FREEandCLEAR Mortgage Lender Directory Frequently Asked Questions
The FREEandCLEAR Certified Badges are based on information about the lender. If you believe that significant information is missing from your lender profile please use the “Claim your profile” link at the bottom of your profile page to notify us. For example, your profile may not list all of the loan programs you offer. Use the “Claim Your Profile” form to submit the complete list of loan programs you offer and we will update your lender profile, which may also make you eligible for the FREEandCLEAR Mortgage Program Leader badge. We also recommend that you update the mortgage programs listed on your website so potential borrowers understand what program you have to offer.
No. The ratings independent and lenders cannot pay money to improve their rating in the FREEandCLEAR Lender Directory.
The FREEandCLEAR Certified Low Rate Lender badge is awarded based on comparing interest rates and APRs for thousands of mortgage lenders. The lenders with the lowest mortgage rates and APR are awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze FREEandCLEAR Certified Low Rate Lender badges.
The FREEandCLEAR Mortgage Program Leader badge is awarded based on the the number of mortgage programs offered by a lender. The more mortgage programs offered by a lender, the higher the rating.
The FREEandCLEAR Technology All Star badge is awarded based on a lender's web site functionality and ease-of-use and if the lender offers an online mortgage application.
No. The FREEandCLEAR Certified Badges are assigned based on independent review process. Lenders cannot pay money to receive FREEandCLEAR Certified Badges.
If you are interested in advertising opportunities on FREEandCLEAR please contact us.
Because the lender profiles are based on information that is usually publicly available or a matter of public record or concern, we do not typically remove this information from our site. Additionally, while we understand that some lenders prefer to stay out of the spotlight, it is informative (and a legal right) for borrowers to be able to find and share helpful information about all lenders, big and small. Additionally, we include your logo on the lender profiles because we have found that profiles with logos are more engaging for users and drive more traffic to lenders. That said, we would be happy to remove your logo upon your request.
We strive to be a positive partner that collaborates with lenders to ensure that the most accurate and positive profile possible is available to borrowers. If you have any questions or concerns about your profile or the FREEandCLEAR Lender Directory please do not hesitate to contact us.
The best way to improve your rating is to provide excellent service to your clients and have them submit positive review to the FREEandCLEAR Lender Directory. If you feel there is a significant error or omission that is negatively impacting your rating please submit your concern using the “Claim your profile” link at the bottom of your profile page and we will attempt to address the issue.
Over time as more borrower reviews are submitted to the FREEandCLEAR Lender Directory, the rating will be driven off of borrower reviews. We encourage you to have clients submit borrower reviews using the form below the map as borrower reviews provide the most powerful testimony for lenders. Please note that you are not penalized if you have no borrower reviews on your lender profile.
The initial lender rating is based off our internal review of the lender’s loan program offering; online user experience; and, mortgage rate information (when available). A consistent and fair methodology was applied to all lenders. Lenders should think of this as an initial review a prospective borrower may engage in when they shop lenders. Borrowers visit your website, check where you conduct business, see what loan programs you offer, determine if they can apply for a loan online, etc. Most lenders find this initial review instructive because it helps them understand how potential borrowers view their business. Lenders can use these insights to make improvements to their businesses and online presence specifically.
We have found that the FREEandCLEAR Lender Directory works best -- for both borrowers and lenders -- when your lender profile is as accurate as possible. You can submit edits to your profile by using the “Claim your profile” link at the bottom of your profile page. We strive to be positive collaborators with lenders and will work with you to address any edits you submit. We typically update lender profiles within one-to-two days of receiving changes. If you have additional edits in the future, simply contact us again.
The lender profiles are completely based on publicly available information including websites and other public data resources and records.
If you would like to join the FREEandCLEAR Lender Directory, simply fill-out this form. The FREEandCLEAR Lender Directory is free to join.
We recommend that lenders claim their profile by using the “Claim your profile” link on the bottom of the profile page. Claiming your lender profile enables you to connect with FREEandCLEAR and submit changes and updates to your profile page.
The FREEandCLEAR Lender Directory is free to use for both borrowers and lenders.
We created the FREEandCLEAR Lender Directory to connect borrowers with quality mortgage lenders. We believe the Directory is the first of its kind because it enables borrowers to search for lenders by using multiple criteria including lender name, NMLS number, state, lender type, loan programs offered and FREEandCLEAR Rating. For lenders, the directory is a free source of high-quality prospects and provides links to your website which can boost your organic search ranking. We also publish the Directory so that borrowers can engage with and share their experiences about lenders and so that lenders can benefit from this feedback. Borrower reviews can provide valuable insights to help lenders improve and grow their businesses. In short, the Directory is designed to increase transparency and help borrowers find the lender, mortgage and loan program that is right for them. It’s a win-win for both borrowers and lenders.