Lending regulation
Kickback
An unearned payment for referring settlement service business
Anything of value given or received for a referral — cash, gifts, discounted services, a paid holiday. RESPA prohibits it for federally related mortgage loans, and payment for services actually rendered at market value is the narrow line separating lawful from unlawful.
How the exam asks about it
The examinable question is always whether anything was actually earned. If the payment is for the referral itself, it is prohibited.
Related terms
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