How to Stop Annoying Telemarketing Calls After Applying for a Mortgage

Have you ever been bombarded with dozens of unwanted calls after applying for a home mortgage? Here's how to prevent that from happening in the future...

Embarking on the homebuying journey is exciting, but it often comes with an unexpected and unwelcome side effect – a surge in telemarketing spam calls. This spike in calls typically occurs after your credit is run by a mortgage lender.

Understanding the Link Between Credit Checks and Calls

When mortgage lenders pull your credit report, it can trigger an alert in the credit system. This often leads to your contact information becoming a target for companies offering credit or insurance products. Suddenly, your phone starts buzzing more than usual, with calls from numbers you don’t recognize, offering services or products you didn’t ask for.

A Solution at Your Fingertips: OptOutPrescreen.com

But there’s good news! You have the power to reduce these calls significantly. The key is a little-known website: www.optoutprescreen.com. This site is the official Consumer Credit Reporting Industry website to accept and process requests from consumers to “Opt-In” or “Opt-Out” of firm offers of credit or insurance.

How Does OptOutPrescreen.com Work?

Opting out through this website means you’re telling the major credit bureaus that you don’t want your credit information shared for firm offers of credit or insurance. Here’s how it works:

  1. Visit the Site: Go to www.optoutprescreen.com.
  2. Choose Your Opt-Out Duration: You can choose to opt-out for five years by applying electronically or permanently via mail.
  3. Provide Information: Fill in your personal information. This is safe and secure – it’s used to match your credit file.
  4. Confirmation: Receive a confirmation of your opt-out request.

The Benefits

  • Fewer Calls: Expect a noticeable reduction in telemarketing spam calls.
  • Privacy Protection: Helps in safeguarding your personal information.
  • Focus on What Matters: More time to focus on your home buying journey without unwanted distractions.

What’s Next?

After you’ve opted out, give it some time. It can take several days to a week or two for your request to be fully processed. This is why you should do this in advance of applying for your home mortgage if at all possible.

Your Journey, Your Terms

I believe your homebuying journey should be on your terms, including who has access to contact you. Opting out of prescreened offers is a simple yet effective step towards maintaining control over your personal information and your peace of mind.

Stay tuned for more tips and insights to make your homebuying experience as smooth and empowering as possible!

Picture of Jay Miller

Jay Miller

Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist (CMPS) with more than 22 years residential mortgage experience. Looking to buy a new home or invest in real estate but feeling lost in the maze of mortgage qualification and personal finance? Don't worry, I've got you covered! My mission is to take the mystery out of the home buying experience and empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed financial decisions. It's true, most of us are never taught about credit or personal finance in school and many lenders fall short when it comes to providing educational guidance. But fear not, because with my guidance, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the housing market with confidence. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned real estate investor, my goal is to arm you with the tools and information you need to make the right financial choices for you and your family. I'm always looking for feedback and eager to assist you on your home buying journey.