Understanding the Latest on Mortgage Trigger Leads: New Developments and What It Means for You


Sep 23, 2024 • Our Blog
Understanding the Latest on Mortgage Trigger Leads: New Developments and What It Means for You

In a previous blog post, we introduced you to mortgage trigger leads - the notifications sent to other lenders when you apply for a mortgage, leading to unsolicited offers and communications. If you missed that post, you can catch up here for a detailed explanation of how mortgage trigger leads work and how they can affect your home-buying journey.

Today, we want to revisit this topic with some important updates that may soon change how mortgage trigger leads are handled, thanks to new legislative efforts. As a homebuyer, staying informed is important so you know what to expect and how these changes could impact your experience.

A Refresher on Mortgage Trigger Leads

When you apply for a mortgage and have your credit checked, the credit bureaus can sell your contact information to other lenders. This process generates what are known as trigger leads. While this can provide you with more mortgage options, it also often results in a barrage of unsolicited calls, texts, and emails from lenders you never contacted.

In our last blog, we covered how you can protect yourself from these unwanted offers, and today, we’re here with updates on new measures that could help reduce these frustrations.

New Developments: Senate Amendment 2358

Lawmakers have heard consumer complaints and are taking action. Senate Amendment 2358, part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025, addresses the misuse of mortgage trigger leads. This amendment introduces tighter restrictions on when and how trigger leads can be sold, making sure consumers are protected from overly aggressive marketing tactics.

What the Amendment Aims to Do

This amendment won’t eliminate trigger leads altogether, but it does set stricter rules around how they’re used. It aims to:

●    Limit who can access your information after a credit inquiry, reducing the number of unsolicited offers.
●    Ensure legitimate use of trigger leads by lenders who are genuinely trying to provide competitive offers without overwhelming consumers.
●    Strengthen opt-out protections for consumers, making it easier to avoid trigger lead marketing.

The amendment is still under review, but its focus is clear—helping to protect consumers from unwanted communications while still maintaining a fair and competitive mortgage market.

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), of which Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation (DRMC) is a proud member, has been a key advocate for this amendment. The MBA has emphasized the importance of balancing consumer protection with healthy competition in the mortgage industry, and Senate Amendment 2358 reflects that mission. DRMC fully supports the amendment and the efforts to reduce abusive practices while preserving the legitimate use of trigger leads.

How Does This Affect You?

As we await the final decisions on this legislation, it’s important to remember that mortgage trigger leads are still in use, and you may still receive unsolicited offers if you’ve recently had your credit pulled. While there’s no way to stop this until the legislative changes are implemented fully, you can take steps to protect yourself:

●    Opt out of trigger leads through OptOutPrescreen.com, which will prevent your information from being sold to other lenders.
●    Register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce unwanted marketing calls.

These measures can provide some immediate relief until broader protections are enacted. Additionally, working with trusted lenders like DRMC can help you stay in control during the mortgage process.

At Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation, we’re here to offer personalized guidance, ensuring that you feel confident navigating your mortgage journey. Our communications are always relevant to your needs, providing you with reliable options without the distractions of unsolicited offers.

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

At Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation, protecting your privacy is at the core of what we do. We never sell your personal information to third parties, and any data you provide is used solely to find the best mortgage solutions for you.

As we monitor the progress of Senate Amendment 2358, we’ll continue to keep you informed about any changes that could impact your mortgage experience. Our priority is to ensure you feel secure and supported throughout the process.

If you have any questions or want to explore your mortgage options, don’t hesitate to reach out to your DRMC Loan Officer. We’re here to offer expert guidance and ensure a smooth, hassle-free journey to homeownership.