Final answer:
A mortgage loan originator is required to make a good-faith effort to determine demographic details based on visual observation or surname if a consumer declines to self-report during an in-person application, in compliance with anti-discrimination consumer protection laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a consumer declines to self-report their demographic details, a mortgage loan originator must make a good-faith effort to determine the demographic details based on visual observation or surname if the application is made in person. This requirement is in place to ensure compliance with equal credit opportunity, fair housing, and home mortgage disclosure laws. It's important to note that businesses and individuals involved in the lending process are strictly forbidden from discriminating on the basis of age, race, sex, or marital status, and are required by the Federal Government to disclose information about how loans are distributed in regards to various demographics.