Absolutely not!

This goes far beyond the obvious RESPA discussion...

I am the RAINMAKER.

My lender makes money because I refer clients to him.

So does EVERYBODY ELSE in the transaction - including the closing attorney, insurance agent, home inspector, pest inspector, septic inspector, fireplace inspector, pool/hot tub inspector, elevator inspector, builder, and surveyor.

Nothing happens in this world until somebody sells something. 

And then when you and I DO sell, look at all the professions that benefit.

I do not want (or need) a gift from any of my team members - but I DO require them to answer their phones, even on the weekends, because if I have to work and am out showing property or writing an offer, then they should be available to answer a question when it comes up.

Given the one-way nature of the business relationship, why on earth would I feel the need to give a gift to any team member?   

No gifts to anyone, other than the client I represent.  Any gifts from anyone could be a potential RESPA violation.

Just referrals if everything went well, never a gift.

The best gift that can be given is another referral.  Anything beyond that is bordering problematic.

RESPA prevents us from doing much of what we'd like to do, but I think teaming up on gifts for our mutual client and enjoying the future referrals that will come from them is the best bet

I believe that would be illegal for them to accept or give a gift.

My friend Joe Petrowsky would have a lot to say on this subject.

I do not give a gift and I do not expect one at any closing.

However, I do enjoy when they accept my invitation to mingle at my events or receive an invite to their networking meet ups.

There are many great responses here.
To be compliant with RESPA, no.
It's best to stay away from gift giving.

No. Have never exchanged gifts with a lender.

I have not given a lender a gift and I am giving him money in the way of buyers.  I have received a $500.00 gift card from my lender.

I do not give gifts to the lenders ~ I give them buyers. That is a gift! :)  The lenders I refer to do a great job ~ and that is my gift from them! Everyone is happy. Happy, HAPPY!

I do not give gifts to lenders, inspectors, buyers, sellers, appraisers or anyone else.  I am in a business to make an living.  They also do not give me anything.

Gifts: home made cookies, home grown flowers, vegetables from my garden... Be kind and share a piece of ourselves. If you are a knitter- give pot holders, if you are a golfer give a card with golfing tips...

NOT a pen or calender with your logo- 

We are in tight contact sometimes many texts, emails, calls in a month. My theory is: it is way more fun to work hard in the trenches with people you respect and care for than to ignore the human aspect 

Seriously? The lender should be giving me a gift card for referring him or her business! (Just kidding!) I don't expect any gifts from my lenders. They do on occasion take me out to lunch, which is nice. I would just prefer referrals.

No. I am not a fan of giving or receiving any gifts in this business.

Kristin - Most buyers I work with already have a lender, so I do not give a gift card to them. I also have never received a gift card from a lender for handing them a referral.

Nope.  We exchange a small token of appreciation with one another at Christmastime. But we do it as friends who just happen to do business together and it has nothing to do with our business or referrals.

I have had the banker pick up the tab for lunch, I would report that to the Broker but because I am the Broker, I log it for future reference.

I have receive a promotional item from a lender like a cooler, umbrella or a gift card to a coffee shop. I haven't given gift cards to the lender. At Christmas time I have received nicer gifts from lenders like flowers or a restaurant card. I have given them something too to say thank you.

I have never given gift cards to loan officers. 

I have recieved holiday baskets from some loan officers but that is a rare treat.

Illinois is an attorney state so attorney's get the gift and its usually in the form of a kick back but they don't like to call it that.

You asked some great questions. Lenders cannot give or receive gifts, however it happens. The rules are a bit crazy, but those are the rules. They see it almost like bribes, believe it or not.

Thank you Bob Crane for mentioning me.

I am not a lawyer....and not judgine respa violations....we often have a Sellabration toast...which "violates" nothing and Sellabrates everything !