Closing Costs - Can These Be Reduced?

[Steve N.]

My bank sent me a closing costs estimate. This is for a conventional loan of $142,000 30 yr. 5% interest.

I am wondering if there are any costs that can be negotiated down, i.e., any charges they add that may not apply to me, or any overcharging on things that should cost less.

Here are some line items:

1. Loan Handling Fee - $675
2. Settlement/Closing Fee - $675
3. Appraisal Fee - $425
4. Title Insurance - $353
5. Owner's Title Insurance - $374
6. Recording Fees - $119
7. Courier/email/wire fee - $30.00
8. Credit Report - $18
9. Flood determination fee - $7.00

If this is typical, I'm happy to move on and accept it as a cost of doing business.