BREAKING NEWS: Home Buyer Privacy Laws Changing. Here's What You Should Know

If you’re even thinking about buying a home, read this before you let a lender run your credit. A new federal law just changed the rules of the game, and it’s designed to protect your privacy and your sanity.

What Just Happened?

On September 5, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808) into law. It clamps down on so-called “trigger leads" which are the lists credit bureaus sell after a mortgage credit pull that unleash a swarm of calls and texts from competing lenders.

Why This Matters To You

Has this ever happened to you? You apply for a mortgage. Minutes later, your phone explodes with strangers pitching loans. Texts, calls, emails. All trying to get your business. And many using shady and confusing tactics to do so. That’s a trigger lead in action. The new law largely shuts this down, so you can focus on your loan and your home, not on dodging spam calls.

What’s Changing?

The law amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act so that if a lender pulls your credit for a residential mortgage, the credit bureaus cannot sell or share your information as a prescreened lead unless all of the following are true:

• It’s for a firm offer of credit or insurance and

• The recipient either

  • has your documented authorization to contact you, or

  • already has a qualifying relationship with you: they originated your current mortgage, service your current mortgage, or they’re your bank or credit union where you hold an account.

When it takes effect: The law takes effect 180 days after enactment, which is March 4, 2026. Until then, the old rules still apply, so take the opt-out steps below now to protect yourself during any immediate upcoming home search.

The Bottom Line For Homebuyers

• Fewer surprise calls and texts: Unsolicited pitches tied to your mortgage credit check will be severely limited.

• More control: Only lenders you authorize - or those you already have a real relationship with - get to contact you via these lists.

Do This Now: 3 Quick Opt-outs To Protect Your Peace

Even with the new law on the way, you should still lock down your info today. It takes five minutes and can save you tons of aggravation.

1. Opt out of prescreened offers

   • Go to OptOutPrescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). Choose a 5-year opt-out or start the permanent opt-out (you’ll confirm by mail). This covers the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion, and Innovis.

2. Register on the National Do Not Call Registry

   • Add your mobile and landline at DoNotCall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the number you want to register. This won’t stop calls from your current providers or political/charity calls, but it can cut out a huge chunk of telemarketing noise.

3. Reduce junk mail

   • Sign up at DMAchoice.org to limit promotional mailings to your home. There’s a small fee, but registration lasts 10 years.

What’s Still Allowed?

This law targets mortgage-triggered prescreening. Other kinds of prescreened offers (like some credit cards or insurance) still exist under the FCRA’s general rules. That's another reason to do the opt-outs above.

Quick Myth-Busting

• “I can’t compare rates anymore.” False. You can still shop for mortgage rates. This law simply stops uninvited lenders from chasing you because of a credit pull. You can request quotes from any lender you choose.

• “This starts right away.” Not quite. The effective date is March 4, 2026. Until then, opt out with other services to reduce solicitations.

• “This only protects first-time buyers.” Wrong. The law protects anyone applying for a mortgage, whether it’s your first house, a refinance, or an investment property. Privacy protections apply across the board. relies on clear authorization.

Final Thoughts

This is a huge step forward for consumer privacy that has been in the works for years. The passing of this bipartisan law will now provide real guardrails around a practice that’s annoyed and confused homebuyers for years. You’ll soon have a much quieter, more respectful path to home buying. Take two minutes to complete the opt-outs above, and you’ll feel the difference on your very next credit pull.

About Philippa Main

Philippa Main is a dedicated and experienced Realtor serving the Northern Virginia area. With over 11 years in the industry, she can guide clients through every type of market. Philippa stays on top of the latest developments in the real estate industry, housing policy, and the broader economy, and combines her extensive training and deep knowledge with a passion for client education. She believes that the best service comes from ensuring buyers and sellers fully understand their options and receive tailored and personalized service. By breaking down complex issues into clear, actionable guidance, Philippa empowers her clients to make confident, informed decisions whether they are selling or buying a home. Contact her today if you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Northern Virginia.