LendingTree Celebrates the Passage of the Homebuyer Privacy Protection Act
LendingTree Celebrates the Passage of the Homebuyer Privacy Protection Act
On September 9, 2025, a significant victory for consumer privacy was marked by the signing of the Homebuyer Privacy Protection Act, commonly referred to as the Trigger Leads Bill. The bipartisan legislation aims to protect mortgage applicants from unsolicited offers and incessant communications that have plagued the homebuying process.
Introduced by Representatives John Rose (R-TN) and Ritchie Torres (D-NY), with senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Jack Reed (D-RI) backing it, the bill received unanimous approval from both chambers of Congress before reaching the President's desk. This landmark measure modifies the Fair Credit Reporting Act, prohibiting consumer reporting agencies from selling or distributing ‘trigger leads’ without explicit consent from the consumer or a prior relationship with the requesting party.
Trigger leads, which are pre-screened reports generated when individuals apply for a mortgage, have raised alarm within the homebuying industry. Data from a LendingTree survey revealed that 56% of loan applicants received between 10-50 unsolicited communications from lenders, often bombarding consumers through calls, emails, and physical mail.
Congressman Ritchie Torres, a co-sponsor of the bill, stated, “Trigger leads treat consumers as sales targets, not as individuals making one of the most significant decisions of their lives. With this law, we prioritize consumer privacy and choice over aggressive marketing tactics.”
Additionally, the same survey indicated that 83% of respondents were annoyed by unsolicited communications, with nearly 17% noting that these interruptions added confusion while attempting to secure a loan. By curtailing the misuse of personal financial information, the Homebuyer Privacy Protection Act empowers consumers to navigate mortgage decisions without undue pressure, confusion, or manipulation.
Representative John Rose, the bill's chief sponsor, expressed his satisfaction regarding the broad support its garnered. “This is monumental for Tennesseans and all Americans,” he remarked. “I am thrilled that my bill has received such widespread backing in Congress and honored that it was signed into law by President Trump. The homebuying journey is challenging enough without the extra noise of unsolicited sales calls.”
The broad bipartisan support of this legislation is a rare instance in today's often polarized political climate and emphasizes a shared commitment to protecting American homebuyers from unscrupulous data practices. LendingTree commends the leadership of Senators Bill Hagerty and Jack Reed, along with Representatives John Rose and Ritchie Torres, for their decisive actions towards this significant change.
Congressman Tim Moore noted, “This bill exemplifies what can transpire when we prioritize consumers. By shutting down abusive trigger lead practices, we provide families with the privacy and peace of mind they deserve during a major financial decision.”
Consumer advocacy and industry organizations, including the Mortgage Bankers Association and the Brokerage Action Coalition, collectively embraced the legislation, recognizing its potential to significantly reshape the homebuying landscape. LendingTree's CEO, Doug Lebda, emphasized, “This is a significant win for transparency, trust, and homebuyers everywhere. With this law, consumers can regain control over their financial decisions without overwhelming and unsolicited contacts.”
The repercussions of this historic bipartisan initiative will impact not only consumers but also brokers and lenders, fostering a more respectful and efficient homebuying experience. Brendan McKay, President of the Brokers Action Coalition, highlighted, “This legislation illustrates the possibilities when our industry aligns towards a shared mission. It is a victory for all stakeholders, enabling collaboration to achieve common goals.”
Furthermore, Bob Broeksmit, President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, affirmed, “This law is pivotal in safeguarding consumers from unwanted communication and signals a major leap toward a more responsible, effective, and respectful mortgage process.”
The Homebuyer Privacy Protection Act is set to be fully operational within 180 days, coming into effect in March 2026, marking a new chapter in consumer privacy within the real estate market.
About LendingTree, Inc.
LendingTree (NASDAQ: TREE) stands as one of the nation’s largest online financial platforms, founded with the aim of empowering consumers financially. It provides access to diverse offers on loans, credit cards, insurance, and more via its network of over 600 financial partners, fostering financial health and aiding millions in their personal financial journeys. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, LendingTree is dedicated to helping its customers achieve meaningful financial successes daily.
Topics Financial Services & Investing）
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