Finally! Congress Is About to Stop Those Annoying Mortgage Calls with New Privacy Law

Congress is poised to pass the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act, bipartisan legislation that would put an end to the practice that causes this harassment and give you back control over your personal information during one of life’s biggest financial decisions.

Why Do I Get Bombarded with Calls After Applying for a Mortgage?

When you apply for a mortgage, your lender pulls your credit report. The moment this happens, credit reporting companies like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion automatically detect the inquiry and immediately sell your contact information to dozens of other mortgage companies. This practice is called “trigger leads.”

Within hours of submitting your mortgage application, your phone starts ringing with calls from lenders you’ve never heard of, all claiming they can offer you a “better deal.” You might receive hundreds of these unwanted contacts during your homebuying journey.
This isn’t just annoying – it can be genuinely harmful to your homebuying experience.

How Trigger Leads Hurt Homebuyers

These unwanted solicitations create several problems for consumers:

Confusion and Stress: During an already complex process, you’re forced to field dozens of calls from companies making various claims about rates and terms, making it harder to focus on your chosen lender.

Privacy Invasion: Your personal information is sold without your knowledge or consent the moment you apply for a mortgage.

Potential Scams: Some less reputable companies use trigger leads to prey on confused homebuyers with misleading offers or high-pressure tactics.

Wasted Time: You spend valuable time dealing with unwanted calls instead of focusing on finding your dream home.

Relationship Disruption: The constant solicitations can interfere with the relationship you’re trying to build with your chosen mortgage professional.

What Congress Is Doing to Help

The good news is that help is on the way. Both the House and Senate have passed versions of the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act in 2025, showing strong bipartisan support for ending this practice.

A remarkable coalition of 42 attorneys general from across the country have urged Congress to pass this legislation, recognizing how important it is to protect consumers from unwanted and potentially deceptive solicitations.

The House Financial Services Committee approved the bill unanimously in a 46-0 vote, and it has since passed the full House by voice vote. The Senate has also passed its companion bill, demonstrating that politicians on both sides of the aisle understand this is a real problem that needs to be fixed.

What the New Law Would Do

The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act would change the rules around trigger leads by amending the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Here’s what it means for you:

You Get to Choose: Instead of your information being automatically sold, you would need to actively opt-in to receive additional mortgage offers. This puts you in control.

Limited Exceptions: The only companies that could still get your information without permission would be those with whom you already have a deep financial relationship, like a bank where you already have a mortgage.

Protection During a Vulnerable Time: The law recognizes that the homebuying process is stressful enough without dealing with dozens of unwanted solicitations.

What to Expect After the Law Passes

Once this legislation becomes law, your homebuying experience should be much more peaceful. You can expect:

    •    Fewer Unwanted Calls: The flood of solicitations after applying for a mortgage should largely disappear
    •    More Control: You’ll decide if and when you want to hear from additional lenders
    •    Less Confusion: Without dozens of competing offers cluttering your decision-making process, you can focus on working with your chosen mortgage professional
    •    Better Privacy: Your personal information won’t be automatically sold the moment you apply for a loan

States Are Acting Too

While waiting for federal action, some states have already taken steps to protect consumers. Iowa, for example, has enacted legislation prohibiting financial institutions from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices when using mortgage trigger lead information. This law took effect on July 1, 2025.

Other states are likely to follow suit, providing additional protection for homebuyers.
What This Means for Your Homebuying Journey
When this law passes, your mortgage application process should become significantly less stressful.

You’ll be able to:

    •    Work more closely with your chosen lender without constant interruptions
    •    Make decisions based on the options you’ve actively sought out
    •    Enjoy greater privacy during an important financial milestone
    •    Spend your time house hunting instead of fielding unwanted calls
How to Protect Yourself Now

While we wait for the law to be finalized, here are some steps you can take to minimize unwanted solicitations:

    1.   Ask Your Lender: When applying for a mortgage, ask your lender about their privacy practices and whether they sell your information
    2.   Read the Fine Print: Look for opt-out options in application paperwork
    3.   Be Selective: Only provide your information to lenders you’re genuinely interested in working with
    4.   Use Call Blocking: Consider using call-blocking apps or services during your homebuying process
    5.   Report Problems: If you receive deceptive or harassing calls, report them to your state attorney general’s office

The Bottom Line

The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act represents a major victory for consumer privacy and a recognition that the homebuying process shouldn’t come with a side of harassment. With strong bipartisan support and backing from attorneys general across the country, this legislation is likely to become law soon.

For millions of future homebuyers, this means a more peaceful and private path to homeownership – exactly as it should be.

The mortgage industry will adapt to these changes, and legitimate lenders will continue to compete for your business through better service, competitive rates, and genuine relationships rather than by bombarding you with unwanted calls.

Your dream of homeownership shouldn’t come with the nightmare of constant solicitations. Thanks to this new legislation, it won’t have to.

Sources:
    •    Consumer Finance Monitor
    •    U.S. Senator Jack Reed’s Office
    •    Housing Wire
    •    National Association of Attorneys General
    •    Iowa House File 857
    •    Mortgage Bankers Association


This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals when making mortgage decisions.