Mortgage Opt-Out Prescreen
If you’ve started the process of buying a home, you may have already connected with a trusted local mortgage lender. But shortly after your credit is pulled, you might notice something surprising—your phone starts ringing nonstop with mortgage offers, or your mailbox fills with “pre-approved” letters from companies you’ve never heard of.
This can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already focused on one of the biggest purchases of your life. The good news is, you can limit these unwanted solicitations with the Opt-Out Prescreen program.
What is the Opt-Out Prescreen?
The Opt-Out Prescreen program is part of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). It gives you the right to stop lenders, insurance companies, and credit card issuers from using your credit information for unsolicited offers.
Here’s what happens: once your credit is pulled as part of the homebuying process, credit bureaus may sell your information to other lenders. That’s why you suddenly get a flood of calls and mailings. Opting out prevents your information from being included on those prescreened lists.
How This Affects You When Buying a Home
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You won’t miss out on your mortgage options. Opting out doesn’t affect your ability to work with your local lender—it only stops the random solicitations from outside companies.
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You’ll avoid unwanted calls and mail. Many homebuyers are caught off guard by the sheer number of calls from solicitors after they start the process. Opting out helps protect your privacy.
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You stay focused on the lender you trust. Instead of sorting through dozens of unfamiliar offers, you can concentrate on the personalized guidance your local lender is providing.
How to Opt Out
There are two simple ways to opt out:
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Online: Visit www.optoutprescreen.com
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Phone: Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688)
You’ll be able to:
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Opt out for 5 years
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Or opt out permanently
This means your information will no longer be sold to companies for prescreened mortgage offers, credit card offers, or insurance solicitations.
Key Takeaways for Homebuyers
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The flood of calls and mail you get after applying for a mortgage isn’t from your local lender—it’s from companies purchasing prescreened lists.
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The Opt-Out Prescreen program gives you back control and helps keep the focus on your trusted lender.
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You can still compare mortgage rates and apply for loans on your own—this only stops unsolicited offers.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re planning to buy a home soon, consider opting out before your lender pulls your credit. It’s one less stressor to deal with during the homebuying process.
✅ Ready to focus on your home loan without the distractions? Work with one of our local mortgage lending experts today.