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Ethics & Fraudhard18% of exam

An elderly homeowner with substantial equity is offered a cash-out refinance whose fees consume most of the proceeds and whose payment is plainly unaffordable. Which concern is most directly presented?

Correct Answer

A) Equity stripping through an unaffordable, fee-heavy loan

Why this is correct: The core concept is predatory lending, specifically equity stripping. This occurs when a loan is structured to extract a homeowner's equity through high fees and unaffordable payments, with little regard for the borrower's ability to repay. The facts directly describe this: an elderly homeowner with substantial equity is offered a loan where fees consume most of the cash-out proceeds, and the payment is plainly unaffordable. This matches the definition of equity stripping. Why the other choices are wrong: A missing flood-zone determination is a compliance issue related to property location and required insurance, not described here. An improper servicing transfer concerns the handoff of loan administration after closing, which is not mentioned. A late appraisal delivery is a timing issue in the origination process, not the substantive predatory terms of the loan itself. Exam tip: When you see "elderly," "substantial equity," "high fees," and "unaffordable payment" together, think "equity stripping" as a primary red flag for predatory lending.

Answer Options
A
Equity stripping through an unaffordable, fee-heavy loan
B
A missing flood-zone determination
C
An improper servicing transfer
D
A late appraisal delivery

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Why this is correct: The core concept is predatory lending, specifically equity stripping. This occurs when a loan is structured to extract a homeowner's equity through high fees and unaffordable payments, with little regard for the borrower's ability to repay. The facts directly describe this: an elderly homeowner with substantial equity is offered a loan where fees consume most of the cash-out proceeds, and the payment is plainly unaffordable. This matches the definition of equity stripping. Why the other choices are wrong: A missing flood-zone determination is a compliance issue related to property location and required insurance, not described here. An improper servicing transfer concerns the handoff of loan administration after closing, which is not mentioned. A late appraisal delivery is a timing issue in the origination process, not the substantive predatory terms of the loan itself. Exam tip: When you see "elderly," "substantial equity," "high fees," and "unaffordable payment" together, think "equity stripping" as a primary red flag for predatory lending.

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