Step 4: Lender Matching
This is where MoneyMatcher's AI-powered matching technology shines. Instead of shopping from lender to lender, we analyze your profile against our database of 2,000+ lenders to find the best matches for your specific situation.
What to Expect
| Stage | Duration | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Profile Analysis | Instant | Your application data analyzed |
| Algorithm Matching | 1-2 hours | AI matches against lender criteria |
| Human Review | 4-8 hours | Team verifies and refines matches |
| Match Delivery | 24-48 hours | You receive 3-7 lender options |
Result: Curated lender options tailored to your exact scenario.
How MoneyMatcher Matching Works
Our AI Matching Engine
MoneyMatcher's matching algorithm considers 50+ data points to find your ideal lenders:
Borrower Factors:
- Credit score and history
- Income type and amount
- Employment stability
- Asset strength
- Real estate experience
- Entity structure
Property Factors:
- Property type
- Location (state, county, city)
- Property condition
- Occupancy type
- Number of units
- Value
Loan Factors:
- Loan amount needed
- LTV/LTC requested
- Loan purpose
- Timeline requirements
- Preferred terms
The Matching Process
Step 1: Data Collection
Your application data compiled
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Step 2: Criteria Mapping
Your profile mapped to lender buy boxes
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Step 3: Initial Filtering
2,000+ lenders filtered to top matches
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Step 4: Scoring
Remaining lenders scored on fit
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Step 5: Rate Analysis
Current rates analyzed for each match
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Step 6: Human Review
Team verifies and adds context
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Step 7: Delivery
3-7 best matches presented to you
Our Lender Network
Network Overview
| Category | Number | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Banks | 500+ | Regional, national, credit unions |
| Non-QM Lenders | 400+ | DSCR, bank statement, asset-based |
| Hard Money | 300+ | Fix-flip, bridge, construction |
| Commercial | 400+ | Multifamily, retail, office, industrial |
| Private Lenders | 400+ | Flexible terms, unique scenarios |
Lender Types by Loan Purpose
For Investment Purchases:
- DSCR lenders (cash flow-based)
- Hard money lenders (asset-based)
- Portfolio lenders (relationship-based)
- Credit unions (member-focused)
For Fix & Flip:
- Hard money lenders
- Bridge lenders
- Private capital
For Commercial Properties:
- Banks
- CMBS lenders
- Life insurance companies
- Debt funds
For Primary Residence:
- Conventional lenders
- Bank statement lenders
- Asset depletion lenders
What We Analyze
Credit Profile Analysis
Your credit tells a story. We interpret it:
| Credit Score | Match Strategy |
|---|---|
| 760+ | Premium lenders, best rates |
| 720-759 | Broad lender options |
| 680-719 | Standard lenders, some restrictions |
| 640-679 | Specialized lenders |
| Below 640 | Non-QM or hard money focus |
Beyond the Score:
- Payment history patterns
- Credit utilization
- Age of credit
- Recent inquiries
- Derogatory marks
Property Analysis
Different properties need different lenders:
| Property Type | Preferred Lenders |
|---|---|
| Single Family | All lender types |
| 2-4 Units | Most lenders, some restrictions |
| 5+ Units | Commercial lenders |
| Condo | Lenders with condo approval |
| Mixed Use | Commercial specialists |
| Vacant Land | Land lenders, local banks |
Scenario Analysis
Your complete picture determines matches:
Simple Scenarios:
- W-2 income, primary residence → Many options
- Strong credit, rental property → DSCR focus
- Cash purchase refinance → Straightforward
Complex Scenarios:
- Self-employed, multiple properties → Curated options
- Recent credit events → Specialized lenders
- Foreign national → Limited but available options
- Unique property type → Targeted matches
Your Lender Match Report
What You'll Receive
When matches are ready, you'll get a detailed comparison:
For Each Lender:
- Lender name and type
- Estimated interest rate
- Points and fees
- Closing timeline
- Unique requirements
- Pros and cons
Comparison Tools:
- Side-by-side rate comparison
- Total cost analysis
- Monthly payment comparison
- Feature comparison chart
Sample Match Report
LENDER MATCH REPORT
Property: 123 Main St, Austin, TX
Loan Amount: $400,000 | LTV: 75%
─────────────────────────────────────────────────
MATCH #1: Premier Capital (DSCR)
─────────────────────────────────────────────────
