What is LendingTree?
LendingTree isn’t a mortgage lender or broker. It’s an online lending marketplace that connects borrowers with lenders. If you’re buying or refinancing a home, you can use the platform to get up to five rate quotes. Read on for an in-depth LendingTree review and discover multiple options for your home mortgage.
Find your lowest mortgage rate. Start hereLendingTree mortgage review for 2024
Founded in 1996, LendingTree is one of the largest lender marketplaces in the country. Since its beginning, the company has helped 111 million people and approved 3 million loans. Although many use the platform to compare mortgage lenders, you can also use it to compare auto loans, personal loans, credit cards, and more.
Comparison shopping is crucial when buying a home or refinancing a mortgage. Mortgage rates vary by lender, and getting the best rate can save you money. You’ll pay a lower monthly payment and less interest over the life of the loan.
Since LendingTree isn’t a lender, it doesn’t approve mortgage applications. Instead, you’ll complete an online loan request, at which point LendingTree forwards your information to lenders within its network.
Based on the information you provide, LendingTree matches you with appropriate lenders. These lenders will contact you with their offer.
As you browse the website, you’ll find a wealth of helpful information. This includes average rates for different types of home loans and mortgage rate trends over the past 90 days. You can also utilize affordability calculators that estimate monthly payments based on the home price and interest rate. Additionally, LendingTree provides educational material on the mortgage process, so you know what to expect from start to finish.
LendingTree is a free service. Unlike working with a mortgage broker, you don’t pay a fee.
Working with LendingTree
Our LendingTree review revealed the process of getting a rate quote through LendingTree.com is quick and straightforward. The website streamlines the request process. Therefore, you only need to provide your information once.
To get started, enter your ZIP Code and your reason for applying. In other words, are you getting a mortgage for a new purchase or refinance?
Other pieces of information you’ll need to provide:
- estimated home value of the property
- the amount of your down payment (for a new purchase)
- how you’ll use the property (primary resident, vacation home, investment property)
- estimated your credit score
Estimating your credit score is important because minimums vary by lender. If you don’t know your score, you can order it online before submitting a request.
LendingTree forwards your information to its lenders, and shortly thereafter you’ll receive up to five offers. From here, you’ll need to carefully compare each offer including the interest rate and lender fees.
Be mindful that LendingTree partners with select lenders. To ensure getting the best offer, you can also request a quote directly from your local bank or credit union.
Once you’ve chosen the best offer and lender for your home loan, you’ll submit a formal mortgage application to begin the purchase or refinance process.
Check your home buying options. Start hereLendingTree reviews and ratings
Overall, LendingTree mortgage reviews are positive. The online marketplace has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot. It also has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau, and Consumer Affairs gives the website 4 out of 5 stars.
For the most part, customers appreciated the ease and simplicity of the loan request process. Many borrowers found an exceptional lender through the platform, with some describing their mortgage representatives as “knowledgeable, helpful, and professional.”
Others felt their lender’s closing process was fast and hassle-free, and a few borrowers commented on “lower than expected” mortgage rates and fees.
But even though LendingTree is a reputable company offering an invaluable service, spam appears to be a major complaint among borrowers. According to some, after submitting their loan request, they were “immediately bombarded with calls, emails, and text messages.”
Should you work with LendingTree?
If you’re looking for a quick and easier way to compare mortgage rates, LendingTree is an excellent starting point. You can get up to five lender offers, which is convenient for those who don’t want to contact lenders individually.
LendingTree is also helpful if you have a lower credit score. Since the platform only matches lenders with borrowers who fit their criteria, it’s easier to find lenders that accommodate high-risk borrowers.
However, there’s the risk of spam, so you might be inundated with calls and emails after submitting your request for rate quotes.
Methodology
The Mortgage Reports considers multiple factors when reviewing lenders. These factors include credit and down payment requirements, loan types offered, customer service indicators, and availability of online tools. We then use these factors to rank lenders in four categories:
- Lending flexibility: Includes the number of loan types offered, special programs offered, minimum down payment requirements, and minimum credit score requirements
- Customer service: Includes CFPB complaints per 1,000 loans and average rating from other top rating services
- Ease of application: Includes the availability of an online pre-approval or pre-qualification process
- Online experience: Includes the robustness of the lender’s online offerings, including online chat availability, phone number availability, and learning center/help center availability
