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TL;DR: The new FinCEN Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Rule takes effect March 1, 2026, and requires real estate professionals to collect and report specific buyer and seller information on every transaction. Stewart Title and Eastern KY Title are hosting a free virtual training session on February 3, 2026, that includes 1 hour of Kentucky CE Law Credit. Register by January 29th by emailing lindon@easternkytitle.com.
You are about to close a deal. The paperwork is ready. Your clients are excited. Then someone asks a question you cannot answer: “Do we have all the FinCEN documentation?”
Do we have all the FinCEN documentation?
If your stomach just dropped a little, you are not alone.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has finalized its new Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Rule, and as of March 1, 2026, real estate professionals across the country will have new compliance responsibilities. For Kentucky REALTORS and real estate licensees, this is not a distant federal issue happening somewhere else. This is coming to your closings in Wolfe County, Pike County, Lewis County, and every other county you serve.
The good news? You have time to prepare. And we are here to help you do exactly that.
What Is the New FinCEN Rule and Why Should Kentucky Agents Care?
The FinCEN Anti-Money Laundering Rule represents one of the most significant regulatory changes to hit the real estate industry in decades. At its core, the rule is designed to combat money laundering through real estate transactions by requiring certain professionals to collect, verify, and report beneficial ownership information.
For years, real estate has been identified as a potential vehicle for illicit financial activity. Unlike banking and securities, real estate transactions have historically operated with fewer federal reporting requirements. The new rule changes that equation.
Here is what this means in plain English: when you help a buyer purchase property or assist a seller in closing a deal, you may now have specific obligations to collect documentation about who actually owns the entities involved in the transaction. Shell companies, LLCs, trusts, and other legal structures that have sometimes obscured true ownership will face new transparency requirements.
As John often reminds our team, “Compliance is not about paperwork for paperwork’s sake. It is about protecting your clients and protecting yourself.”
Compliance is not about paperwork for paperwork’s sake. It is about protecting your clients and protecting yourself.
John Holder
Who Is Affected by the FinCEN Real Estate Rule?
The rule affects licensed real estate agents and brokers, REALTORS®, real estate attorneys, title companies, settlement agents, and escrow agents. If you are involved in facilitating residential real estate transactions, you need to understand your role in this new compliance framework.
Quick Compliance Checklist for Kentucky Real Estate Professionals
Before March 1, 2026, every Kentucky agent should understand what information must be collected, develop a documentation system, train your team, communicate proactively with clients, and establish relationships with title professionals who understand the new rules.
What Information Will Real Estate Agents Need to Collect?
The new FinCEN rule requires collecting beneficial ownership information for legal entities involved in transactions. This typically includes full legal names, dates of birth, residential addresses, and government-issued identification numbers for individuals. For entity buyers and sellers like LLCs and trusts, you will need entity formation information and beneficial owner details for anyone owning 25% or more.
The devil, as they say, is in the details. Each transaction may present unique circumstances that require careful navigation.
How Will the FinCEN Rule Affect Kentucky Real Estate Closings?
If you have worked in Eastern Kentucky real estate for any length of time, you know that closings here can be more complex than elsewhere. Between mineral rights issues, coal severances, heir property complications, and unique ownership structures common in our region, we already have plenty of title challenges to navigate.
The new FinCEN requirements add another layer. Transactions involving entities may require additional time for compliance documentation. Some clients may be unfamiliar with or uncomfortable providing detailed personal information, so having clear explanations ready matters. And you will need reliable systems for collecting, organizing, and securely storing compliance documentation.
Why Attend the Free FinCEN Class for REALTORS and Real Estate Licensees?
Stewart Title Guaranty Company and Eastern KY Title are partnering to offer a focused, practical training session designed specifically for real estate professionals navigating the 2026 FinCEN reporting requirements. This is not a theoretical lecture about federal regulations. This is a working session designed to give you actionable knowledge you can use immediately.
What You Will Learn:
- Clear explanations of the new FinCEN rule and how it affects real estate transactions
- Who needs to do what: responsibilities of buyers, sellers, and agents
- Exactly what information must be gathered and how to collect it efficiently
- How to prepare your clients to avoid delays or compliance issues
- Workflow strategies and communication templates for managing compliance paperwork
Class Details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | February 3, 2026 |
| Time | 2:30 PM Eastern |
| Format | Zoom Virtual Meeting |
| Cost | FREE |
| CE Credit | 1 Hour Kentucky Real Estate Law Credit |
| CE Provider | 2MyClasses.com (A Kentucky Real Estate School) |
| Registration Deadline | January 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM |
| How to Register | Email lindon@easternkytitle.com |
| Capacity | Limited to 100 attendees |
Why Real Estate Continuing Education on FinCEN Matters
The agents who invest time understanding these requirements now will have a significant advantage over those who wait until March 2026 and scramble to catch up. This is about being the kind of professional your clients trust to handle their most significant financial transactions. The 1-hour Kentucky CE Law Credit is a bonus, but the real value is the practical knowledge you will walk away with.
