Your Loan is Closed. Your Junk Mail is Off the Charts. Why?

From Closing to Clutter: Navigating Post-Loan Junk Mail and Protecting Your Wallet

Jun 17, 2022

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Closing on a home loan is an exciting milestone. Whether you've just purchased a new home and are planning your first renovation project or completed a refinance and are looking forward to improved monthly cash flow, there's plenty to celebrate.

Then the mail starts arriving.

Suddenly your mailbox is filled with offers for home warranties, security systems, mortgage protection insurance, replacement windows, and other home-related services. Many homeowners wonder how these companies got their information and whether their lender shared it.

The good news is that your mortgage lender is not selling your personal information.

We Do Not Sell Our Borrowers' Information

At The Polder Group at CrossCountry Mortgage, protecting our clients' privacy is important to us. We do not sell borrower information to third-party marketers.

So why are you receiving these offers?

The answer lies in public records.

Once your home purchase or refinance transaction closes, the title company records your deed and mortgage documents with the county. This recording process makes certain information publicly available, which allows marketing companies to access it.

What Information Becomes Public Record?

After your loan closes and the deed is recorded, the following information may become part of the public record:

Your name and the names of any co-borrowers
Your lender's name
Your loan amount
Your property address
Certain loan recording information

Because these records are public, businesses can legally obtain the information and use it for marketing purposes. Some local companies use the data directly, while others purchase mailing lists from marketing firms that collect public records.

Unfortunately, this process cannot be prevented as it is part of the legal recording requirements associated with property ownership.

How to Reduce Junk Mail After Closing

While it may be impossible to eliminate unwanted mail entirely, there are several reputable services that can significantly reduce the volume of solicitations you receive.

OptOutPreScreen.com

This service is operated jointly by the major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, Innovis, and TransUnion.

You can use it to opt out of:

Credit card offers
Insurance offers
Pre-screened financing solicitations

Homeowners can opt out for five years or permanently at no cost.

DMAchoice.org

DMAchoice allows consumers to reduce direct marketing mail by selecting categories they no longer wish to receive.

Common categories include:

Credit offers
Catalogs
Magazine subscriptions
Other promotional mail

A small fee applies, and your preferences remain active for up to 10 years.

CatalogChoice.org

Catalog Choice is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers stop unwanted catalogs and certain promotional mailings.

The service is free, although donations are welcomed to support its mission.

PaperKarma

PaperKarma is a mobile app available for iOS and Android devices that helps users remove their names from mailing lists.

The service offers a trial period followed by subscription options for continued use.

Be Careful Before Throwing Everything Away

Not all mail you receive after closing is junk.

Many important documents may arrive during the weeks following your loan closing, including:

Title insurance information
Loan servicing transfer notices
Property tax information
Homeowners insurance communications
Escrow-related updates

Before shredding any mail, take a moment to review it carefully to avoid missing important information regarding your home or mortgage.

Watch Out for Misleading Mortgage Solicitations

Some mail pieces are designed to look official and may create confusion about whether additional action is required.

Common examples include:

Deed Recording Notices

Some companies send solicitations offering copies of your recorded deed for a fee.

Remember, your deed recording fees were already handled during closing. If you have questions about your recorded documents, contact your title company directly.

Mortgage Protection Insurance Offers

You may receive offers suggesting that mortgage protection insurance is required.

These products are generally optional. If you're interested in protecting your family financially, speak with your insurance professional about available life insurance or mortgage protection options.

Biweekly Payment Programs

Some companies charge fees to set up biweekly or semi-monthly mortgage payment plans.

Before paying for these services, contact your loan servicer directly. Many servicers can help you establish alternative payment arrangements at little or no cost. You may also be able to set up automatic payment options through your bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to receive a lot of mail after closing on a home?

Yes. Once your property transaction is recorded, certain information becomes public record, making it accessible to businesses that market home-related products and services.

Did my lender sell my information?

No. Reputable lenders do not sell borrower information for these purposes. Most of the mail comes from companies using publicly available property records.

Can I stop all of the junk mail?

While it may not be possible to stop every solicitation, services like OptOutPreScreen, DMAchoice, Catalog Choice, and PaperKarma can significantly reduce unwanted mail.

How do I know if mortgage-related mail is legitimate?

Review all mortgage-related correspondence carefully. If you're unsure whether a notice is legitimate, contact your mortgage servicer, title company, or loan officer before responding or making any payment.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or mortgage advice. Loan programs, rates, and guidelines may change at any time. All loans are subject to credit approval and underwriting. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a licensed mortgage professional.

Your Loan is Closed. Your Junk Mail is Off the Charts. Why?

We Do Not Sell Our Borrowers' Information

What Information Becomes Public Record?