Under which law must borrowers be provided with a Good Faith Estimate (GFE)?

The requirement to provide borrowers with a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) comes from the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). This federal law was designed to help protect consumers from abusive practices during the settlement process of real estate transactions. One of its key provisions mandates that lenders provide borrowers with a GFE early in the mortgage application process. The GFE outlines the estimated costs and terms associated with the loan, which aids borrowers in understanding their financial obligations and making informed decisions.

This documentation is critical since it ensures transparency and helps prevent surprises at closing. By requiring lenders to provide this estimate, RESPA fosters greater competition and informs borrowers about their options. The other laws mentioned—Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgages (SAFE), and Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act (HOEPA)—address different aspects of lending practices and consumer protections but do not specifically mandate the provision of a GFE, making RESPA the correct choice.