Is it illegal to use a lender's free calculator?
Not inherently. Whether an arrangement raises RESPA concerns depends on its structure and what each party gives and receives. Your broker or counsel can review it.
Compare
A lender's calculator, or your own?
Many agents get a free mortgage calculator from a lender partner. It works, and sometimes it's the right choice. This lender calculator vs agent calculator comparison covers the questions to ask: who receives the lead, whose brand is on it, what happens when the relationship changes, and what RESPA means for co-marketing.
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Lot 01
Questions to ask
| Question | Typical lender-supplied calculator | CalcCapture |
|---|---|---|
| Who receives the lead? | Often the lender, sometimes shared | You, and wherever you route it |
| Whose brand is on it? | The lender's, or co-branded | Yours (white-label on paid plans) |
| Seller tools? | Rarely; lenders focus on buyers | Seller net sheet, commission, move-up tools |
| If the partnership ends? | The tool usually goes with it | Nothing changes |
| Cost to you | Usually free | Free plan; paid plans from $150/month |
| RESPA considerations | Co-marketing must be at fair market value | No lender relationship involved |
About RESPA (not legal advice)
RESPA Section 8 prohibits giving or receiving things of value for referrals of settlement service business. Co-marketing arrangements with lenders need to be structured carefully, typically with each party paying its fair share. Ask your broker or counsel about any arrangement you're in.
Lot 03
When a lender's calculator makes sense
If you have a long-standing, compliant co-marketing arrangement, your buyers benefit from fast pre-approvals with that lender, and you're comfortable with shared leads, a lender-supplied calculator can be a reasonable choice.
It's less suited to agents who want tools for sellers, want to keep leads independent of any lender, or work with several lenders.
- Established, compliant co-marketing
- Buyer-only focus
- Comfortable with shared leads
Questions by topic
Questions agents ask
Can I still refer buyers to lenders?
Of course. Using your own calculator doesn't change that. Just don't accept referral fees or things of value for referrals.
Do lender calculators show more accurate rates?
Sometimes they show the lender's own rates. Ours use an indicative default rate the visitor can change. Neither replaces a Loan Estimate.
Can I run both?
Yes. Some agents keep a lender's calculator on a co-marketing page and use their own elsewhere.
What about leads already in the lender's system?
Those stay with that arrangement. New leads from your own calculators come to you.
What does it cost to own my calculators?
The Agent plan is free. Team and Brokerage add white-label, webhooks and more calculators. See pricing.
Own your lead source
Calculators with your brand, leads to you.