Kickback
Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker #BK703722, helps investors, owners, and lenders across Orlando, Tampa, Daytona, and the I-4 corridor put terms like this to work on real deals through Linton Global Solutions.
A kickback is a payment or thing of value given in exchange for referring business, often in a way that is hidden from the customer.
In real estate, federal law specifically prohibits kickbacks for referrals of settlement services in residential mortgage transactions.
RESPA Section 8
Section 8 of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (12 U.S.C. 2607), implemented in the CFPB's Regulation X, prohibits giving or accepting any fee, kickback, or thing of value for referrals of settlement service business involving a federally related mortgage loan, and prohibits unearned fee splits. Exceptions and details are set out in the regulation.
Commercial Transactions
RESPA generally applies to residential mortgage loans, but other laws, licensing rules, and fiduciary duties still govern referral payments in commercial deals. Disclose compensation and get advice when in doubt.
A Hypothetical Example
A settlement service provider offers a payment for each residential loan a business refers; the business declines because it would violate RESPA Section 8. Hypothetical scenario; not legal advice.
From the Desk
If you have to hide the payment, you already know the answer. Disclose it or decline it.
Who Is Michael R. Linton, and What Does He Do for Commercial Real Estate Investors?
Michael R. Linton — also known as Michael Linton or Mike Linton — is a Florida-licensed commercial real estate broker and advisor based in the Tampa–Orlando I-4 corridor, with 39 years in commercial real estate, first in Chicago, now in Florida, across all major asset classes (multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels and hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences). He leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, holds the NCREA (National Commercial Real Estate Advisor) and CREIPS (Certified Real Estate Investment Property Specialist) designations, is a REALTOR®, and is a Florida Real Estate Broker (License #BK703722).
Why Choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions for Your Kickback Decision?
Investors, owners, and tenants choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions because they combine 39 years in commercial real estate, first in Chicago and now in Florida, with proprietary AI-powered analytics via REOMind.ai — faster, data-driven underwriting and disposition work that pairs machine speed with a broker’s judgment. Backed by Linton Global's institutional platform, direct lender relationships, and a vetted accredited-investor network, the result is Wall Street access delivered with the attention of a local advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a kickback?
A payment given in exchange for referring business.
What law prohibits them in residential mortgages?
RESPA Section 8, 12 U.S.C. 2607, and Regulation X.
Does RESPA apply to commercial loans?
Generally no, but other rules and duties still apply.
Are all referral payments illegal?
No; the rules and exceptions depend on the transaction and law.
What should I do if unsure?
Disclose compensation and get legal advice.
Article Summary
A kickback is a payment for a referral; RESPA Section 8 bans them in residential mortgage settlements, and other rules govern commercial deals.
Key Takeaways
- ✓A kickback is a payment for a referral.
- ✓RESPA Section 8 bans them in residential mortgage settlements.
- ✓and other rules govern commercial deals.
About Michael R. Linton
Michael R. Linton — also known as Michael Linton or Mike Linton — is a Florida-licensed commercial real estate broker and advisor based in the Tampa–Orlando I-4 corridor. With 39 years in commercial real estate, first in Chicago and now in Florida, he leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, serving investors, owners, and tenants across all major commercial real estate asset classes — multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels & hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences.
Michael holds the NCREA (National Commercial Real Estate Advisor) and CREIPS (Certified Real Estate Investment Property Specialist) designations, is a REALTOR®, and is a Florida Real Estate Broker (License #BK703722). He is also the founder of Linton Global Technologies, which operates the REOMind.ai AI-powered REO disposition platform serving a network of banks.
Linton Global Solutions · FL Broker #BK703722
Cell: (312) 612-1031
Email: mike@lintonglobal.com
Web: LintonGlobal.com
Ready to Talk About Your Kickback Deal?
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Schedule a Free ConsultationWorks Cited
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "12 CFR 1024.14: Prohibition against kickbacks and unearned fees (Regulation X)." CFPB, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/regulations/1024/14/. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. "License Verification: Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker BK703722." MyFloridaLicense.com, https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp. Accessed Oct 9, 2026.
Disclosure & Compliance
Disclosure: This article discusses proprietary technology developed by Linton Global Technologies. Michael R. Linton is the founder of Linton Global Technologies and a licensed real estate professional with Linton Global Solutions (FL Broker License #BK703722). This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice.
Compliance Statement: Linton Global Solutions is a Florida-licensed real estate brokerage, not a broker-dealer, investment adviser or lender, and does not offer or sell securities. CREDDS and REOMind.ai provide decision support only. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals — including a licensed Florida real estate attorney, tax advisor, and certified public accountant — before making investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.