Under RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act), it is illegal to charge a fee for a settlement service if no services or only nominal services are performed. This is true regardless of who pays the fee, whether it's the borrower, seller, real estate agent, or any other party. RESPA prohibits unearned fees, kickbacks, or payments for referrals in federally related mortgage transactions.
* Even if someone other than the borrower pays, the charge is still illegal if it is not justified by actual services performed.
References:
* RESPA Section 8 - Prohibition on kickbacks and unearned fees
* CFPB RESPA Guidelines