Mortgage Origination Fee Cost Breakdown: What Duane Buziak Says You’re Actually Paying in 2026

A mortgage origination fee typically runs about 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount, but where it appears on your Loan Estimate and how it trades off against your rate matters more than the percentage. This mortgage origination fee cost breakdown from independent broker Duane Buziak (NMLS #1110647) uses real dollar math and broker-versus-lender comparisons so you can see what you’re actually paying in 2026.
How to Use a Refinance Closing Costs Calculator: Duane Buziak’s 7-Step Walkthrough

A refinance closing costs calculator can show in about ten minutes whether refinancing is worth it, but only if you enter the right numbers. Duane Buziak, NMLS #1110647, walks through seven steps: set your inputs, include every real cost, model rate scenarios, choose how to pay, find your break-even point, compare lenders, and verify the estimate against a Loan Estimate.
How to Compare Loan Estimates Without Missing Costs

Learn how to compare loan estimates line by line, calculate total costs, and spot rate, fee, cash-to-close, and loan-term trade-offs before you commit.
7 Strategies to Choose a Rental Property Mortgage Lender in 2026, From Duane Buziak

A practical guide to best rental property mortgage lenders.
Mortgage Rate Lock Definition: How a Rate Lock Works, From Duane Buziak

The mortgage rate lock definition is a lender’s written commitment to hold your interest rate and points for a set number of days while your loan is processed. Broker Duane Buziak (NMLS #1110647) explains what a lock fixes, how long it runs, what it can cost, and how an independent broker compares lock terms across wholesale lenders, with a worked dollar example.
Does PennyMac Work With Mortgage Brokers? Duane Buziak Explains How Broker Access to PennyMac’s Wholesale Channel Works

Yes, PennyMac works with independent mortgage brokers through its wholesale Third Party Origination channel. Duane Buziak, a UWM PRO ELITE 2025 broker and Scotsman Guide Top Originator, explains does PennyMac mortgage brokers, lender-specific, integration, including what changes versus going direct, a worked dollar example, and how to get access.
Duane Buziak on Freedom Mortgage TPO: How an Independent Broker Accesses Its VA and FHA Programs

A Freedom Mortgage TPO broker is an independent broker who submits loans to Freedom’s wholesale channel instead of the borrower calling its retail line. Duane Buziak (NMLS #1110647), who has no corporate affiliation with Freedom, explains what TPO means, how VA and FHA programs work through a broker, and how to compare Freedom against other wholesale lenders, with a worked dollar example and answers to ten common questions.
PennyMac Broker Access for Purchase and Refinance

PennyMac broker access for conventional, FHA, VA, and renovation loans. Compare wholesale options, costs, and broker guidance before you apply online.
Rate Buydown Comparison That Fits Your Loan

Make a rate buydown comparison with real payment math, break-even timing, points, seller credits, and lender options before you lock your mortgage rate today
7 Strategies to Find the Lowest Jumbo Mortgage Rates in 2026, From Duane Buziak

A practical guide to lowest jumbo mortgage rates.