LYNK Mortgage vs Groundfloor
Head-to-head comparison: Direct lending vs
crowdfunded real estate financing
for fix & flip investors.
crowdfunded real estate financing
for fix & flip investors.
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Comparing a Direct Lender vs a Crowdfunding Platform
Both LYNK Mortgage and Groundfloor provide fix & flip financing, but through fundamentally different models. LYNK Mortgage is a direct private lender that funds loans from its own balance sheet and owns the entire lending process. Groundfloor is a crowdfunding platform where individual investors (the "crowd") supply capital for loans, and your deal is only funded once the crowd commits capital.
This guide compares LYNK Mortgage and Groundfloor across the metrics that matter most: closing speed, funding reliability, leverage, pricing consistency, personal service, and overall lending model. If you're choosing between a traditional direct lender and an alternative crowdfunding platform, the differences below should help you decide.
LYNK Mortgage vs Groundfloor
| Feature | LYNK Mortgage | Groundfloor |
|---|---|---|
| Lending Model | Direct lender (funds from own balance sheet) | Crowdfunding platform (crowd investors fund loans) |
| Products | Fix & Flip, DSCR, Bridge, New Construction, Multifamily Bridge | Fix & Flip Loans Only |
| Fix & Flip Rates | 8.50%+ | 6.5-14% (varies by loan grade) |
| Max LTC | Up to 95% | Up to 100% on some deals |
| Max LTV | Up to 70% ARV | Up to 70% ARV |
| Fastest Close | 10 days | 2-4 weeks (crowdfunding time) |
| Funding Model | Immediate funding from lender balance sheet | Dependent on crowd investor availability |
| Pricing Transparency | Transparent rates upfront | Variable (A-G grades with wide rate ranges) |
| Experience Required | None — all experience levels | No minimum credit score on some loans |
| Personal Loan Officer | Yes — dedicated loan officer | No — platform-only communication |
| States | 31 states | 30+ states |
| Founded | 2020 | 2013 |
| Dual-Sided Platform | No | Yes — you can also invest in other deals |
Last updated: April 2026. Rates and terms reflect publicly advertised information and may vary. Confirm current rates directly with each lender.
Where LYNK Mortgage Wins
1. Direct Lender — Reliable, Predictable Funding
LYNK Mortgage is a direct private lender that funds loans from its own balance sheet. Your loan is approved and funded by LYNK Mortgage, not dependent on third-party investors. Groundfloor is a crowdfunding platform — your deal only funds once the crowd of investors commits capital. This creates uncertainty: your loan could be rejected if the crowd doesn't fund it. LYNK Mortgage's direct lending model eliminates this risk and provides certainty that if you're approved, you're funded.
2. Speed — 10 Days vs 2-4 Weeks
LYNK Mortgage closes in as few as 10 days from application to funding. Groundfloor typically takes 2-4 weeks because of the crowdfunding process. The additional 1-3+ weeks waiting for the crowd to fund means you can't move on deals quickly. For time-sensitive opportunities, LYNK Mortgage's speed is critical. 10 days vs 2-4 weeks is the difference between winning a deal and losing it to a faster competitor.
3. Transparent, Consistent Pricing
LYNK Mortgage offers transparent rates and fees upfront. You know what you're paying before you close. Groundfloor uses a letter-grade system (A-G) with wide rate ranges (6.5-14%+). A loan graded as "E" could be anywhere in that spectrum depending on how the crowd values it. This creates pricing uncertainty — you won't know your final cost until the deal funds. LYNK Mortgage's transparent pricing eliminates this guesswork.
4. Full Product Suite Beyond Fix & Flip
LYNK Mortgage offers fix & flip, DSCR, bridge, new construction, and multifamily bridge loans. Groundfloor focuses only on fix & flip. If you're scaling beyond single-family flips or want DSCR rentals and bridge financing, LYNK Mortgage is your one-stop shop. Groundfloor forces you to find other lenders for different product types.
5. Personal Service — Dedicated Loan Officer
LYNK Mortgage assigns a dedicated loan officer to your deal from pre-approval through closing. You have a person you can call, email, and build a relationship with. Groundfloor is platform-only — no person on your side, just digital communication. If you value personal service and real-time answers to questions, LYNK Mortgage delivers that; Groundfloor doesn't.
6. Professional, Institutional Lending
LYNK Mortgage is backed by institutional capital and a professional lending team. Groundfloor's funding comes from retail crowdfunded investors. For serious real estate investors, LYNK Mortgage's institutional approach may feel more professional and stable. You're working with a lending institution, not a marketplace of amateur investors.
Where Groundfloor Stands Out
1. Up to 100% LTC on Some Deals
Groundfloor can fund up to 100% LTC on certain loans, meaning you could theoretically finance 100% of project costs with zero out-of-pocket capital. LYNK Mortgage caps LTC at 95%. For capital-constrained investors or those seeking maximum leverage, Groundfloor's 100% LTC option is an advantage. However, this extreme leverage comes with trade-offs: higher rates, longer closes, and crowd-dependent funding.
