A team member asks about Fraud Detection and Prevention in an investor-delivery review while trying to identify which rule controls the file. Which response should a compliance analyst use?
Correct Answer
B) Avoid steering the borrower to increase compensation
Why this is correct: The original explanation correctly states that MLO obligations include fair dealing, no steering, accurate information, and compliant compensation. Steering, which is guiding a borrower to a less suitable loan to increase the loan originator's compensation, is a prohibited practice under federal rules designed to prevent fraud and ensure fair lending. The correct choice, "Avoid steering the borrower to increase compensation," directly addresses this core compliance obligation during an investor-delivery review, where file integrity is scrutinized. Why the other choices are wrong: "Accept terms the borrower prefers even if required disclosures are incomplete" is wrong because incomplete disclosures violate TRID and other rules, regardless of borrower preference. "Recommend a product before resolving facts needed to evaluate compliance" is wrong because recommending a product without necessary facts is premature and can lead to violations of Ability-to-Repay or suitability rules. "Skip documented follow-up because the borrower says the file is urgent" is wrong because urgency does not excuse a lender from following required procedures and maintaining a compliant audit trail. Exam tip: When a question involves fraud detection or investor reviews, focus on actions that prevent conflicts of interest and ensure the file meets all regulatory requirements, not borrower convenience.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The correct response is "Avoid steering the borrower to increase compensation" because MLO obligations include fair dealing, no steering, accurate information, and compliant compensation.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Accept terms the borrower prefers even if required disclosures are incomplete.
This choice is not the best answer because it applies the wrong file step for loan-originator obligations; the governing rule is tested by the correct option.
Option C: Recommend a product before resolving facts needed to evaluate compliance.
This choice is not the best answer because it applies the wrong file step for loan-originator obligations; the governing rule is tested by the correct option.
Option D: Skip documented follow-up because the borrower says the file is urgent.
This choice is a tempting shortcut, but it conflicts with loan-originator obligations because the file still needs the required documentation, timing, or rule-based review before the action is taken.
Memory Technique
loan-originator obligations: identify the rule being tested, then choose the action that documents or applies that rule before the file moves forward.
Exam Tip
For loan-originator obligations questions, separate the required file step from plausible sales, timing, or documentation shortcuts.
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 Origination Questions
Before the team acts on a servicing handoff check, a closing coordinator must address Asset Verification and Reserves. Which response is most defensible?
An MLO is reviewing procedures for a case where a cost changes after the Closing Disclosure has already been provided. What is the proper handling?
During a post-application update, a quality-control reviewer encounters a Credit Analysis and Evaluation issue. Which response should avoid a shortcut that would misapply the rule?
A construction-to-permanent loan will disburse in 5 draws over 11 months before the permanent phase begins. Which Regulation Z appendix provides a disclosure method for multiple-advance construction transactions?
Before closing, the team discovers that a borrower asks which upfront charge can be collected before intent to proceed. What is the safest compliant answer?
A construction loan agreement allows advances only after documented completion of specified work. A builder requests the next draw, but no completion evidence has been provided. What should occur?
Before releasing the final construction draw, which combination most directly supports project completion and clear collateral?
A construction-to-permanent loan will convert to a substantially higher fully amortizing payment. Which payment is especially important when assessing the borrower's long-term repayment capacity?
A construction-to-permanent note states that conversion requires completion, a certificate of occupancy, and no unresolved liens. Construction is finished, but a mechanic's lien remains. What should happen?
A branch manager asks about a loan file because a processor wants to omit known monthly obligations from underwriting. What should happen?
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