T
he Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has filed a lawsuit against Arizona-based real estate brokerage The Jason Mitchell Group and Rocket Homes, alleging that they conspired to withhold information from homebuyers about competing loan options. According to the suit, Detroit-based Rocket Homes pressured its affiliate agents not to share information about competitors' loans and products, effectively blocking comparison shopping and driving up housing costs.

    CFPB Director Rohit Chopra stated that this kickback scheme is unacceptable at a time when homeownership feels out of reach for many people. The agency seeks a civil penalty that would be deposited into a victim's relief fund.

    Rocket Homes denies the allegations, calling them "false" and "distorted." However, the suit claims that The Jason Mitchell Group encouraged its agents to steer clients toward Rocket Mortgage products in exchange for referrals and rewards, including $250 gift cards. The brokerage allegedly taught its agents to create fear among clients about losing their homes or earnest money if they used a different lender.

    The CFPB alleges that The Jason Mitchell Group and Mitchell were enthusiastic partners of Rocket Homes, violating the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act by accepting things of value in exchange for referrals.