Request a detailed GFE (Good Faith Estimate) upfront prior to paying any upfront money.
Itemize the total closing cost on the GFE.
The reason is some originators do not call the fees an origination fee or point , some call it a SURE FEE some call it something else.
It does not matter in the end what it is called what matters is what the true cost of getting the loan is.
Also stick with a local mortgage broker / mortgage banker / mortgage lender that is in the same state where you are living.
Why because the Div of Banks in your state can take action all lot quicker than an originator that is across the country.
Also check the reputation of the originator with your Div of Banks or BBB & hopefully the state you are in is abiding by
http://www.stateregulatoryregistry.org/NMLS//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home3
Happy Mortgage Shopping
Dana Bain
PS: If this is a refinance and when you go to closing and your settlement statement / HUD 1 has a large variance in higher closing cost that were not originally disclosed you can recind the transaction within three business days and any moneys you paid up front MUST be refunded....