Common Questions About the FinCEN Real Estate Rule
How does the FinCEN rule interact with existing Kentucky real estate law? The rule operates alongside existing state requirements. It adds federal reporting requirements to certain transactions without replacing Kentucky licensing requirements or disclosure obligations.
What happens if I fail to comply? Non-compliance can result in civil and criminal penalties depending on the nature and severity of the violation. This is exactly why proactive education matters.
Do these requirements apply to all transactions? The rule primarily targets residential purchases involving legal entities or all-cash transactions above certain thresholds. Not every transaction triggers full reporting requirements.
How should I explain these requirements to skeptical clients? Frame the requirements as consumer protections that help ensure legitimate transactions and protect all parties. Most clients understand and appreciate efforts to maintain transaction integrity.
How Eastern KY Title Supports Compliance-Ready Closings
At Eastern KY Title, we partner with agents and clients to ensure every transaction proceeds smoothly, including navigating new compliance requirements. We offer proactive communication about regulatory changes, compliance documentation support, and deep local expertise in Eastern Kentucky real estate challenges. Our closings are backed by Stewart Title Guaranty Company, and we provide mobile closing services across all 120 Kentucky counties at no extra charge.
Register for the Free FinCEN Class Today
Spaces are limited to 100 attendees, and registration closes January 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
To secure your spot, send an email to lindon@easternkytitle.com with your name and contact information. You will receive Zoom meeting details as the date approaches.
This class is free, includes Kentucky CE credit, and provides practical knowledge you will use in your business. There is genuinely no downside to attending.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does title insurance cost in Kentucky? Title insurance costs vary based on purchase price. For owner’s title insurance, expect $200 to $1,000 on most residential transactions. Lender’s title insurance is typically required by mortgage companies and is an additional cost. We provide detailed quotes upfront.
How long does a title search take in Eastern Kentucky? A standard title search typically takes 5 to 10 business days. Properties with complex ownership histories, mineral rights issues, or heir property complications may require additional time.
Do I need owner’s title insurance if paying cash? While not legally required, owner’s title insurance is strongly recommended for cash purchases. It protects your investment against title defects, undisclosed liens, forgeries, and other issues that could threaten your ownership rights.
What is the difference between owner’s and lender’s title insurance? Lender’s title insurance protects the mortgage company’s interest and is required for financed purchases. Owner’s title insurance protects your ownership interest for as long as you or your heirs own the property.
Can Eastern KY Title handle closings in my county? Yes. We provide mobile closing services across all 120 Kentucky counties at no additional charge.
How do mineral rights affect title in Eastern Kentucky? Mineral rights, particularly coal rights, are commonly severed from surface rights here. A thorough title search identifies these severances. This is one reason working with a title company that understands Eastern Kentucky matters.
What is heir property and why does it complicate closings? Heir property occurs when a property owner dies without a will and ownership passes to multiple heirs. Over generations, ownership can fragment among dozens of individuals. Clearing heir property titles requires careful legal work, but it can be done.
About the Author
Lindon Gullett, Attorney at Law (Licensed in Kentucky), is President and Real Estate Attorney at Eastern KY Title. His career includes service as a Kentucky Assistant Attorney General, Staff Attorney with the Department of Public Advocacy, and years of hands-on legal practice across civil, criminal, and administrative matters. Lindon’s government and courtroom experience gives him exceptional skill at analyzing legal documents, clearing title defects, and protecting clients throughout transactions. Clients value his professionalism, reliability, and commitment to delivering smooth, secure closings.
Professional Licensure and Credentials:
- Licensed Attorney, Kentucky Bar Association
- President and Real Estate Attorney, Eastern KY Title
- Former Kentucky Assistant Attorney General
- Verified in the KBA Attorney Directory
Ready to Get Compliant? Register Now.
The March 2026 deadline will arrive faster than you think. Do not wait until the last minute to understand your new responsibilities under the FinCEN rule.
Register for the free FinCEN Class for REALTORS and Real Estate Licensees:
- Email: lindon@easternkytitle.com
- Deadline: January 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Class Date: February 3, 2026 at 2:30 PM via Zoom
- CE Credit: 1 Hour Kentucky Real Estate Law Credit included
Have questions about an upcoming closing or need title services in Kentucky? Contact Eastern KY Title today. We are here to help.
Thank you kindly, Eastern KY Title Team
FULL DISCLOSURE: We use AI to draft our blog content because, frankly, we’d rather spend our time closing deals and helping Kentucky realtors than staring at blank screens. But don’t worry, we’re not letting the robots run wild. John and Lindon edit every single post to make sure it’s factually accurate, Kentucky-specific, and doesn’t sound like it was written by someone who thinks Appalachia is a type of pasta. If the AI writes something dumb, we fix it. If you spot something we missed, call us out. We’re good for it.