Why should a real estate salesperson refrain from referring buyers to a lender that pays referral fees?

A real estate salesperson should be cautious when referring buyers to a lender that pays referral fees because such referrals can potentially reflect conflicts of interest. When a lender compensates the salesperson for directing business their way, it raises concerns about whether the recommendation is truly in the best interest of the buyer. The implication is that the salesperson may prioritize the referral fee over the buyers' needs, which could lead to suboptimal financial decisions for the buyers, such as higher interest rates or less favorable lending terms.

This scenario underscores the importance of maintaining a fiduciary duty to clients whereby the salesperson should always act in the best interest of the buyer, free from any influence that could compromise that loyalty. By refraining from such referrals, a salesperson can uphold ethical standards and ensure that buyers receive the most suitable options available to them based on their financial circumstances, rather than on a salesperson’s potential personal gain.