LendingTree’s Mortgage Loans Methodology: How We Evaluate and Score Lenders
LendingTree’s mortgage lender ratings are based on a five-star scoring system that factors in cost, accessibility, requirement flexibility, customer experience and how transparent a lender is about their interest rates and fees.
Our goal is to help consumers quickly see where each lender shines, where they fall short and which options may be a good fit for their borrowing needs.
How LendingTree rates lenders
LendingTree evaluates lenders using a standardized scoring model. We apply the same scoring criteria to both partner and nonpartner lenders and independently determine ratings. Lenders can’t purchase points, remove unfavorable findings or approve a review before publication.
Our ratings use information available on the lender’s website and, in some cases, additional information provided by a lender representative. Some criteria are also based on the latest year of Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data.
LendingTree’s editorial team strives to provide consistent and fair reviews.
Read our editorial guidelines and standards.
LendingTree’s ratings categories
Accessibility and affordability (25%)
LendingTree evaluates how large a geographic footprint each lender operates in and whether customers can contact it outside standard business hours. We also consider its maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, total loan costs and denial rate, as reported in HMDA data.
Additionally, we note any special discounts offered and whether the lender has brick-and-mortar locations across at least 10 states, but these two features don’t negatively affect a lender’s score if absent.
Customer experience and satisfaction (25%)
We consider whether borrowers have access to a mobile app to manage both their application and their loan after closing, whether the lender offers at least three ways to get in touch and how it rates on consumer review platforms. We also note any LendingTree recognition received in the past 12 months, but a lender’s score won’t be negatively affected if they haven’t received a recent award.
Home loan product range (20%)
LendingTree looks at whether a lender offers conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). We also consider first-time homebuyer programs — such as low-down-payment loans or assistance with closing costs — and specialized options like USDA, jumbo or physician loans.
Interest rate transparency (20%)
We assess whether a lender publishes its mortgage rates online, how many types of loans those rates cover and whether borrowers can customize rate estimates using details such as their credit score or location. We also evaluate the lender’s interest rates against national averages using HMDA data.
Lender fee transparency (10%)
LendingTree also evaluates how fully a lender discloses its mortgage origination fees and — using HMDA data — assesses the lender’s total loan costs.
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