Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Iowa

Closing Charges After Closing

An appraisal on the house I closed on 2 weeks ago stated they needed a structural engineer to look at the foundation. He came out and charged $190. At closing I payed $100 for a final inspection to verify the foundation work. The final was completed at no charge. I was told the $100 would be refunded. Then the lender realized they didn't charge the $190 inspection fee at closing ''due to being rushed''. Now they want to use my $100 that is labeled for ''Final Inspection'' to pay part of the fee and bill me $90. Is the lender just trying to bully me because he doesn't want to pay this himself? Am I entitled to get my $100 back and not pay an additional $90? Can there be additional charges after closing takes place?


Asked on 7/23/08, 7:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas Moens Moens Law Offices, Chartered

Re: Closing Charges After Closing

The $100 should be a separate issue from the $190. They should refund the $100, and you should pay the $190 bill, assuming you were obligated to pay it.

Sure, the lender or title company missed it, but so did you. This is like getting out to your car after shopping at the grocery store and finding out that the clerk did not charge you for the bag of dog food under your cart. You are not entitled to free dog food because someone made a mistake. Likewise, you are not entitled to a free structural inspection just because someone missed a fee.

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Answered on 7/25/08, 8:48 am


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