Mortgage loan originators are bound by ethical and legal requirements to disclose any material changes in a loan application that could affect the underwriting decision. Discovering that the property is no longer the borrower's primary residence is a significant change and may affect loan terms, program eligibility, and disclosures. According to the SAFE Act and industry best practices, the MLO must immediately report such information to their employer and/or the lender.
"A mortgage loan originator has a duty to promptly notify the lender of any material change in the application or circumstances of the borrower that could impact loan eligibility or the terms of the loan."
- SAFE MLO National Test Study Guide; NMLS UST Outline
Other options fail to fulfill the MLO's legal and ethical obligations and could be construed as misrepresentation or fraud.
References:
SAFE MLO National Test Study Guide
NMLS Uniform State Content Outline
CFPB, Mortgage Origination Rules

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) applies to federally related mortgage loans, which include:
* Loans made by lenders insured by a federal agency (such as FHA or VA loans)
* Loans intended for sale to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac
* Loans from lenders that are federally regulated or insured
RESPA's goal is to protect consumers by requiring disclosures related to the costs of real estate transactions, preventing kickbacks, and ensuring transparency in the settlement process. It applies to most residential mortgage loans.
Other options:
* County-related mortgage loans (B), state registration loans (C), and unified commerce loans (D) are not standard terms under RESPA.
References:
* Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)
* 12 CFR Part 1024, Regulation X

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) Valuations Rule (Regulation B) requires creditors to provide a written notice to applicants within three business days of application stating their right to receive a copy of any appraisal report developed in connection with their application.
"A creditor must deliver or mail a notice of the applicant's right to receive a copy of all appraisals or valuations developed in connection with the application within three business days of receiving an application."
- 12 CFR § 1002.14(a)(2), Regulation B
Applicants do not have the right to select their appraiser.
References:
CFPB, ECOA Valuations Rule Summary

Consumer complaints and their analysis are critical for identifying weaknesses in a company's compliance management system (CMS) and internal controls. The CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) emphasizes that analyzing complaints helps companies spot patterns of non-compliance, risks, or failures in managing regulatory requirements. By reviewing consumer feedback, businesses can identify gaps in their compliance practices, including weaknesses in training programs and internal systems, that may lead to violations of laws like RESPA, TILA, and ECOA.
* Complaints may reveal issues with loan disclosures, error resolution, unfair lending practices, or lack of training in regulatory updates.
* Regular analysis helps reinforce internal controls and improve compliance processes.
References:
* CFPB Compliance Management Review Guidelines
* TILA and RESPA regulations on consumer protection

With an interest-only mortgage, the borrower makes payments that cover only the interest for a set period (such as 5 or 10 years). After this period, the borrower begins paying both principal and interest, which causes payments to increase.
"An interest-only mortgage is a loan with scheduled payments that for a period of time require payment of interest only, with no reduction of the principal balance."
- CFPB, Consumer Handbook on Adjustable-Rate Mortgages; SAFE MLO National Test Study Guide References:
CFPB, Interest-Only Mortgages