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Business Purpose and Exempt from RESPA?

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Question: 
I have a consumer who owns multiple 1 to 4 family rental properties. He is interested in obtaining loan on one of the rental properties for the purpose of making business investments which may include the purchase of additional investments properties. Would this be a business purpose loan and exempt from RESPA?
Answer: 

The RESPA coverage rules are found in Reg X, Section 3500.5 and the following exemption is found there: "An extension of credit primarily for a business, commercial, or agricultural purpose, as defined by Regulation Z, 12 CFR 226.3(a)(1). Persons may rely on Regulation Z in determining whether the exemption applies."

You should evaluate the proposed loan in light of the factors provided in the Regulation Z Staff Commentary for determining the primary purpose of the transaction. Section 226.3(a)(2) lists the following factors:

  • The relationship of the borrower's primary occupation to the acquisition. The more closely related, the more likely it is to be business purpose.
  • The degree to which the borrower will personally manage the acquisition. The more personal involvement there is, the more likely it is to be business purpose.
  • The ratio of income from the acquisition to the total income of the borrower. The higher the ratio, the more likely it is to be business purpose.
  • The size of the transaction. The larger the transaction, the more likely it is to be business purpose.
  • The borrower's statement of purpose for the loan.



First published on BankersOnline.com 12/08/08

First published on 12/08/2008

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