A Win for Borrower Privacy: What the New Trigger Leads Bill Means for You

I’m excited to share some important and timely news that’s poised to make your homebuying experience smoother, less stressful, and more private. If you’re a long time reader of The Mortgage Porter, you know that I have a huge beef with trigger leads with the articles I’ve written. Let me break down the latest developments around the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808)—also known as the “Trigger Leads” bill—and explain exactly what it means for you.

What’s Happening Now?

  • On June 23, 2025, the House passed the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act via voice vote.

  • On August 2, 2025, the Senate passed the same bill unanimously.

  • That same day, industry groups—including the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB), American Bankers Association (ABA), and America’s Credit Unions—praised the move as a long-overdue reform to stop abusive marketing tactics.

Now, the bill is waiting on President Trump’s desk for his signature. Once signed, it will become law and go into effect 180 days later.

What Is a Trigger Lead—and Why This Matters to You

Trigger leads are generated when you apply for a mortgage and a credit bureau alerts marketing lists, which then allows other lenders or brokers to reach out—often bombard—without your consent. This can cause confusion, frustration, and stress, especially if borrowers think their lender leaked their data.

Once the bill becomes law, sharing your information will only be allowed when:

  • The lender is making a firm offer of credit or insurance, and

    • They have your consent, or

    • They are your current mortgage originator, servicer, or a bank/credit union where you hold an active account.

This means no more unexpected calls or texts from strangers the moment you apply for a loan. 😀

There will be the lag time between once the bill is signed and when it goes into effect. And I still think it’s a good idea to “opt-out” and take steps necessary to protect your credit.

As someone who’s been a Mortgage Professional for over 25 years, I have NEVER purchased “leads” or used a trigger list. My clients find me from reading my blog or social media; are referred to me by their friends or family; recommended by their real estate professional or financial advisors; or they are returning clients who I previously helped with their mortgage needs.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, remodeling or a reverse mortgage, please contact me! I’m happy to help you or anyone you know.

Mortgage Interest Rate Update for the Week of February 3, 2025

We have jobs data this week and we have Trump’s tariffs potentially impacting mortgage rates. In this episode, I share how loan level price adjustments are used to determine mortgage rates. Check out all this and more in my weekly update!

Mortgage Rate Update for the Week of January 27, 2025

Tariffs, Trade Wars, China’s AI and then… we have our scheduled economic data that may impact rates this week, including the wrap up of the 2-day FOMC meeting on Wednesday. Check out my latest video to learn where rates are and more!

By the way, if you or someone you know are wanting to buy a home, refinance or have been turned down for a mortgage, please contact me! I’m happy to help.

Are You a Co-Signer on a Student Loan?

When Congress resolved the latest debt ceiling with the passing of The Financial Responsibility Act of 2023, both parties agreed to stop the forbearance on student loans payments. Federally backed student loan payments have been paused for the past three years due to the pandemic. Payments on student loans are set to resume following this September and many are not going to be prepared for this. [Read more…]

Tired of “Trigger Leads”? Take ACTION NOW!

If you’ve applied for a mortgage, you are probably painfully aware of what it’s like to be a “trigger lead”. When your credit is pulled, the consumer reporting agencies resell your information to lenders. These unfamiliar lenders relentlessly harass consumers via phone calls and even text messages. This is very different than consumers who sign up to receive calls from various lenders when the consumer visits and enters their contact info into “lead generating” websites in search of rate quotes. A person having their credit pulled by a lender they have selected should not involuntarily be subject to having strange lenders contact them. [Read more…]

Some things to Consider before you do Forbearance with your Mortgage

Politicians and the media have made it sound like entering into a forbearance with your mortgage because of the pandemic is something that many Americans are taking advantage…and maybe you should too, right? Well…maybe not. [Read more…]

Governor Jay Inslee clarifies requirements for Loan Officers and Real Estate Agents during the Pandemic

Last Friday, Governor Inslee issued clarification to real estate agents and lenders regarding real estate and mortgage transactions during the corona virus pandemic. Originally, real estate agents were clarified as “non-essential” which caused a bit of an uproar in the real estate industry. [Read more…]

How Much Home Can You Buy with $97K Income with a Low Down Payment

The Seattle City Council recently passed a ban on evictions during winter months in Seattle. I’m all for protecting people when the weather is hazardous, however winter in Seattle is often quite mild. I’m actually very concerned about this legislation and how it may impact the rental market. I’m betting we will see more people decide to sell their Seattle investment property and move to other cities that are friendlier to landlords. Especially once you factor that Seattle laws prevent landlords from being able to screen potential tenants (it’s first come/first serve despite criminal history) and that landlords can only collect up to 1 month’s rent (plus 25% of one months rent if they accept pets) which can be paid over six months. Landlords are really in a risky position if the property is under Seattle’s regulations. [Read more…]