Yes, as long as you follow the rules set out in the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). These rules come into play any time a real estate broker in a position to refer mortgage business to a lender is paid a “thing of value” by the lender.
Full Answer
What is RESPA in real estate?
The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, or RESPA, was enacted by Congress to provide homebuyers and sellers with improved disclosures of settlement costs and to eliminate abusive practices in the real estate settlement process. Next Up.
What information do lenders have to disclose under RESPA?
RESPA requires lenders, mortgage brokers, or servicers of home loans to disclose to borrowers any information about the real estate transaction. The information disclosure should include settlement services, relevant consumer protection laws, and any other information connected to the cost of the real estate settlement process.
Does RESPA cover loans secured by a business?
RESPA is intended to protect consumers who are seeking to become eligible for a mortgage loan. However, RESPA does not protect types of loans. Loans secured by real estate for a business or agricultural purpose are not covered by RESPA. 5
What are unearned fee arrangements under RESPA?
RESPA Section 8 (b) prohibits unearned fee arrangements in connection with federally related mortgage loans. RESPA Section 8 (b) prohibits the giving and accepting of any portion, split, or percentage of charges made or received for real estate settlement service business, unless for services actually performed. 12 USC § 2607 (b).
What are two things that RESPA prohibits?
RESPA Section 8(a) and Regulation X, 12 CFR § 1024.14(b), prohibit giving or accepting a fee, kickback, or thing of value pursuant to an agreement or understanding (oral or otherwise), for referrals of business incident to or part of a settlement service involving a federally related mortgage loan.
Which are prohibited by RESPA?
RESPA Section 8(a) prohibits the giving and accepting of kickbacks (e.g., cash or other “things of value” as defined in RESPA and Regulation X) pursuant to any agreement or understanding to refer settlement service business or business incident to a real estate settlement service in connection with those loans.
What does RESPA not prohibit?
RESPA does not apply to extensions of credit to the government, government agencies, or instrumentalities, or in situations where the borrower plans to use property or land primarily for business, commercial, or agricultural purposes.
Which of the following is a RESPA violation?
Violation: Section 8a of RESPA prohibits giving or receiving any referral fees, kickbacks, or anything in value being exchanged for referral of business involving a federally related mortgage loan. The violation applies to verbal, written, or established conduct of such referral agreement.
Which of the following settlement services would not be covered by RESPA?
Which of the following are not covered by The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act? -A timeshare purchase. The following transactions are not covered by RESPA: an all cash sale, a sale where the individual home seller takes back the mortgage, a rental property transaction or other business purpose transaction.
What are the 6 pieces of RESPA?
For transactions subject to the TRID Rule, an “application” consists of the submission of the following six pieces of information:The consumer's name;The consumer's income;The consumer's social security number to obtain a credit report;The property address;An estimate of the value of the property; and.More items...
What are RESPA rules?
The Act requires lenders, mortgage brokers, or servicers of home loans to provide borrowers with pertinent and timely disclosures regarding the nature and costs of the real estate settlement process. The Act also prohibits specific practices, such as kickbacks, and places limitations upon the use of escrow accounts.
Which of the following activities is not allowed under the real estate Settlements and Procedures Act?
Which of the following activities is not allowed under the Real Estate Settlements and Procedures Act? A broker having any business relationship with an insurance company that is involved in the broker's transaction.
Which of the following forms of compensation is a violation of RESPA?
Which of the following forms of compensation is a violation of RESPA? The answer is a fee paid by a title company to an originator for referral of settlement services. RESPA requires any fees to be "earned." Referral fees are considered a violation.
Which of the following is prohibited by RESPA quizlet?
RESPA prohibits any person from giving or receiving a fee, kickback, or "a thing of value" for referring business to a mortgage broker or banker, or a title company.
Why are kickbacks prohibited under RESPA?
The Real Estate Settlements Procedures Act (RESPA) protects consumers by banning kickbacks that tend to unnecessarily increase the cost of mortgage settlement services. RESPA also helps promote a level playing field by ensuring companies compete for business on fair and transparent terms.
What is covered by RESPA?
The RESPA statute covers mortgage loans on a one-to-four family residential property. These include most purchase loans, assumptions, refinances, property improvement loans, and equity lines of credit.
What are 2 practices that are not prohibited with regard to appraisers?
4) CALIFORNIA (b) Subdivision (a) does not prohibit a person with an interest in a real estate transaction from asking an appraiser to do any of the following: (1) Consider additional, appropriate property information. (2) Provide further detail, substantiation, or explanation for the appraiser's value conclusion.
