The finance charge
(1) Charges by third parties. The finance charge includes fees and amounts charged by someone other than the creditor, unless otherwise excluded under this section, if the creditor: (i) Requires the use of a third party as a condition of or an incident to the extension of credit, even if the consumer can choose the third party; or (ii) Retains a portion of the third-party charge, to the extent of the portion retained. (2) Special rule; closing agent charges. Fees charged by a third party that conducts the loan closing (such as a settlement agent, attorney, or escrow or title company) are finance charges only if the creditor: (i) Requires the particular services for which the consumer is charged; (ii) Requires the imposition of the charge; or (iii) Retains a portion of the third-party charge, to the extent of the portion retained. (3) Special rule; mortgage broker fees. Fees charged by a mortgage broker (including fees paid by the consumer directly to the broker or to the creditor for delivery to the broker) are finance charges even if the creditor does not require the consumer to use a mortgage broker and even if the creditor does not retain any portion of the charge.