Which of the following is permitted under RESPA?

Under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), the law aims to protect consumers by ensuring transparency in the real estate settlement process and by prohibiting certain practices that can lead to conflicts of interest or unethical behavior.

Referral fees among cooperating brokers are permissible under RESPA as long as they are disclosed and are for services actually performed. This means that brokers can compensate each other for referring clients, provided that the referral is based on a genuine agreement about services rendered and is compliant with the regulations. This promotes cooperation and can enhance market efficiency without leading to unnecessary costs for the consumer.

Conversely, other options suggest practices that could potentially create conflicts of interest or hidden costs for consumers. Direct payments to borrowers (A) may violate RESPA's guidelines on kickbacks. Incentives from banks for using specific appraisers (C) can lead to bias in the appraisal process and would also be inconsistent with RESPA's requirements. Lastly, commission-sharing with unlicensed individuals (D) is prohibited as it undermines the licensing requirements established to protect consumers and ensure that only qualified individuals engage in real estate transactions.

Thus, the practice of referral fees among cooperating brokers is the one clearly permitted under RESPA, as long as it aligns with the disclosed agreements