Guides
Guides to how the Bureau will supervise and examine entities under its jurisdiction for compliance with Federal consumer financial law.
FAQs
The Bureau provides a list of commonly asked questions and answers on particular topics to assist in understanding and complying with RESPA and Regulation X.
Additional materials
Escrow disclosure appendices that were removed from the CFR and converted into Public Guidance Documents by HUD’s 1996 Streamlining Final Rule.
Contact Information
If you have a question about the Bureau’s rules and the statutes we implement, please first review the regulations and official interpretations (commentary) as well as the available guidance and compliance resources.
What is a kickback in RESPA?
RESPA Section 8 (a) prohibits kickbacks for business referrals involving a federally related mortgage loan. RESPA Section 8 (a) prohibits the giving and accepting of kickbacks (e.g., cash or other “things of value” as defined in RESPA and Regulation X) pursuant to any agreement or understanding to refer settlement service business or business incident to a real estate settlement service in connection with those loans. 12 USC § 2607 (a).
What is a RESPA Section 8 B?
Under RESPA Section 8 (b), if the MSA serves as a method of splitting charges made or received for real estate settlement services in connection with a federally related mortgage loan, other than for services actually performed, the MSA or the conduct under the MSA is prohibited . MSAs violate RESPA Section 8 (b) if they disguise kickbacks by purporting to provide payment for services, but a split charge is paid even though the person receiving the split charge does not actually perform services. Similarly, a violation of RESPA Section 8 (b) occurs if the services are performed, but the amount of the split charge exceeds the value of the services performed by the person receiving the split. For more information about the analysis under RESPA Section 8 (b), see RESPA Section 8 General FAQ 3, above.
What is a RESPA 8A?
Under RESPA Section 8 (a), if an MSA involves an agreement or understanding to refer business incident to or part of a settlement service in exchange for a fee, kickback, or thing of value, then the MSA or conduct under the MSA is prohibited. For example, this can include (but is not limited to) agreements structured or implemented to provide payments based on the number of referrals received. For more information about the analysis under RESPA Section 8 (a), see RESPA Section 8 (a) FAQ 1, above.
What is a referral in RESPA?
As discussed in RESPA Section 8 (a) FAQ 1, referrals include any oral or written action directed to a person where the action has the effect of affirmatively influencing the selection of a particular provider of settlement services or business incident thereto by a person paying a charge attributable to the service or business. 12 CFR § 1024.14 (f) (1). For example, referrals include a settlement service provider directly handing clients the contact information of another settlement service provider that happens to result in the client using that other settlement service provider.
What is a lawful MSA?
A lawful MSA is an agreement for the performance of marketing services where the payments under the MSA are reasonably related to the value of services actually performed. 12 USC § 2607 (c) (2); 12 CFR § 1024.14 (g) (1) (iv). This is distinguished from an MSA that—whether oral, written, or indicated by a course of conduct, and looking to both how the MSA is structured and how it is implemented—involves an agreement for referrals. Unlike referrals, as described in RESPA Section 8: Marketing Services Agreement FAQ 2, below, marketing services are compensable services under RESPA. 12 CFR § 1024.14 (b) and (g) (2).
What is the appendix B of Regulation X?
Appendix B to Regulation X provides examples to illustrate the application of RESPA to particular fact patterns, including fact patterns under Section 8 (a), 8 (b), and 8 (c) indicating whether or not a violation occurred. Appendix B to 12 CFR part 1024.
What is a thing of value?
Fee, kickback, or thing of value. Thing of value is broadly defined in RESPA and Regulation X. 12 USC § 2602 (2); 12 CFR § 1024.14 (d). Regulation X defines the term to include, without limitation: monies, things, discounts, salaries, commissions, fees, duplicate payments of a charge, stock, dividends, distributions of partnership profits, franchise royalties, credits representing monies that may be paid at a future date, the opportunity to participate in a money-making program, retained or increased earnings, increased equity in a parent or subsidiary entity, special bank deposits or accounts, special or unusual banking terms, services of all types at special or free rates, sales or rentals at special prices or rates, lease or rental payments based in whole or in part on the amount of business referred, trips and payment of another person's expenses, or reduction in credit against an existing obligation. “Payment” is used synonymously with the giving or receiving of a “thing of value” in Regulation X, 12 CFR §§ 1024.14 and 1024.15, and does not require the transfer of money. 12 CFR § 1024.14 (d).
