costs of $16,175 are about 397% above the $3,257 national peer median. Grades are based on real homebuyer-submitted Closing Disclosures and scale from A (well below average) to F (significantly above average). This is informational only; individual loans vary by state, loan type, and borrower circumstances.

Question 4

Can I negotiate closing costs with Stearns Lending?

Accepted Answer

Yes — closing costs are almost always negotiable to some degree. Based on our data, Stearns Lending's origination fee (avg $7,546 vs $1,618 peer avg) and document preparation (avg $195 vs $159 peer avg) have both run above comparable lenders — making them the most important fees to challenge. Lender-controlled fees like origination, processing, and underwriting charges can often be reduced or waived, especially if you have a strong credit profile or are comparing offers from multiple lenders. Third-party fees such as title insurance and settlement services can sometimes be shopped around for better rates — you are generally entitled to choose your own providers. Fair Closing Check analyzes your specific Closing Disclosure and identifies which fees to challenge and how much room there is to negotiate. This is informational only and not legal or financial advice.

Question 5

What fees on Stearns Lending's Closing Disclosures run above peer averages?

Accepted Answer

Across homebuyer-submitted Closing Disclosures for Stearns Lending, three fee categories tend to run above comparable lenders: origination fee (avg $7,546 vs $1,618 peer avg, +$5,927). These are the line items most worth scrutinizing or challenging on your own disclosure. "Junk fees" is industry shorthand for charges that are inflated beyond the peer norm or provide little discernible value — the CFPB recommends shopping title, settlement, and pest-inspection services independently when possible. This data is informational only and not financial advice.

Question 6

How much do Stearns Lending's closing costs vary by state?

Accepted Answer

Stearns Lending's closing costs vary significantly by state. Based on the 5 states in our database with at least 3 reports, median total closing costs range from $8,380 in Texas to $22,247 in New York — a $13,867 spread. Variation reflects state-specific transfer taxes, title insurance regulation, attorney requirements, and recording-fee schedules rather than lender policy. See state-level data on this page to compare your own state. This is informational only and not financial advice.

Fee Category	This Lender (avg)	National Avg	Verdict
Origination Fee	$7,546	$1,618	🔺 High
Title Insurance	$3,038	$3,405	🟢 Below Avg
Underwriting Fee	$1,389	$1,546	🟢 Below Avg
Appraisal	$1,045	$1,125	🟡 Average
Settlement/Closing Fee	$946	$1,053	🟢 Below Avg
Processing Fee	$738	$841	🟢 Below Avg
Rate Lock Fee	$371	$370	🟡 Average
Title Search	$370	$412	🟢 Below Avg
Recording Fee	$332	$364	🟡 Average
Document Preparation	$195	$159	🔴 Above Avg
Tax Service Fee	$121	$135	🟢 Below Avg
Credit Report	$66	$71	🟡 Average
Wire Transfer Fee	$66	$72	🟡 Average
Courier/Delivery	$57	$63	🟡 Average
Flood Certification	$23	$25	🟡 Average

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