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Practice Of Real EstateLicense_lawHARD

A Utah real estate brokerage enters into an agreement with a local mortgage company under which the brokerage will refer all buyer clients to the mortgage company in exchange for a monthly marketing fee paid to the brokerage. The brokerage does not disclose this arrangement to buyers. Under Utah law and applicable federal law, this arrangement is most likely:

Correct Answer

C) A violation of RESPA and Utah licensing law because undisclosed referral fees between settlement service providers are prohibited

This arrangement violates the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), which prohibits kickbacks and referral fees between settlement service providers (including real estate brokerages and mortgage companies) when the fees are not disclosed to consumers and are tied to referrals. Additionally, under Utah Code Ann. § 61-2f, undisclosed financial arrangements that create conflicts of interest violate a licensee's duty to clients. The combination of the referral arrangement and non-disclosure to buyers makes this a dual violation.

Answer Options
A
Permissible as a standard marketing partnership between businesses
B
Permissible if the monthly fee is reasonable and does not vary by referral volume
C
A violation of RESPA and Utah licensing law because undisclosed referral fees between settlement service providers are prohibited
D
A violation only if individual agents receive personal payments from the mortgage company

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

respareferral_feeskickbacksdisclosure_requirementmortgage_company

Related Concepts

Advertising regulations govern how real estate licensees may market properties and services, requiring truthful, non-deceptive advertising that includes proper identification of the brokerage.

Antitrust violations in real estate occur when competing brokerages or agents engage in practices that restrain trade, reduce competition, or harm consumers through collusion. These violations are governed by the Sherman Antitrust Act and can result in severe penalties.

Broker supervision is the legal obligation of a designated or managing broker to oversee and be accountable for the real estate activities of all salespersons and associate brokers operating under their license.

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