To handle this situation at my bank we always list the fees typically associated with the type of loan applied; even if we anticipate at the time of disclosure not charging for something such as an appraisal, to avoid the potential pitfalls Robin has warned about.
Once we get to the Closing Disclosure (CD) if we did not charge for a fee(s) we had listed on the Loan Estimate (LE) we have the fee(s) fall off. This gives the bank some added flexibility, in case we bank change our mind about charging a fee for whatever reason. We feel this provides the bank with the best protection; which I think Robin was alluding to.
Robin, don’t let me put words in your mouth, so if you disagree let me know.
Thanks!