Some realtors and mortgage brokers are concerned about a new law designed to prevent predatory lending.

The new law requires that some home buyers who have low credit scores, or meet certain other criteria, have to undergo financial counseling before they can get a mortgage.

It’s a pilot program, and so far, it only applies to 10 zip codes on Chicago’s Southwest Side.

But Dan Green, a mortgage planner, says the law could have unintended consequences.

“The law is meant to protect folks and to help them make sure that they’re not being taken advantage of by a few unscrupulous mortgage brokers that exist,” he says. “But in the way that it’s worded, and the way the law is being enacted, it’s actually having kind of a reverse effect, where lenders don’t want to help anybody at all.”

He says that’s due to potential delays and bureaucracy.

The Chicago Association of Realtors opposes the law.

State officials say so far, the system is running smoothly.