This tool provides an estimate of the upfront charge levied by lenders for processing a loan. This charge, usually expressed as a percentage of the total loan amount, covers expenses such as underwriting, document preparation, and administrative costs. For instance, on a $200,000 loan with a 1% origination fee, the calculated cost would be $2,000.
Understanding this calculation is critical for borrowers because it directly impacts the overall cost of borrowing. This upfront expense must be factored into affordability assessments and compared across different loan offers. Historically, these fees were less transparent, but current disclosure requirements and accessible computational tools enable borrowers to make more informed decisions.
