What is a Warehouse Fee in mortgage lending?

The warehouse fee in mortgage lending refers to a fee charged by a lender to offset the costs associated with holding a mortgage loan on their books until it is sold to an investor. This concept arises from the practice of lenders using warehouse lines of credit to fund loans before selling them in the secondary market. During the time the money is utilized to fund the mortgage, the lender incurs costs related to capital being tied up, which is then recouped through the warehouse fee.

This fee is crucial for lenders as it helps mitigate the financial burden during the interim period when loans are not yet sold and provides a mechanism to maintain liquidity. Understanding the warehouse fee is important for mortgage professionals, as it can affect the overall cost structure and pricing of mortgage loans offered to borrowers.