I resent the kickback comment!
As a broker - I can NOT accept money (or any other favor) from a lender for throwing business their way - I would lose my license and end up in jail!
YES, we do have affiliated companies we work with - but these MUST be disclosed to the Buyer and Seller. It is done here at the listing appointment or Buyer Interview.
Truthfully, I will refer buyers to people who have programs that suit their needs (affiliated or not)- and who follow-up, who close the loans on time, who keep in touch with me (preferably before they call the buyer with the news - because all the buyer hears is 'problem' - it could be the fax didn't go thru, but unless I know that before the buyer, I have a really upset buyer and no way to solve the problem until I know what the problem is).
If I feel they are not being given an appropriate program - I will tell them to talk with someone else. I am their advocate in everything that has to do with either buying or selling that property.