Rate: 7.75% | Points: 1.5
Monthly Payment: $2,863
Est. Closing Costs: $11,200
Timeline: 21 days
DSCR: 1.28 (exceeds 1.0 minimum)
✅ Best Rate | ✅ Fast Close
─────────────────────────────────────────────────
MATCH #2: Velocity Mortgage (DSCR)
─────────────────────────────────────────────────
Rate: 7.99% | Points: 1.0
Monthly Payment: $2,954
Est. Closing Costs: $9,800
Timeline: 18 days
DSCR: 1.28 (exceeds 1.0 minimum)
✅ Lowest Fees | ✅ Fastest Close
─────────────────────────────────────────────────
MATCH #3: Regional Bank (Portfolio)
─────────────────────────────────────────────────
Rate: 8.25% | Points: 0.5
Monthly Payment: $3,050
Est. Closing Costs: $7,400
Timeline: 35 days
Requires: Tax returns (2 years)
✅ Lowest Points | ⏳ Longer Timeline
How to Compare Offers
Key Factors to Compare
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Interest Rate | Your monthly payment and total cost |
| Points | Upfront cost at closing |
| Closing Costs | Total out-of-pocket at closing |
| Timeline | How fast you can close |
| Requirements | Docs and conditions needed |
| Flexibility | Prepayment penalties, terms |
True Cost Comparison
Don't just compare rates—compare total cost:
Total Cost = Points + Closing Costs + (Rate Impact over Hold Period)
Example: 5-Year Hold
Lender A: 7.5% rate, 2 points, $10,000 closing costs
Lender B: 8.0% rate, 1 point, $8,000 closing costs
Lender A Total Cost (5 years):
Points: $8,000
Closing: $10,000
Interest: $150,000
Total: $168,000
Lender B Total Cost (5 years):
Points: $4,000
Closing: $8,000
Interest: $160,000
Total: $172,000
Winner: Lender A (despite higher upfront costs)
Questions to Ask Each Lender
- Rate Lock: How long? Extension costs?
- Conditions: What will you require?
- Timeline: Realistic closing date?
- Prepayment: Any penalty for early payoff?
- Seasoning: Wait period for refinance?
- Reserves: Cash needed after closing?
Making Your Selection
Our Recommendation
Your MoneyMatcher advisor will provide a recommendation based on:
- Your stated priorities (rate vs. speed vs. cost)
- Your specific scenario
- Lender reliability and track record
- Current market conditions
Final Decision Is Yours
We present options, but you choose. Consider:
- What matters most to you?
- What's your timeline?
- How long will you hold the property?
- What's your risk tolerance?
After You Choose a Lender
Once you select your preferred lender:
Immediate Next Steps:
- Formal application to chosen lender
- Rate lock (if desired)
- Additional documents requested
- Underwriting begins
Timeline:
- Application: Same day
- Rate lock: 1-2 days
- Underwriting: 5-10 days
- Closing: 14-30 days total
Why Choose MoneyMatcher?
Traditional Lender Shopping
❌ Call multiple lenders individually ❌ Repeat your story each time ❌ Hard credit pull at each lender ❌ No way to compare apples-to-apples ❌ Salesy pressure from each lender ❌ Time-consuming and confusing
MoneyMatcher Matching
✅ One application, many options ✅ Single soft pull, multiple matches ✅ Side-by-side comparison ✅ Expert guidance on selection ✅ No salesy pressure ✅ Save hours of shopping
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many lenders will I be matched with?
A: Typically 3-7 lenders. We focus on quality over quantity—presenting only lenders who genuinely fit your scenario.
Q: Do lenders pay to be matched?
A: Some lenders pay referral fees, which helps keep MoneyMatcher free for borrowers. This doesn't affect your rates—lenders offer the same rates through us as they would directly.
Q: Can I request a specific lender?
A: Yes! If you have a preferred lender or one you've heard good things about, let us know. We can include them in your comparison if they fit your scenario.
Q: What if I don't like any matches?
A: We'll work with you to find alternatives. Sometimes adjusting loan parameters (amount, LTV, etc.) opens new options.
Q: How current are the rates?
A: Rates are indicative based on current market conditions. Final rates are confirmed when you formally apply and lock with your chosen lender.
What Comes Next
After selecting your lender:
Step 5: Approval → Learn More
- Formal loan approval
- Commitment letter
- Final conditions
Need Help Deciding?
Our team is here to help you compare:
- 📧 Email: support@moneymatcher.io
- 📞 Phone: (555) 123-4567
- 💬 Live Chat: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm EST
Not sure which lender to choose? Schedule a call with your advisor for personalized guidance.
Related Pages
- Step 5: Approval - What happens after you choose
- Loan Types - Understanding your options
- FAQ - Common questions answered