What is RESPA in real estate?
RESPA seeks to reduce unnecessarily high settlement costs by requiring disclosures to homebuyers and sellers, and by prohibiting abusive practices in the real estate settlement process.
Does RESPA require title insurance?
RESPA outlaws kickbacks, referral fees, and unearned fees, prohibits sellers from requiring borrowers to purchase title insurance from specific companies , and does not allow loan servicers to require excessively large escrow accounts. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, DC 20410-8000.
What is RESPA in real estate?
§ 2601, et seq.) became effective on June 20, 1975. It requires lenders, mortgage brokers, or servicers of home loans to provide borrowers with pertinent and timely disclosures about the nature and costs of the real estate settlement process. RESPA also prohibits practices such as kickbacks, and limits the use of escrow accounts. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) originally published Regulation X, which implements RESPA.
How long does it take for a credit union to return a loan after paying off a mortgage?
Review escrow accounts for paid off mortgages to determine whether the credit union returned amounts remaining in escrow within 20 days (excluding legal public holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays) after the borrower paid the mortgage loan in full. (§ 1024.34 (b) (opens new window))
How long does a credit union have to contact a borrower after delinquent?
Determine if the credit union makes a good faith effort to establish live contact with the borrower within 36 days after each time the borrower becomes delinquent. (§ 1024.39 (a) (opens new window))
What are the objectives of a credit union examination?
Examination Objectives. Determine if the credit union has policies and procedures to ensure it complies with RESPA. Determine if the credit union engages in any practices prohibited by RESPA , such as kickbacks, paying or receiving referral fees or unearned fees, or excessive escrow assessments.
How long does it take to get a reverse mortgage disclosure?
Determine that the lender, mortgage broker who anticipates using table funding, or dealer in a first-lien dealer loan provide the servicing disclosure statement to reverse mortgage applicants within three business days after receiving the application. (§ 1024.33 (a) (opens new window))
What does 1024.35 mean?
If the credit union gives a specific address to receive notice of errors, ensure they notified the bor rower in writing that the borrower must use that address. (§ 1024.35 (c) (opens new window))
How long does a credit union have to give early intervention notice?
Ensure the credit union maintain policies and procedures to assign personnel to a delinquent borrower by the time the written early intervention notice was provided, and in any event, within 45 days after the borrower became delinquent. (§ 1024.40 (a) (opens new window) (1))
What is an MSA agreement?
Marketing services agreements, or “MSAs,” are agreements that commonly involve an arrangement where one person (or entity) agrees to market or promote the services of another and receives compensation in return. MSAs may involve only settlement service providers or may also involve third parties who are not settlement service providers. For example, an MSA exists when a mortgage loan originator agrees to market or promote the services of a real estate agent in return for compensation.
What is Regulation X?
Regulation X allows “normal promotional and educational activities” that are not conditioned on the referral of business and do not involve “defraying” expenses otherwise incurred by that recipient who is in a position to make a referral. 12 CFR § 1024.14(g)(1)(vi).
What is a kickback in RESPA?
RESPA Section 8(a) and Regulation X, 12 CFR § 1024.14(b), prohibit giving or accepting a fee, kickback, or thing of value pursuant to an agreement or understanding (oral or otherwise), for referrals of business incident to or part of a settlement service involving a federally related mortgage loan.
What is RESPA 8(b)?
RESPA Section 8(b) prohibits unearned fee arrangements in connection with federally related mortgage loans. RESPA Section 8(b) prohibits the giving and accepting of any portion, split, or percentage of charges made or received for real estate settlement service business, unless for services actually performed. 12 USC § 2607(b).
Is an MSA a RESPA?
As stated previously, an MSA can be lawful under RESPA if it is structured and implemented consistently as an agreement for the performance of actual marketing services and where the payments under the MSA are reasonably related to the value of the services performed. 12 USC § 2607(c)(2); 12 CFR § 1024.14(g)(1)(iv) and (g)(2).
Is MSA a prohibited act?
Entering into, performing services under, and making payments under MSAs are not, by themselves, prohibited acts under RESPA or Regulation X. In fact, MSAs are not referenced in RESPA or Regulation X. Ultimately, the determination of whether an MSA itself or the payments or conduct under an MSA is lawful depends on whether it violates the prohibitions under RESPA Section 8(a) or RESPA Section 8(b), or is permitted under RESPA Section 8(c). The analysis under RESPA Section 8 depends on the facts and circumstances, including the details of the MSA and how it is both structured and implemented. The following describes how specific provisions of RESPA frame that analysis.
