LendingTree.com Introduces Expanded Smart Borrower Center

Released  January 8, 2007
By Megan Greuling
https://www.lendingtree.com/2007/01/smart-borrower-center/

CHARLOTTE, N.C., January 8, 2007 – LendingTree.com today announced a major upgrade and expansion of its Smart Borrower Center, an online education resource that arms borrowers with the information, tools and advice they need to navigate the often-confusing world of credit, debt and loans.


Located at www.lendingtree.com/smartborrower, the LendingTree Smart Borrower Center was initially launched in 2004. It has grown dramatically since then, evolving from a basic collection of loan product descriptions and articles to a more dynamic, tools-based, and advice-driven resource that allows its users to find and opt into the information and education they want.


“At LendingTree, we’re passionate about empowering consumers,” said LendingTree Chief Marketing Officer Bob Harris. “This newest iteration of the Smart Borrower Center, which is the cornerstone of our borrower education and advocacy program, represents another strong step forward as we seek new ways to help customers ‘win’ in the process of getting the loan that is right for them.”


“We’ve heard firsthand from our customers that the borrowing experience can be confusing, and sometimes even a little overwhelming,” said Bridget Smith, editor-in-chief of the LendingTree Smart Borrower Center. “Our mission with the Smart Borrower Center is to provide objective information that will alleviate that stress by helping people understand the process and make informed decisions.”


The redesign of the Smart Borrower Center makes its growing library of personal finance information easier to find, easier to understand, and easier to act on. Content and navigation improvements include:


  • Better categorization of content, with nearly 1,000 articles now organized into three main “vertical” groups—loan products, life stages, or financial goals—with clearly defined sub-categories;

  • A “most popular article” feature for each category, which quickly highlights the information other users are selecting;

  • The addition of Really Simple Syndication (RSS) news feeds to allow users to subscribe to Smart Borrower Center content without providing an email address;

  • Video-tutorials on a variety of finance and home buying topics;

  • An education-based e-newsletter;

  • A engaging and personal column called “A Borrower’s Tale,” penned by Editor-In-Chief Smith;

  • A content search capability that makes it easier for users to find precisely what they’re looking for;

  • A cleaner design and streamlined user interface.

    • Additional enhancements are expected in the coming months, including the addition of custom loan calculators and rate tables; an interactive glossary of lending and finance terms; expanded coverage on new topics such as high yield savings accounts; and new, specialized product guides.


    To take a tour, and to learn more about smart borrowing, please visit www.lendingtree.com/smartborrower.


    About LendingTree, LLC


    LendingTree, LLC is the nation’s number one online lending exchange, providing a marketplace that connects consumers with multiple lenders that compete for their business. Since inception, LendingTree has facilitated more than 20 million loan requests and $152 billion in closed loan transactions. LendingTree provides access to mortgages and refinance loans, home equity loans/lines of credit, auto loans, personal loans, and credit cards via www.lendingtree.com and 800-555-TREE.


    Launched in 1998 with headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, LendingTree, LLC is part of IAC Financial Services and Real Estate, an operating company of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI), which also owns or operates LendingTree Loans (sm), LendingTree Settlement Services, LLC, GetSmart®, RealEstate.com (sm), Domania®, and iNest Realty, Inc.