What the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act Means for You 

On September 5, 2025, President Trump signed the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808), also known as the Trigger Leads Bill, into law. This new law changes the handling of your financial information when you apply for a mortgage and signals the end of trigger leads. Trigger leads have long been one of the more annoying parts of applying for a mortgage, so this represents a major win for homebuyers. 

Keep reading this blog post to learn what you need to know and why this law’s passage is a major win for homebuyers. 

What Are Trigger Leads and Why Do They Matter? 

When you apply for a mortgage, credit bureaus record your activity. In the past, they could sell this information to other lenders as “trigger leads.” Soon after applying, many buyers experience a flood of phone calls, emails, and texts from lenders they had never heard of. Some applicants have received hundreds of calls, texts, and emails within a few days of their credit being pulled. 

This barrage often caused stress and confusion. Buyers worried their lender was sharing their information without permission. In response, consumer groups, mortgage professionals, and state attorneys general pushed for change. The new law addresses those concerns. 

Key Parts of the New Law 

The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act sets new rules for how credit reporting agencies handle mortgage data. 

1. Credit bureaus can only share these trigger leads if the borrower has given their consent. 

2. Data can go only to your lender, loan servicer, or a company you already work with. 

3. Any use must involve a real, pre-qualified credit offer. 

4. The law takes effect on March 5, 2026. 

What This Means for Homebuyers 

The changes are good news if you plan to buy a home or refinance your current mortgage. 

1. After applying for a mortgage, you will get fewer unwanted calls, texts, and emails. 

2. You will have more control over who sees your personal financial information. 

3. The process will feel simpler and less distracting. 

What You Can Do Now 

The law does not take effect until March 5, 2026, but you can take steps today to protect your privacy. 

1. Opt out of pre-screened credit offers at OptOutPrescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT. 

2. Register your phone number at DoNotCall.gov to reduce unwanted calls. 

3. Contact lenders directly rather than responding to unsolicited offers. 

FAQs about the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act 

When does the law take effect? 

The law takes effect on March 5, 2026. 

What is a trigger lead? 

A trigger lead is when a credit bureau sells your mortgage application data to other lenders. Trigger leads often result in unwanted calls, emails, or texts right after you apply for a loan. 

Will I still get calls from my lender? 

Yes. Your current lender, loan servicer, or a company you already do business with can still contact you. 

Can I stop unwanted offers before 2026? 

Yes. You can opt out at OptOutPrescreen.com or by calling 1-888-5-OPT-OUT. You can also register your number at DoNotCall.gov. 

Does this affect all credit offers? 

No. The law focuses on mortgage-related data. Other pre-screened credit offers may still reach you unless you opt out. 

The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act gives buyers more control over their personal information. Once it takes effect in March 2026, you can expect a safer and less stressful experience when applying for a mortgage. 

Our loan officers are ready to guide you through what this change means for you. They can explain how the new protections work and help you explore loan options that fit your situation. Contact one of our expert loan officers if you have questions or want to discuss your next steps!