What is the RESPA?
RESPA also prohibits the splitting, by portion or percentage, of any charge made or received for the rendering of a real estate settlement service in connection with a transaction involving a federally related mortgage loan other than for services actually performed. 12 USC § 2607 (b).
What is a RESPA loan?
RESPA applies to all federally related mortgage loans. 24 CFR § 3500.5. A "federally related mortgage loan" is any loan which is secured by a lien on residential real property designed principally for the occupancy of from one to four families and made in whole or part by any lender insured by an agency of the federal government or regulated by the federal government. 12 USC § 2602 (1).
How often do you need to submit escrow statement?
Annual Escrow Statement#N#Any servicer that has established or continued an escrow account in connection with a federally related mortgage loan must submit to the borrower for which the account is established a statement at least once for every twelve-month period. 12 USC § 2609 (c) (2) (B). The statement must itemize the amount of their current monthly payment, the portion of that payment that is placed in an escrow account, the total amounts paid into and out of the escrow account over the period, and the balance of the account at the end of the period. 12 USC § 2609 (c) (2) (A). If the lender or escrow servicer fail to submit the statement to a borrower, they will be assessed a civil penalty of $50 for each failure. The total amount imposed on the lender for all failures in any twelve-month period may not exceed $100,000. 12 USC § 2609 (d) (1). However, if the failure was intentional, then the penalty is $100 for each failure and the $100,000 limit will not apply. 12 USC § 2609 (d) (2).
What are the requirements for a real estate settlement booklet?
The booklets must contain the following: (1) a description and explanation of the nature and purpose of each cost in a real estate settlement; (2) an explanation and sample of the standard real estate settlement form prescribed under section 2603; (3) a description of the nature and purpose of escrow accounts when used in connection with loans secured by residential real estate; (4) an explanation of choices available to buyers of residential real estate in selecting persons to provide necessary services; and (5) an explanation of the unfair practices and unreasonable or unnecessary charges to be avoided by the prospective buyer with respect to a real estate settlement. 12 USC § 2604 (b). The lender must provide or mail the booklet no more than three days after receiving the application. 12 USC § 2604 (d).
What is RESPA in real estate?
Congress enacted the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) in 1974 to ensure that consumers are provided with timely information on the nature and costs of the settlement process and are protected from unnecessarily high settlement charges that are the result of abusive practices. 12 USC § 2601 (a). The ATG Underwriting Department receives many questions about various practices and procedures and whether they fall within the requirements of RESPA. We thought ATG members would find helpful a basic summary of RESPA, its purpose, scope, required disclosures, prohibited practices, and other information. See also our sidebar story on the ongoing RESPA reform situation.
What is an affiliate business arrangement?
Affiliated Business Arrangement Disclosure#N#RESPA defines an "affiliated business arrangement" as an arrangement in which a person who is in a position to refer business incidental to a real estate settlement service involving a federally related mortgage loan, has either an affiliate relationship with or a direct or beneficial ownership interest of more than one percent in a provider of settlement services. 12 USC § 2602 (7). If a person directly or indirectly refers business to that provider or affirmatively influences the selection of the affiliated business, they must disclose the nature of the relationship they have with the provider of the settlement services and of an estimated range of charges made by the provider. The disclosure must be made no later than the time the referral is made. 24 CFR § 3500.15 (b) (1).
What is the purpose of the escrow act?
The act was intended to make changes in the settlement process that accomplish four objectives: (1) result in effective advance disclosure of settlement costs to home buyers and sellers; (2) eliminate kickbacks or referral fees that unnecessarily increase the costs of settlement services; (3) reduce the amounts home buyers are required to place in escrow accounts established to ensure the payment of real estate taxes and insurance ; and (4) significantly reform and modernize local record keeping of land title information. 12 USC § 2619 (b).
How long does it take for escrow to be deposited?
After analyzing each escrow account, the servicer must submit an initial escrow account statement to the borrower at settlement or within 45 calendar days of settlement for escrow accounts that are established as a condition of the loan.
What is the purpose of the GFE?
The “purpose” section indicates what the GFE is about and directs the borrower to the Truth in Lending disclosures and HUD’s website for more information. The borrower is informed that only the borrower can shop for the best loan and that the borrower should compare loan offers using the shopping chart on the third page of the GFE.
