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Monday, July 14th
Since its establishment in 1998, LendingTree has been a pioneer in the world of online financial referral services, matching people like you with everything from home improvement loans to credit cards and small business loans. Utilizing their fully-vetted network of partners, LendingTree matches you with up to five lenders who are willing to help you get that new bathroom you've been dreaming of (or to finally fix that hole in the roof).
Learn about lenders in advance
Unlike some platforms that offer limited options, LendingTree provides access to a vast network of financial institutions. They prioritize transparency, offering detailed information about each partner's background and customer reviews. This feature can help you feel some confidence, especially when considering lenders you may not be familiar with prior to the "introduction” by LendingTree.
Your rates and terms will vary by lender
Wondering about the loan amounts and interest rates available through LendingTree for home improvement projects? It largely depends on factors such as your credit history, income, and borrowing needs. Generally, LendingTree partners can fund loans up to $50,000, with interest rates determined by the individual lenders. LendingTree guarantees that no loans through their service will carry an APR higher than 35.99%, but you'll need to apply to receive personalized offers.
Confirm your identity
Getting started with LendingTree is straightforward. Indicate how much you'd like to borrow for your project and how quickly you need the money (from 48 hours to "just browsing rates”). Provide details like your birthdate, credit score range, annual income, address, and so on. LendingTree will try to validate your identity with those details; if they're not able to do so, they'll ask for the last four digits of your SSN and do a soft pull on your credit.
Compare multiple offers
Once your info has been verified, you'll be able to see which lenders in the LendingTree network are interested in offering you a home improvement loan. You can then use the platform to compare offers and complete a full application with the financial institution of your choice.
Prepare for (un)solicited contact
With an "A+" BBB rating and thousands of five-star reviews on Trustpilot and elsewhere, LendingTree has a great reputation. However, some users have reported receiving spam communications after providing their contact information to LendingTree. While this issue isn't uncommon with referral platforms, it's worth noting that complaints regarding unwanted communications from LendingTree users are more widespread compared to some rival services.
Could live without the spam but still a good option
Despite the information-selling issue, LendingTree remains a solid resource for those seeking multiple options for home improvement loans. While it falls short of a higher rating due to this concern, we still consider LendingTree worthy of a solid rating for its comprehensive lending network and user-friendly platform.
Need some extra cash to make some changes to your house? Home improvement loans are here to help you tackle those renovation projects. Whether you're planning to overhaul the kitchen with all-new cabinets and countertops, get rid of that 70s-style bathroom, or add curb appeal to your property, these loans provide the financial support you need to make it happen.
When it comes to applying for a home improvement loan, going online offers you a convenient and accessible option. It's no wonder that online home improvement loans have become so popular. With just a few clicks, you can explore a variety of lenders and loan terms from the comfort of your own home.
Online applications streamline the process, eliminating the hassle of in-person appointments and extensive paperwork. Instead, you can submit your application quickly and easily, receiving loan offers and getting funds deposited - all without ever leaving your computer or smartphone.
Before you start filling out applications, it's important to understand that not all loans labeled as "home improvement loans" are structured the same way. Some are specifically tailored for home-related projects, while others, particularly those offered online, are often personal loans.
Personal loans provide you with a lump sum of money that you can use for various purposes, including home improvements. Unlike home equity loans or lines of credit (HELOCs), which are secured by the equity in your home, personal loans are unsecured and don't require collateral.
The distinction between personal loans and HELOCs is crucial for you to understand. HELOCs allow homeowners to borrow against the equity in their homes, making them ideal for large-scale renovations or projects that require substantial funding. While HELOCs may offer lower interest rates and tax benefits, they also come with the risk of losing your home if you default on payments.
On the other hand, personal loans offer you flexibility and accessibility. They don't require equity in your home, making them accessible to homeowners with limited equity or those who don't want to put their homes at risk. Personal loans often come with fixed interest rates and repayment terms, simplifying budgeting and planning for you. Additionally, the application process is typically faster, with funds disbursed quickly - sometimes within a few days of approval.
So, with all of the options out there, how can you tell where to start your search for a home improvement loan? Here are some ideas for sifting through the various platforms and choosing the right one for you:
Ready for renovations? The experts at Top Consumer Reviews have reviewed and ranked some of today's most frequently-used sites for home improvement loans, so that you can turn your ho-hum house into something truly Insta-worthy in no time.
Select any 2 Home Improvement Loans to compare them head to head