IMPORTANT UPDATE
The FinCEN rESIDENTIAL Real estate rule is IN EFFECT. We have you covered.
A Federal Court has invalidated the law that requires that transfers of residential real property meeting specified criteria be reported to the United States Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”). At this time, we are no longer requesting that you provide information related to that law. Please note: That decision is not final and may be set aside. We will continue to actively monitor developments and update this page, and our policies as applicable legal requirements evolve.
Effective March 2026
What the new federal rule means for real estate transactions
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), part of the U.S. Treasury Department, has introduced a new nationwide Residential Real Estate (RRE) rule that expands reporting requirements for certain real estate purchases.
In plain terms, this rule:
Applies to non-financed transactions where the buyer is an entity or trust.
Is designed to prevent money laundering and increase transparency.
Covers residential properties (1–4 units) and vacant land where there is an intent to build a 1-4 units residential property.
Requires settlement agents to report details of the entity, trust, and individuals behind the purchase.
IS A FinCEN REAL ESTATE REPORT REQUIRED?
| Compliance without the complexity |
The new FinCEN RRE rule adds steps for some types of transactions—but Placer Title Customers won’t feel the disruption. We’ve built compliance directly into our title and settlement process, ensuring accuracy, security, and speed for every closing.
Contract
01
Secure Info Collection
02
FinCEN Submission
03
Confirmation
04
You can count on:
Automatic identification of covered transactions
Secure data collection through our encrypted customer environment
Integrated reporting with FinCEN
No disruption to your closing timeline
| What this change means for homebuyers and sellers |
If you buy or sell in your own name, nothing changes.
If your transaction involves a business entity or trust and no bank financing, you may be asked to provide:
Legal names and addresses
Date of birth and tax ID
Signer, beneficial ownership, or trustee details
| What this change means for investors and entity buyers |
If you buy through an entity or trust, FinCEN requires additional reporting for cash or privately financed purchases.
You may be asked to identify individuals who:
Own or control 25% or more of the entity
Exercise substantial control, such as a managing member or trustee
Placer Title’s secure workflow ensures:
Simple online certification of ownership details
Seamless coordination with your attorney or representative
Secure transmission and storage of sensitive data
Tip: Prepare entity or trust documentation early to keep your closing on track.
| Protecting the integrity of real estate transactions |
The FinCEN RRE rule strengthens the integrity of the U.S. real estate market by preventing illicit financial activity.
By partnering with Placer Title Company, you benefit from:
Full compliance without added steps
Strong data protection standards
A seamless experience for all parties
| QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FinCEN RRE RULE? |
We’re here to help.
When does the FinCEN rule take effect?
The new FinCEN RRE rule is scheduled to take effect March 2026.
Does it affect every real estate transaction?
No – only certain non-financed, residential transactions purchased by an entity or trust.
Will my information be made public?
No. FinCEN filings are confidential and secure.
Who files the report?
The settlement or title agent, following FinCEN’s reporting cascade.
What happens if I don't provide the information?
Closings may be delayed until required details are submitted.
Where can I learn more?
Visit FinCEN.gov/rre
| Have more questions or need help? |
Our experts are ready to guide you and your clients through every step. We are committed to helping customers, partners, and agents navigate regulatory change with confidence and clarity.