RESPA does not apply to extensions of credit to the government, government agencies, or instrumentalities, or in situations where the borrower plans to use property or land primarily for business, commercial, or agricultural purposes.
The following transactions are not covered by RESPA: An all-cash sale; • A sale where the individual home seller takes back the mortgage; and • Business, Commercial, or Agricultural purpose loans. RESPA requires disclosures to be given to applicants for a federally related mortgage loan.
RESPA covers loans secured with a mortgage placed on one-to-four family residential properties. Originally enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), RESPA enforcement responsibilities were assumed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) when it was created in 2011.
Examples of Loans Exempt from RESPA:
Loans on vacant land: These loans do not involve the purchase of a primary residence and thus fall outside the purview of RESPA. Loans made in connection with HUD: Certain loans backed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development may also be exempt.
RESPA, however, does not apply to credit transactions involving extensions of credit primarily for business, commercial, or agricultural purposes or extensions of credit to government or governmental agencies. 12 USC § 2606(a).
The Act requires lenders, mortgage brokers, or servicers of home loans to provide borrowers with pertinent and timely disclosures regarding the nature and costs of the real estate settlement process. The Act also prohibits specific practices, such as kickbacks, and places limitations upon the use of escrow accounts.
The new rules, which would modify RESPA and Regulation X's existing mortgage servicing framework, are designed to streamline the process for obtaining mortgage assistance, and incentivize servicers to prioritize borrower aid over foreclosure.
Transactions generally not covered under RESPA include: “an all cash sale, a sale where the individual home seller takes back the mortgage, a rental property transaction or other business purpose transaction.” “The sale of a loan after the original funding of the loan at settlement is a secondary market transaction.
CFPB considers a RESPA violation when the costs of services for a third party closing or services rendered are inflated. For example: Mortgage brokers are prohibited from charging a buyer for a credit report at closing more than what the mortgage broker paid to obtain the credit report.
Normally, loans secured by real estate for a business or agricultural purpose are not covered by RESPA. However, if the loan is made to an individual to purchase or improve a rental property of one to four residential units, then it is regulated by RESPA.
Bridge loans are typically used in real estate transactions when a person needs to purchase a new home before selling their current home. Because bridge loans are meant to be short-term and temporary, they are not subject to RESPA regulations.
RESPA prohibits a real estate broker or agent from receiving a “thing of value” for referring business to a settlement service provider, or SSP, such as a mortgage banker, mortgage broker, title company, or title agent.
FHA is the largest insurer of mortgages in the world.
Under RESPA section 8a, giving gifts or kickbacks in exchange for business is illegal. Specifically, it prohibits any “unearned” fees or bonuses paid for services that weren't performed.
The Act requires lenders, mortgage brokers, or servicers of home loans to provide borrowers with pertinent and timely disclosures regarding the nature and costs of the real estate settlement process. The Act also prohibits specific practices, such as kickbacks, and places limitations upon the use of escrow accounts.
A “bridge loan” or “swing loan” in which a lender takes a security interest in otherwise covered 1- to 4-family residential property is not covered by RESPA and this part.
The TILA-RESPA rule applies to most closed-end consumer credit transactions secured by real property, but does not apply to: HELOCs; • Reverse mortgages; or • Chattel-dwelling loans, such as loans secured by a mobile home or by a dwelling that is not attached to real property (i.e., land).
RESPA applies to home loans made for residential properties designed to accommodate one to four families. These loans include most home purchase loans as well as home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), mortgage refinances and home improvement loans.
Section 9 of RESPA prohibits home sellers from requiring home buyers to purchase their settlement services from a particular company either directly or indirectly, as a condition of sale. Buyers may sue a seller who violates this provision for an amount equal to three times all charges made for the title insurance.
The question is, can a builder legally require you to use a specific lender for your mortgage? The short answer is no, they cannot.
The Creditor (Lender) must provide the “Closing Disclosure” (CD) to the borrower at least 3 business days before closing. “Mailbox” delivery rule: states that the CD must be mailed to consumer at least 6 business days prior to consumma'on.
Kickbacks & Referral Fees
Section 8b of RESPA prohibits giving or receiving any portion or percentage of a fee received for real estate settlement services unless it's for services actually performed. These fees must be split between two or more persons for it to be a direct violation of the law.
RESPA does not apply to extensions of credit to government or governmental agencies or instrumentalities. It also does not apply to extensions of credit primarily for business, commercial, or agricultural purposes. 12 USC § 2606. Regulation X, 12 CFR § 1024.5 provides additional limits on the coverage of RESPA.
The Truth in Lending Act, or TILA, also known as regulation Z, requires lenders to disclose information about all charges and fees associated with a loan. This 1968 federal law was created to promote honesty and clarity by requiring lenders to disclose terms and costs of consumer credit.