Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a valid mortgage loan originator practice?

In the context of mortgage loan origination, the practice encompasses several critical requirements to ensure transparency and fairness in the lending process. Among these, the disclosure of rates is important for informing borrowers about the costs associated with their loan, enabling informed decision-making. Additionally, the application of fees is crucial, as borrowers must be aware of any fees they will incur throughout the mortgage process. The retention of records is also significant, as it ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks and allows for audit trails and accountability within the loan origination process.

While consideration of borrower earnings is a critical factor in evaluating a borrower’s ability to repay a loan, it is not listed as a formal requirement for loan originators in the context of the options provided. Instead, it is more of an implicit consideration within the underwriting process, where lenders assess the borrower's financial situation. This implies that while understanding a borrower's earnings is important, it does not constitute a specific documented requirement of the origination practice itself, thus making it the correct choice in this scenario.