Applying for a mortgage should feel exciting not overwhelming. But for many homebuyers, a simple credit check can trigger a flood of unwanted calls, texts, and emails from lenders they’ve never heard of. The good news? That’s finally changing.

The Homebuyer Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808) is now in effect, bringing much-needed limits to trigger leads. While it doesn’t eliminate them entirely, it significantly reduces who can access your information and when they can contact you.

In most cases, only companies you’ve already worked with or given permission to can reach out meaning fewer surprises and a smoother experience overall.

If you’re planning to apply for a mortgage soon, there are also a couple of simple steps you can take to protect yourself even further. Here’s what you need to know.