Which of the following would be considered a third-party provider in the context of mortgage transactions?

In the context of mortgage transactions, a title company is recognized as a third-party provider because it operates independently of both the lender and the borrower. The title company is responsible for conducting title searches to ensure that the property being mortgaged has a clear title, meaning there are no liens or legal claims against it. Additionally, they facilitate the closing process by ensuring that the necessary paperwork is completed and that funds are properly handled.

Third-party providers serve essential functions that support the mortgage transaction without being directly part of the lender-borrower relationship, which helps uphold a fair and transparent process. While real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and credit bureaus play significant roles in the mortgage process, they are typically closer to the transaction, with agents representing sellers or buyers, brokers facilitating loans directly, and credit bureaus providing essential credit information. In contrast, a title company maintains an impartial position critical for the legitimacy and security of property transactions.