Which of the following is NOT considered a closing cost for real estate loans?

Closing costs for real estate loans typically include a variety of fees that are associated with finalizing the mortgage transaction. These costs are necessary to facilitate the transfer of ownership and include expenses that arise from legal, administrative, and logistical requirements.

Loan packaging fees, which are often involved with the initial processing and underwriting of a loan application rather than the closing itself, generally do not fall under the category of closing costs. These fees cover costs related to assembling and preparing the necessary documentation and can be more focused on the early stages of securing a loan.

In contrast, attorney's fees, title insurance policies, and tax monitoring services directly relate to the closing of the loan and the property transfer. Attorney's fees ensure that legal requirements are met, title insurance protects against future claims on the property, and tax monitoring services provide ongoing updates regarding property taxes, all of which occur during the closing phase. Therefore, loan packaging fees are distinguished from these as they are not typically included in the closing costs.