Which aspect of the mortgage process is the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) responsible for?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) plays a crucial role in overseeing mortgage lender practices and safeguarding consumer protections. This responsibility is central to the agency's mission of promoting financial literacy and ensuring consumers are treated fairly in the marketplace. The CFPB establishes and enforces regulations that lenders must follow, particularly concerning transparency in lending and the clarity of loan terms. This oversight helps to protect consumers from predatory practices and ensures they have access to information necessary for making informed decisions about mortgages.

In contrast, setting interest rates on loans is typically determined by market forces and individual lenders, not a function of the CFPB. Licensing for real estate agents is regulated at the state level, meaning that each state has its own regulatory body for issuing licenses and enforcing laws related to real estate professionals. Lastly, while the CFPB may support initiatives that include homebuyer education, it does not provide direct funding for such programs, as this task usually falls within the purview of local organizations or non-profits dedicated to housing education. Thus, the correct choice highlights the CFPB's primary role in consumer protection within the mortgage industry.