So, you've been priced out of the real estate market for the last several years and, now that real estate prices have fallen, you're ready to buy in before interest rates rise. Still, aside from a downpayment, closing costs have you strapped for cash, right?

Well, try to save a little a money.

Aside from shopping around before choosing a mortgage lender, you should also have every fee explained to you before signing your final papers.

Most important, find out which fees are loan origination fees and which are third-party fees according to Bankrate.

Origination fees can be negotiated. Third-party fees aren't as easy to negotiate.

When you receive your Good Faith Estimate (GFE) - check out your origination fees. "On the GFE, fees are categorized by numerical codes ranging from the 800s to the 1300s. Most of the negotiable lender-charged fees are in the 800s: application, origination, commitment, loan discount, broker, tax-related service and underwriting fees."

Insurance and settlement fees are also negotiable.