How long does it take to get a GFE from a mortgage?
The loan originator must provide the standard GFE to the borrower within three business days of receipt of an application for a mortgage loan. A loan originator is not required to provide a GFE if before the end of the three-business-day period, the application is denied or the borrower withdraws the application.
What is the first page of the GFE?
The first page of the GFE includes a summary of loan terms and a summary of estimated settlement charges. It also includes information about key dates such as when the interest rate for the loan quoted in the GFE expires and when the estimate for the settlement charges expires. The
How long do you have to provide a home loan counseling list?
Lenders must make sure that the list of homeownership counseling services was obtained no earlier than 30 days before they provide it to the applicant. This list may be combined with other disclosures (unless otherwise prohibited by Regulation X or Regulation Z). A mortgage broker or dealer that receives a loan application, or for whom it prepares an application, may provide the list, in which case the lender is not required to provide an additional list, though in all cases the lender remains responsible for ensuring that the list is provided to the applicant. The list may be provided in person, by mail or other means. The list may be provided in electronic form, subject to compliance with the consumer consent and other applicable provisions of E-Sign.
What is RESPA 12 CFR?
12 CFR 1024.5 provides RESPA’s general coverage and applicable exemptions, though other RESPA and Regulation X provisions include additional exemptions.
How long does a GFE have to be in place before closing?
In transactions involving new home purchases, where settlement is expected to occur more than 60 calendar days from the time a GFE is provided, the loan originator may provide the GFE to the borrower with a clear and conspicuous disclosure stating that at any time up until 60 calendar days prior to closing, the loan originator may issue a revised GFE. If the loan originator does not provide such a disclosure, it cannot issue a revised GFE except as otherwise provided in Regulation X.
What is a real estate agent?
A real estate agent who spends an hour with a customer taking a preliminary credit application and collecting certain credit documents (i.e., W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements) has performed a genuine service for the lender that is actual, necessary, and distinct from the agent's normal duties.
Do brokers charge fees?
A broker may charge a lender a flat fee to place the lender’s banner ads or hyperlinks on the broker’s website, but the payment must be reasonable and commensurate with the value of the service. Some brokers charge a small fee every time someone clicks through to the lender’s website. This appears permissible under RESPA guidelines as long as the fee is minimal and not tied to whether that click results in a loan.
Do real estate agents get paid?
While real estate agents will find it difficult to serve as both real estate agents and mortgage brokers, or real estate agents and part-time lender employees, agents may still be paid under a RESPA exemption that permits persons (even ones that refer lenders business) to be paid for services rendered, so long as the payment is commensurate with the services provided. A real estate agent who spends an hour with a customer taking a preliminary credit application and collecting certain credit documents (i.e., W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements) has performed a genuine service for the lender that is actual, necessary, and distinct from the agent's normal duties. Reasonable compensation (generally a flat fee, not a percentage of the loan amount) may be justified. Note, however, that real estate agents may not take loan applications in connection with FHA-insured loans.
Is a fee based on a transaction between the lender and a consumer prohibited by RESPA?
A fee based on a transaction between the lender and a consumer is prohibited by RESPA. For example, it would be a RESPA violation if you received a fee for every click that resulted in an application or closed loan.
Can a real estate broker refer a mortgage to a lender?
Yes, as long as you follow the rules set out in the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). These rules come into play any time a real estate broker in a position to refer mortgage business to a lender is paid a “thing of value” by the lender.
Is a real estate agent a part time employee?
Since RESPA exempts payments by an employer to its employees, several programs offer to make the real estate agent a part-time employee of the lender. However, only bona fide employees are covered by this exemption. The Internal Revenue Service sets strict standards for employment. Although HUD has never published criteria, it's likely the IRS rules would prevail. That means in order to be considered an employee rather than an independent contractor, the agent/loan officer must: 1) be under the supervision and control of a lender's office; 2) use the lender's equipment; 3) have set hours; 4) receive a W-2 form; 5) receive standard employee benefits; and 6) have the lender be liable for the employee's conduct. That means that a real estate agent that becomes a "loan officer" only after selling a property is unlikely to be considered a true employee and therefore would not be covered by the RESPA exemption.
Do brokers get fees for loan origination?
Under these guidelines, agents and brokers may receive fees for performing loan origination work on a lender's behalf, such as taking a loan application, counseling borrowers, ordering credit reports and appraisals, and completing loan documents used to process the loan. The fees must be "reasonably related to the value of the services performed.".
