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FinancingLending_regulationsHARD

A California real estate licensee refers a homebuyer to a specific mortgage lender. The lender then pays the licensee a $1,000 referral fee. The licensee discloses the fee to the buyer on an Affiliated Business Arrangement (AfBA) disclosure. Is this arrangement lawful under RESPA?

Correct Answer

C) No, RESPA Section 8 prohibits the payment of referral fees for settlement services regardless of disclosure

RESPA Section 8(a) prohibits giving or receiving any 'thing of value' for referrals of settlement services. An AfBA disclosure allows affiliated businesses to refer to each other, but it does not permit paying referral fees for mere referrals. The referring party must perform actual, substantial services to earn compensation.

Answer Options
A
Yes, as long as the AfBA disclosure is provided, referral fees between settlement service providers are allowed
B
Yes, because real estate licensees are exempt from RESPA's kickback provisions
C
No, RESPA Section 8 prohibits the payment of referral fees for settlement services regardless of disclosure
D
No, but only if the referral fee exceeds $500 under federal guidelines

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

RESPAreferral_feeskickbacksaffiliated_businesssection_8

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