Editorial Policy & Methodology

Principles

Accuracy over speed. Every rate, leverage figure and statute cited is traced to a lender publication, regulator source or statute, and dated.
Practitioner review. Guides are reviewed by a contributor with direct lending, investing or legal experience before publication.
Worked examples. We show the math so readers can check it.
Plain disclosure. Indicative figures are labeled indicative; paid placements are labeled paid.

How rates and terms are compiled

We review the published rate sheets, program pages and FAQs of national and regional private lenders, broker quotes and industry surveys each quarter, and report ranges rather than single figures. Advertised “from” rates are noted as such. Our rates page carries the compilation date.

Lender directory methodology

Lenders are included if they are direct lenders or licensed brokers with at least two years of operating history and publicly stated programs. Data points (loan size, leverage, rates, credit floors, closing speed, licensing) are taken from the lender's own public materials and dated. Lenders may pay to be listed or featured, but cannot pay to alter their data; featured status is labeled. Listings are re-verified quarterly and removed on credible reports of advance-fee or deceptive practices.

Updates and corrections

Guides carry a publication date and are reviewed at least quarterly or when market conditions change materially. Corrections are made promptly and material changes are noted on the page. Report errors via the contact form.

Advertising separation

Commercial relationships are handled separately from editorial decisions. Sponsors do not review content before publication and cannot influence conclusions, rankings or data. See How we make money.

Use of AI tools

We use software, including AI tools, to assist with research organization, drafting and data checks. Every published page is reviewed and approved by a human editor who is responsible for its accuracy.