Brush Up on Your RESPA Knowledge

November 3, 2016

While the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) has been around since 1974, its broad language makes compliance with the law an ever-changing process. Recent CFPB and state enforcement actions have changed the game when it comes to understanding RESPA’s core prohibition on kickbacks and unearned fees.

Need a primer on RESPA? Check out to recent webinars provided by ALTA. The first, Revisiting RESPA: Understanding Things of Value and Referrals, provides an overview of the basics of RESPA Sections 8(a) and (b), explains the difference between a referral fee and an unearned fee or kickback, discusses what compensation is permissible under the law, give a good analytical framework to help with compliance and highlights scenarios when a referral or agreement might be a violation. The second, RESPA Section 8: What It Prohibits & What It Permits, provides an overview of the basics of RESPA Section 8 and the exceptions found in this provision. Both can be purchased in the ALTA Store.


Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or communications@alta.org.