Real Estate and Mortgages

If your real estate or mortgage-related business is within the jurisdiction of the FTC, it's important to see to it that your advertising, marketing materials, and day-to-day practices meet legal standards.

Advertising FAQ's: A Guide for Small Business [PDF]

Focusing on federal truth-in-advertising standards, this A-to-Z primer is an essential resource for businesses of any size.

Credit Reports: What Information Providers Need To Know [PDF]

If you provide information to a consumer reporting agency – like credit bureaus, tenant screening companies, check verification services, and medical information services – the Fair Credit Reporting Act spells out your legal obligations.

Housing Counselors: How to Help People Avoid Reverse Mortgage Missteps [PDF]

Many older homeowners are considering reverse mortgages, but some unscrupulous lenders mislead people about the key features. Learn how you can spot and report deceptive practices related to reverse mortgages.

How To Comply with the Privacy of Consumer Financial Information Rule of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act [PDF]

Financial institutions covered by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act must tell their customers about their information-sharing practices and explain to customers their right to "opt out" if they don't want their information shared with certain third parties. Is your company following the requirements of the Privacy Rule?

In Brief: The Financial Privacy Requirements of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act [PDF]

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires many companies to give consumers privacy notices that explain the institutions' information-sharing practices. Do your privacy notices give a clear, conspicuous, and accurate statement of the company's practices?

Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Rule: A Compliance Guide for Business [PDF]

The Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) Rule makes it illegal to charge upfront fees and requires specific disclosures in ads and when you forward a lender’s offer to a homeowner. Are you covered by the Rule? Are you up on your compliance obligations?

Mortgage Assistance Relief Services Rule: A Compliance Guide for Lawyers [PDF]

The Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) Rule includes specific provisions that address attorneys’ obligations. Learn more about activities that fall within the scope of the rule and how to make sure you're in compliance.

Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business [PDF] [En español]

Practical tips for business on creating and implementing a plan for safeguarding personal information.

Talkin' 'Bout Lead G-G-Generation Sharable

If your line is lead generation, well-established truth-in-advertising principles still apply — and depending on the nature of your business, other rules may kick in, too. Do your practices comport with the law?

Using Consumer Reports: What Landlords Need to Know [PDF]

Landlords may use credit reports to evaluate rental applications — as long as they follow the provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.