Under which condition would Tyler be required to act as an agent for the Knightleys?

Tyler would be required to act as an agent for the Knightleys if he is charging any advance fee. In the context of mortgage loan origination, when a broker or originator charges an advance fee, they are typically entering an agency relationship with the client. This implies a responsibility to act in the best interests of the client and provide them with the necessary services tied to that fee.

Charging an advance fee indicates that Tyler would be securing compensation before any service is fully rendered, which establishes a fiduciary relationship. Consequently, this entails that he must act with loyalty and full disclosure towards the Knightleys, ensuring that their interests are prioritized while he fulfills his obligations as their agent, which includes navigating the complexities of obtaining a mortgage.

In contrast, providing consultations for free or assisting in understanding loan terms does not create a formal agency relationship, as there is no fee structure that establishes a fiduciary duty. Similarly, submitting application paperwork is more of a procedural step and does not intrinsically necessitate acting as the client's agent without the context of a fee arrangement.