Mortgage Dictionary

Select a term from the dropdown text box. The online mortgage dictionary will display a definition, plus links to other related web pages.

Select term:       

Origination Fee

The origination fee is an upfront fee that covers loan processing costs. It is paid to the lender at the time of closing. Like discount points, the origination fee is stated in the form of points.

Thus, if you get a $100,000 mortgage with a 3-point origination fee, you will need to pay 3% of the loan (i.e., $3,000) at closing. Since you are required to pay $3,000 upfront, you actually only receive $97,000 from the lender. Unlike discount points, the interest rate on the loan is not affected by the origination fee.

See also:   Mortgage and Home Financing Costs