Under what circumstances may a mortgage broker charge a borrower a fee?

Charging a fee to a borrower in the context of mortgage brokering is governed primarily by the principle of transparency and fair practices. A mortgage broker must provide full disclosure of all terms before any charges can be made to the borrower. This ensures that borrowers are fully informed about costs associated with the loan, allowing them to make educated decisions regarding their mortgage options.

In the mortgage industry, regulating authorities emphasize disclosure to protect consumers and maintain trust in the lending process. This means that any fee imposed by a mortgage broker should be preceded by a clear explanation of what the fee entails, how it will be used, and any related terms. Only when this information is provided and understood can the broker ethically and legally charge the borrower.

The other options lack the foundational principle of informed consent that underlies ethical lending practices. Fees cannot be imposed unilaterally without the borrower’s awareness and agreement, reinforcing the importance of transparency in financial transactions.