Real estate brokers, agents and settlement services providers are subject to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). RESPA generally prohibits any person from giving or receiving any “thing of value” in exchange for the referral of settlement service business. This does not mean that agents and settlement services providers cannot work together or engage in co-marketing programs. To assist REALTORS, the National Association of REALTORS has published “Co-Marketing Do’s and Don’ts”. This publication provides guidelines to REALTORS about acceptable and unacceptable practices. It is important to remember that this publication is for information only, and that agents should consult an attorney to be sure that their marketing programs comply with RESPA regulations.
