RESPA 2010....lenders are more accurate and closing costs have dropped!

"This is the second year in which lenders are required to estimate third-party fees within 10 percent of the final cost. It seems like they're getting more accurate, which helps explain the sharp decrease in these fees over the past year," said Greg McBride, CFA, Bankrate.com's senior financial analyst. "The main lesson of this survey for consumers is to shop around for at least three different estimates. While no one is going to move to a new state just because closing costs are lower, it's important for people to realize that there is variation even within their neighborhood, and that they can save by being an educated consumer."

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/mortgage-closing-costs-dropped-seven-percent-over-past-year-2012-08-06

Can a loan officer casually give the borrower a name of a provider...

without including that provider on the "list"?  I say no.  What do YOU think?  I am not certain that folks have their compliance arms all around this issue.  I believe we have lenders with lists that contain names of providers and an expectation that loan officers will not give the consumer any other names.

Be safe.  If you mention a provider's name to your consumer, write the provider on your list.