Under RESPA, which of the following is NOT considered a thing of value?

The correct answer is that payment to a person for services actually rendered is not considered a "thing of value" under RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act). This is because RESPA primarily focuses on the transparency of transactions in the real estate industry, specifically those involving federally related mortgage loans.

When services are rendered, they are typically compensated for their actual value and do not fall under the umbrella of kickbacks or unearned fees, which is the main concern of RESPA. The act aims to eliminate any potential for conflicts of interest that arise from payments that do not correspond to actual services performed, which is why payment for services rendered is treated differently.

In contrast, the other options involve arrangements that may not represent true value in terms of services provided. Special banking terms, free services, or sales specials may create incentives that could lead to abuse or conflicts of interest in real estate transactions, thus they are more scrutinized under RESPA.