Under what circumstance can a lender require a borrower to use particular services in an affiliated business arrangement?

A lender can require a borrower to use particular services in an affiliated business arrangement if there are no kickbacks or referral fees and the service provider is an attorney, credit reporting agency, or appraiser.

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) regulates actions that could potentially lead to conflicts of interest in real estate transactions, particularly to prevent abusive practices such as kickbacks and referral fees. However, it does allow for some flexibility in affiliated business arrangements wherein the lender has established a legitimate business relationship with service providers.

By stipulating that there are no kickbacks or referral fees, the arrangement ensures compliance with RESPA regulations, reinforcing the legality of requiring the use of specific services in these situations. The inclusion of specific professions—like attorneys, credit reporting agencies, or appraisers—is significant as these parties often provide services that are customary in real estate transactions and are typically subject to different regulations or ethical standards.

This understanding highlights how a lender can navigate the rules governing affiliated business arrangements, ensuring transparency and fairness in the mortgage lending process.