Which would not be considered a RESPA violation?

The scenario where your favorite lender gives you a travel mug with their logo on it is not considered a violation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) because it falls within the realm of permissible promotional items. RESPA is primarily concerned with preventing kickbacks and unearned fees in the real estate transaction process, specifically to discourage practices that might lead to unfair pricing or a lack of transparency.

Promotional items, such as travel mugs, are generally acceptable as long as they are of nominal value and do not create a conflict of interest or the appearance of a quid pro quo arrangement for business referrals. Such small gifts are viewed as marketing tools rather than a direct monetary benefit that could influence a service choice. By contrast, the other scenarios involve substantial compensation or arrangements that could be perceived as coercive or creating a financial incentive that impacts business decisions, thus falling under RESPA's purview for potential violations.