Loans: Why mortgage closing costs are rising

A couple articles today reporting on how closing costs for a mortgage have been going up the last couple years.  They explain that the mortgage industry has new costs to adhere to the new financial regulations in place to prevent a future meltdown, which of course are they are passing to the home buyer/refinancer.

Buying a home may be cheaper these days, but the cost of closing on a mortgage has increased in most states (bankrate)
Why Mortgage Closing Costs Are Rising and How You Can Protect Yourself (creditsesame)

Vexing mortgage question 2: Should you payoff the mortgage?

Lots of web discussion and opinion on this one.  The Get Rich Slowly blog recently revisited the topic and got lots of reader reaction.  Paying it off early versus investing the funds is "like choosing between an apple and an orange...they're both good"

Vexing mortgage question 1: Should you refinance?

Mortgage rates are low these days. Today's link is one mortgage loan officer's take on the question, should you refinance.  His take is pretty simple,  no break-even points to consider.  If you can save money with no costs, say "yes." (hsh.com)