The real estate market has long treated all-cash buyers as the ultimate power players—fast closings, fewer contingencies, and strong negotiating leverage. But a new federal rule is changing that dynamic, putting a spotlight on transactions that once flew under the radar. Recent data suggests that roughly one in five urban home purchases paid in cash are now being flagged for additional scrutiny. This shift is raising eyebrows among investors, agents, and everyday buyers alike. More importantly, it signals a broader crackdown aimed at increasing transparency in high-value real estate deals.