As football season kicks off and we soon settle into a new fall routine, the real estate world is gearing up for some big changes, too. Are you ready for what’s coming?
A Big Shift Is Coming
With college football in full swing and the NFL preseason underway, weekends might be all about tailgates and touchdowns. But there’s another playbook you’ll want to pay attention to, and it’s coming from FinCEN.
Starting Dec.1, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will roll out new nationwide reporting rules for non-financed residential transactions. For REALTORS®, this means new compliance requirements, especially for all-cash deals and transactions involving LLCs or trusts.
The goal is to increase transparency and close loopholes that bad actors have used to exploit the real estate market.
Why This Matters
Since 2016, FinCEN has used Geographic Targeting Orders (GTOs) to monitor high-value, all-cash property purchases in specific cities. These rules were designed to combat money laundering and have expanded over time.
Now, FinCEN is taking things further. This next phase will apply to every market in the country, from small towns to major cities.
What’s Changing?
Here’s what REALTORS® need to know:
- Nationwide coverage: Every U.S. market will follow the same reporting standards.
- Non-financed transactions: Includes all-cash deals, seller financing and private loans.
- Legal entities and trusts: Buyers using LLCs or trusts must disclose beneficial ownership.
- No price threshold: These rules apply to all transactions, regardless of value.
How to Stay Ahead
With these expanded rules, more transactions will require extra steps. Here’s how you can prepare:
- Start early: If your client plans to use a trust, LLC or alternative financing, they’ll need extra documentation.
- Expect more paperwork: Transparency is key, so prepare buyers for added disclosures.
- Work with your title team: A reliable title partner (ahem… like Continental Title Company) can help you navigate these changes.
How Continental Title Company Is Preparing
We’re already taking steps to ensure we’re ready for FinCEN’s rule changes well before December.
Here’s what we’re doing:
- Updating internal processes
- Training our teams
- Enhancing data security
- Communicating with our REALTOR® partners
Our goal is to help you stay compliant, avoid surprises at closing and keep transactions running smoothly.
Football season may be in full swing, but in real estate, waiting until the last quarter isn’t an option. These new FinCEN rules are coming fast, and REALTORS® who prepare now will be ready to guide their clients with confidence.
Our Continental Title teams are here to help you stay informed, prepared and protected. If you’re looking for clear guidance and reliable support, we’re ready to help you succeed. Reach out to a location near you!