2. No Minimum Credit Score on Some Loans
Groundfloor's crowdfunding model allows for more flexible credit requirements on certain loans. If you have challenged credit or a non-traditional background, Groundfloor may approve you when traditional lenders won't. LYNK Mortgage has standard credit requirements. For borrowers with credit challenges, Groundfloor offers an alternative path to funding.
3. More Accessible for Small Deals
Groundfloor's platform is designed to handle small fix & flip deals that larger lenders might not be interested in. If you're flipping a $150,000 property, Groundfloor may be more willing to work with you than LYNK Mortgage. For micro-investors or those starting small, Groundfloor's accessibility to smaller deals is valuable.
4. Dual-Sided Platform — Invest in Other Deals
Groundfloor's crowdfunding model means you can also invest in other people's deals on the platform. If you have capital beyond what you're deploying to your own flips, you can earn returns by funding other investors' loans. LYNK Mortgage is a one-sided borrower platform — you can't invest. For investors seeking additional revenue streams or diversified real estate exposure, Groundfloor's dual platform is unique.
Which Lender Should You Choose?
Choose LYNK Mortgage If:
- You need fast, reliable funding. 10 days vs 2-4 weeks. LYNK Mortgage's direct lending model means your approval = your funding. No waiting for the crowd.
- You want transparent pricing. LYNK Mortgage's rates are clear and consistent upfront. Groundfloor's A-G grade system creates uncertainty about final pricing.
- You do multiple loan types. If you're scaling across fix & flip, DSCR rentals, and bridge loans, LYNK Mortgage is a one-stop shop. Groundfloor is fix & flip only.
- You value personal service. LYNK Mortgage assigns a dedicated loan officer; Groundfloor is platform-only. If you want a person on your side, LYNK Mortgage delivers.
- You're time-sensitive. Real estate deals move fast. LYNK Mortgage's 10-day close means you can compete effectively. Groundfloor's 2-4 week crowdfunding process slows you down.
- You want institutional lending. LYNK Mortgage is backed by professional institutional capital. Groundfloor is funded by retail crowdfunded investors. For stability and credibility, LYNK Mortgage is stronger.
Choose Groundfloor If:
- You need 100% LTC. Groundfloor can finance up to 100% of project costs on some deals. LYNK Mortgage maxes out at 95%. For zero-down deals or maximum leverage, Groundfloor is the only option.
- You have credit challenges. Groundfloor's flexible credit requirements may approve you when traditional lenders won't. No minimum credit score on some loans.
- You're doing small deals. Groundfloor's platform is designed for micro-investors and small fix & flips. If you're flipping a $100-200k property, Groundfloor may be more accessible.
- You want to invest in other deals. Groundfloor's dual-sided platform lets you invest in other people's loans and earn returns. LYNK Mortgage doesn't offer this.
- You're not time-sensitive. If your deals have flexible timelines and you can wait 2-4 weeks for crowd funding, Groundfloor's lower rates (on good-grade deals) might offer value.
Best Practice: Get Term Sheets from Both
The trade-off is clear: LYNK Mortgage offers speed, transparency, and personal service. Groundfloor offers leverage and flexibility. For most serious real estate investors scaling deals, LYNK Mortgage's direct lending model will be superior — faster closes and reliable funding beat maximum leverage and uncertainty. But if you have specific constraints (credit challenges, need 100% LTC, doing very small deals), Groundfloor may be your only option. Apply to both and compare term sheets, but prioritize LYNK Mortgage for institutional strength and speed.
The Bottom Line
LYNK Mortgage and Groundfloor serve different borrower profiles. If you need speed, reliability, transparent pricing, and a dedicated loan officer, LYNK Mortgage is the clear winner. If you need maximum leverage (100% LTC), have credit challenges, or want to invest in other deals on a dual-sided platform, Groundfloor fills a niche. For most serious fix & flip investors, LYNK Mortgage's direct lending model and 10-day closes will outperform a crowdfunding platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The LYNK Mortgage Difference
Close in 10 Days
From application to funding — move at the speed of your deal.
Instant Term Sheets
Transparent rates, terms, and fees upfront — no hidden surprises.
No Tax Returns
We focus on the deal, not your personal paperwork.
Dedicated Team
One loan officer on your deal from start to finish — no handoffs.
Direct Lender
We make our own decisions and fund with our own capital.
$1 billion+ Funded
Trusted by investors nationwide with a proven track record.
Copyright © LYNK Mortgage. All Rights Reserved.
LYNK Mortgage offers fix & flip loans, new construction loans, multi-family bridge loans, and DSCR rental loans to real estate investors.
Disclaimers: LYNK Mortgage makes loans solely for business purposes (and not for personal or consumer use) and is exempt from licensing in all states in which it operates. LYNK Mortgage does not lend on owner-occupied properties. Listed rates, terms, and conditions are offered only to qualified borrowers, may vary by loan product, deal structure, property state, or other applicable considerations, and are subject to change at any time without notice. No information on this site is intended to, or shall, create a legally binding commitment or obligation on the part of LYNK Mortgage and all terms are expressly subject to LYNK Mortgage's credit, legal, and investment approval process.
2301 Sugar Bush Road, Suite 310, Raleigh, NC 27612