In a mortgage origination file, marketing proposes a rate the company is not prepared to offer. Which action should be taken?
Correct Answer
D) Advertise only credit terms actually available
Why this is correct: Regulation Z's closed-end credit advertising rule (the governing federal rule is designed to prevent bait-and-switch tactics. If a creditor advertises a specific interest rate, it must be prepared to offer that rate to qualified applicants. Proposing an unavailable rate in marketing is a direct violation. The required action is to correct the advertisement to feature only terms that are actually available. Why the other choices are wrong: "Continue the activity because the borrower appears willing to proceed" is wrong because a violation occurs when the deceptive ad is disseminated, regardless of borrower reaction. "Resolve the Truth in mortgage advertising issue with the changed-circumstance exception that does not fit the facts" is wrong; the changed-circumstance exception applies to Loan Estimates, not to the fundamental rule that advertised terms must be bona fide. "Document the issue later instead of correcting the compliance problem first" is wrong because documentation does not cure an ongoing violation; the ad must be fixed. Exam tip: Remember the distinction: the "changed-circumstance" exception is for disclosures (like the Loan Estimate), not for the basic truthfulness of advertisements.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The correct response is "Advertise only credit terms actually available" because Lines 261-265 and 273-277; 12 CFR 1026.24(a).
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Continue the activity because the borrower appears willing to proceed.
Continue the activity because the borrower appears willing to proceed. is not correct because it does not apply the rule tested by this file scenario.
Option B: Resolve the Truth in mortgage advertising issue with the changed-circumstance exception that does not fit the facts.
This distractor shifts the issue to a different trigger, product, or timing rule instead of applying the rule tested in the stem.
Option C: Document the issue later instead of correcting the compliance problem first.
Document the issue later instead of correcting the compliance problem first. is not correct because it does not apply the rule tested by this file scenario.
Memory Technique
mortgage advertising compliance: identify the rule being tested, then choose the action that documents or applies that rule before the file moves forward.
Exam Tip
Match the file facts to mortgage advertising compliance; do not choose an exception or shortcut that skips the required rule.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- -Choosing an internal exception instead of the governing rule
- -Treating preliminary or informal facts as a substitute for required documentation
- -Answering from a familiar but unrelated mortgage topic
More Ethics & Fraud Questions
In a file escalation meeting, the supervisor sees facts tied to RESPA Kickbacks and Referrals. What should the file reflect?
In a closing-readiness check, a disclosure specialist sees facts tied to Appraisal Fraud Detection. What should the file reflect?
At closing, an MLO adds a single-premium credit-life policy to the loan amount even though the borrower declined it and the policy is not required for approval. Which practice is the clearest concern?
A refinance eliminates a borrower's fixed-rate loan, adds substantial fees, provides no cash or lower payment, and restarts a 30-year term. What should the MLO do before recommending it?
An applicant has verified monthly income of $5,000 and monthly obligations of $4,700 after the proposed mortgage payment. The applicant expects an undocumented raise next year. What should the MLO do?
A lender bases approval entirely on the home's high appraised value and does not verify the borrower's income or existing debts. What is the central compliance concern?
A borrower agrees to a mortgage but declines an optional home-warranty plan. The final loan documents nevertheless finance a $2,400 warranty premium. What should the MLO do?
An MLO recommends a loan with a low initial payment that will increase sharply in two years. The borrower says retirement income will be fixed and asks whether the payment can change. What is the appropriate response?
To obtain approval, an MLO changes a self-employed applicant's verified monthly income from $6,000 to $9,000 without supporting documentation. How should this conduct be characterized?
A homeowner is encouraged to refinance for the third time in 18 months. Each loan generates new points and fees, while the borrower's payment and rate do not improve. Which practice is most strongly indicated?
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