RatePlug has entered into agreements with various Multiple Listing Services. In these agreements, RatePlug licenses its software to the MLS. Each MLS can then sublicense RatePlug to the Realtor members (“Participating Realtors”). Among other features, the RatePlug RESPA compliant co-marketing mortgage software permits each Participating Realtor to integrate, on an online, real time basis, mortgage […]

With all the hype and media coverage over Zillow’s TILA-RESPA issues, you might be thinking the world will come crashing down on your agent co-marketing programs. These regulations were created to bring clarity to consumers and promote compliance with existing TILA and RESPA laws. Zillow’s recent problems have caused a lot of anxiety within the […]

How is RatePlug’s co-marketing compliance different? Co-marketing programs are a shared advertising agreement between agents and lenders to collaborate on promotional efforts for a co-branded offer. In a co-marketing partnership, both companies promote a piece of content or product, and share the results of that promotion. Co-marketing campaigns are designed to deliver more leads, buzz, and […]

Concerned about Co-Marketing Compliance? Agent co-marketing agreements between mortgage companies and real estate brokerages are a hot topic. Recently the CPFB brought down the hammer on Zillow for alleged violation of anti-kickback and deceptive practices governed by Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and the Consumer Financial Protection Act. RESPA prohibits lenders and real estate […]

Co-marketing record keeping requires that lenders keep records of all advertising for up to 6 years. The following information about co-marketing must be retained: How the cost will be split (50/50, 75/25, etc.) Where the piece will be distributed geographically (city, state is usually okay) When the piece will be distributed (month/s and year) How […]

The answer is YES – the right mortgage lender recommendation will improve borrower satisfaction. Trusted lenders will help you close faster and protect your commissions. When homebuyers are referred to a mortgage lender by their real estate agent, they are actually more satisfied than homebuyers that use their owner lender.  According to the National Borrower Satisfaction Index from […]

RatePlug has assembled a list of questions we receive about property listing flyers and RESPA compliance. RESPA stands for the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. QUESTION:  A homeowner’s insurance company gives a real estate broker marketing materials, such as desk calendars, pens, and notepads, all of which promote the homeowner’s insurance company’s name. Is this […]

When RESPA compliant co-marketing programs work, they can pay big dividends for both the lender and agent. Frequent communication and a clear understanding of the co-marketing partnership as a whole ensures the ability to set the appropriate business expectations. With the proper co-marketing program in place, two or more parties can work on a project […]

What is a Mortgage Relationship Rate? A relationship rate is typically offered to existing customers as a way to keep your business with the lender. To give you an incentive the lender may offer a lower interest rate and/or assist in paying part of the closing costs. Hopefully, you are in good standing with the […]

1) What is RatePlug? RatePlug is the leading mortgage marketing platform and the only MLS integrated technology platform that connects agents, home buyers, and loan originators. Originators become directly integrated within the local MLS. RatePlug connects originators via their agent relationships with every property listed in the MLS. When agents connect with lenders to participate […]

Improving Agent Co-Marketing ROI with RatePlugs Co-Marketing Property Flyers and Compliance with RESPA-TILA and FTC MAP? When it comes to agent co-marketing with real estate flyers and brochures, it’s best not to cut corners. While there are several free and downloadable templates for flyers and brochures on the market, many fail to meet regulation standards […]

We are pleased to announce a new feature for RatePlug users! In an effort to cut back on paper forms and expedite the process of getting agents affiliated to your account more efficiently, we have built a new electronic invitation. Now you can get your agents to participate in RatePlug with you through a simple […]

RatePlug assesses each Mortgage Originator that participates in our Program a fixed annual license fee that grants them a license to use the Mortgage Marketing Software, among other things. The amount of the annual fee will not vary based the number or volume of residential mortgage loans facilitated by the Software. In consideration of the […]

Want more VA mortgage leads? A VA loan is a mortgage loan in the United States guaranteed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The loan may be issued by qualified lenders. The VA loan was designed to offer long-term financing to eligible American veterans or their surviving spouses (provided they do not […]

Looking for USDA mortgage leads? A USDA home loan is a zero down payment mortgage for eligible rural and suburban homebuyers. USDA loans are issued through the USDA loan program, also known as the USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan Program, by the United States Department of Agriculture. On October 1st, 2016, the USDA Upfront […]

Before you buy mortgage marketing leads, be sure you are focusing on targeted mortgage leads, and make sure you understand the best practices for mortgage marketing. Here are a number of tactics you can employ to increase your mortgage lead generation without spending a penny on purchased leads: Research audience searches Start putting yourself in the […]

The regulatory environment within the real estate industry is changing fast, and mortgage professionals must be on top of the changing laws. Mortgage companies and loan officers often augment their marketing efforts through mortgage lead purchasing. Loan originators must be aware of the regulatory implications of these types of lead generation activities. The number of […]