­Hawaii mortgage closing costs the highest in United States

Hawaii has the highest mortgage closing costs in the nation, according to Bankrate.com.

Hawaii’s closing costs average $2,919, compared with Wisconsin, which has the lowest average at $2,119.

The online personal finance information site found that mortgage closing costs rose 6 percent over the past year to a national average of $2,402, with origination fees accounting for the bulk of the increase.

Bankrate.com senior mortgage analyst Polyana da Costa recommends that potential homebuyers compare fees from different loan originators "to make sure you get the best deal in your area."

Behind Hawaii in the top five are Alaska, with an average cost of $2,675; South Caro­lina, at $2,658; California, at $2,639; and New Mexico, at $2,566. Aside from Wisconsin, the states with the lowest average mortgage closing costs are Missouri, at $2,188; Kansas, at $2,193; Michigan, at $2,203; and Washington, at $2,208.

"Settlement costs can be high, so it pays to shop around for settlement services and negotiate with the home seller, your mortgage lender, and your real estate attorney or settlement agent," according to the Federal Reserve’s consumer guide to mortgage settlement costs.

The origination fee is charged by the lender for evaluating and preparing your mortgage loan. This fee can cover the lender’s attorney’s fees, document preparation costs, notary fees and similar charges, the consumer guide said.

The estimated cost of an origination fee, according to the Federal Reserve, is $2,130 to $3,105 with a 5 percent down payment, or $1,984 to $2,865 with a 10 percent down payment. The median cost is $2,734 with a 5 percent down payment and $2,537 with a 10 percent down payment.

For more information on closing costs, see federalreserve.gov/pubs/settlement.