Buying a home is already one of the most exciting — and stressful — experiences you can go through. And if you’ve recently applied for a mortgage, you probably experienced it firsthand: suddenly, you start receiving calls, texts, and emails from lenders you’ve never even contacted.
How did they get your information? The answer lies in something called “trigger leads.”
Today, I want to share some excellent news: the U.S. Congress has taken nationwide action to protect homebuyers’ privacy with the approval of the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act. This federal legislation aims to finally limit the mass sale of these trigger leads — a practice that has caused frustration and confusion for thousands of families during one of the most important moments of their lives.
🔎 What are trigger leads?
When a buyer applies for a mortgage, a credit inquiry is made — and credit reporting agencies are allowed under current law to sell this information to third parties, without your consent. That opens the door to a flood of calls and messages from competing lenders trying to win your business.
Many buyers wrongly assume their lender or agent sold their info — but that’s not the case. It’s a legal, yet incredibly invasive practice that’s been in place for years.
âś… What changes with the new law?
Thanks to a bipartisan effort in both the Senate and the House, this new nationwide legislation would restrict the use of trigger leads to very specific situations. They would only be allowed when there is a firm offer of credit during an active real estate transaction. In other words: no more mass selling of your personal data without your permission.
🙌 As a Realtor, I applaud this move.
I want to congratulate the lawmakers and organizations that fought to protect homebuyers. This measure not only safeguards your privacy, but also reduces unnecessary stress during a process that’s already complicated enough. As a real estate professional, I see every day how these practices impact my clients’ experience. This law is a relief — and a victory — for everyone dreaming of a more transparent and respectful homebuying process.
If you’re thinking about buying a home and have questions about how to protect your personal information or how to navigate the process safely, I’m here to help.
📲 Contact me today and let’s talk!