New Rules Effective March 2026
The FinCEN real estate rule is changing.
We have you covered.
Starting March 2026, new federal reporting requirements will apply to certain real estate transactions. First American has integrated these safeguards into our title and settlement process—so you can close with confidence.
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?
Download the Guide“To prevent money laundering and protect the real estate market.”
Compliance without the complexity.
The new FinCEN RRE rule adds steps for some types of transactions—but First American 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.
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
You'll receive a secure message from First American inviting you to log in with your EagleID. Once signed in, you can complete a simple online form. All information is encrypted and sent securely to FinCEN, which means it's never shared publicly.
Be aware before you begin:
- You will only receive communication from a verified @firstam.com email address.
- Any request will direct you to log in through your official EagleID account, and never through a third-party website or generic link.
- You will never be asked to provide information by replying to an email or over the phone.
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
First American’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 First American, you benefit from:
Full compliance without added steps
Strong data protection standards
A seamless experience for all parties
Inside the threats behind FinCEN's new rule.
FinSinners Part 1: The Basics of Money Laundering and FinCEN's Hidden World
A former CIA spy and treasury agent joins our hosts to expose how fraudsters exploit rules, move billions—and why it's important to understand new reporting rules.
"If you're a money launderer... There are few things out there better than real estate."
Learn more about real estate fraud through our podcast, where First American experts and special guests examine the scams and money laundering risks facing today's real estate industry.
Listen Part 2 of FinSinners Series
Questions about the FinCEN RRE rule?
We're here to help.
The new FinCEN RRE rule is scheduled to take effect March 2026.
No—only certain non-financed deals purchased by entities or trusts.
No. FinCEN filings are confidential and secure.
The settlement or title agent, following FinCEN’s reporting cascade.
Requests only come via verified FirstAm.com emails or the EagleID portal.
Closings may be delayed until required details are submitted.
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.