📵 Trigger Leads Get the Boot:

Congress Passes Major Homebuyer Privacy Law

A rare bipartisan win aims to protect homebuyers from spammy lender offers. No more unsolicited calls after a credit pull.

🏛️ Congress Just Gave Homebuyers a Much-Needed Privacy Upgrade

In a rare show of unity, both chambers of Congress have voted to give buyers a break from the barrage of unsolicited mortgage offers. On Saturday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808), following earlier approval in the House. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for signature.

Once signed, the new law will take effect 120 days later—likely in late December 2025—giving credit bureaus, lenders, and marketers time to update their systems and processes.

The legislation bans “trigger-lead” solicitations unless the consumer explicitly consents or already has a relationship with the company. Even then, any contact must include a bona fide credit offer—no more bait-and-switch marketing.

☎️ Wait—What Are Trigger Leads?

If you’ve ever applied for a mortgage and then immediately got a flood of texts, calls, and emails from lenders you’ve never heard of… congrats, you’ve been "triggered."

Trigger leads happen when credit bureaus sell your inquiry data after a mortgage application. While it’s legal (for now), it creates privacy headaches and confusion—especially for buyers already working with a lender.

👉 Want to know how to stop that in the meantime?
🔗 [Click here for our previous post on how to opt out of trigger leads

Originally pitched as a consumer-friendly tool to encourage competition, trigger leads have evolved into a privacy nuisance. This new law finally puts a leash on that practice.

👏 Industry Applauds the New Law

Industry leaders and consumer advocates have long pushed for this change.

“This new law will help protect consumers from the barrage of unwanted calls, texts, and emails they too often receive immediately after applying for a mortgage,”
— Bob Broeksmit, CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)

It’s a win for consumer trust, lender accountability, and clear communication.

🧭 What This Means for Buyers and Agents

Here’s how this change will impact your world:

• 🛑 Less noise – No more surprise spam calls right after applying for a loan.

• 🔒 More control – Your information stays private unless you say otherwise.

• 🤝 Stronger relationships – Agents and brokers can guide clients without interference from misleading offers.

• 📬 Real offers only – Any communication must be tied to a legitimate credit opportunity.

This gives buyers breathing room and ensures they can shop for a home without being overwhelmed by pushy sales tactics.

🕒 What to Do Now

The law isn’t in effect yet, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck until December.

✔️ You can opt out of trigger leads today—and you should.
🔗 [See our previous blog post for the step-by-step opt-out guide]

Helping buyers protect their peace of mind is just as important as helping them lock in a great rate.

📣 Final Thoughts

This is more than a legislative win—it’s a step toward restoring confidence in the mortgage process. Buyers deserve better, and soon, they’ll get it.

Need help getting pre-approved without the spam? I’ve got your back.

🔗 Sources

• Senate Passes Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act – MBA Newslink

• What Is a Mortgage Trigger Lead? – Experian

• NAR Statement on Trigger Lead Reform