May a sales agent receive a finder s fee directly from a lender in exchange for

sending potential mortgage business to the bank?

No$,$ because typically lenders are certified to function in the real estate

business and stay within the bounds of the transaction.

No$,$ the fee would be illegal if the bank paid the sales agent only on mortgages

closed, rather than for potential business.

No

No$,$ such referrals are not considered illegal because the sales agent ultimately

has no influence over when consumers seek mortgages.