LYNK Mortgage vs Kiavi
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Comparing Two Leaders in Fix & Flip Lending
Both LYNK Mortgage and Kiavi (formerly LendingHome) are modern lenders focused on fix & flip financing and rental loans. They're leaders in the space—LYNK Mortgage operates as a boutique direct lender with personalized service, while Kiavi is a tech-forward, fully automated platform with significant scale and brand recognition. Both can close deals quickly, but they take fundamentally different approaches to lending and customer experience.
This guide compares LYNK Mortgage and Kiavi across the metrics that matter most to fix & flip investors: closing speed, loan programs, rates and terms, leverage, experience requirements, service model, and geographic availability. If you're deciding between these two lenders, the comparison below should help you understand where each excels.
LYNK Mortgage vs Kiavi
| Feature | LYNK Mortgage | Kiavi |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Products | Fix & Flip, DSCR, Bridge, New Construction, Multifamily Bridge | Fix & Flip, Bridge, DSCR (newer) |
| Fix & Flip Rates | 8.50%+ | Not publicly listed (varies by experience) |
| DSCR Rates | 6.00%+ | Not publicly listed |
| Max LTC (Fix & Flip) | 95% | Up to 90% |
| Max LTV (Fix & Flip) | 70% ARV | Up to 80% ARV |
| Fastest Close | 10 days | 7-14 days (claims 7 for experienced, typically 14-21) |
| Experience Required | None — all experience levels | Preferred; better terms for experienced flippers |
| Repeat Customer Program | Express Lane (fast-track) | Experience-based pricing tiers |
| Service Model | Dedicated loan officer (boutique) | Fully automated + call center |
| Application | Personal + online | 100% online with AI underwriting |
| States | AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV states | 40+ states |
| Capital Funded | $1 billion+ | $5B+ |
| Founded | 2018 | 2013 (rebranded 2022) |
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. Higher Leverage — 95% LTC vs 90%
LYNK Mortgage offers up to 95% LTC on fix & flip loans, compared to Kiavi's 90% maximum. This 5-point difference translates directly to more capital available per deal. On a $200K purchase + $100K renovation = $300K total, LYNK Mortgage can lend up to $285K (95% LTC), while Kiavi maxes out at $270K (90% LTC). Over the course of multiple deals, that extra leverage compounds. If maximizing deal capital is important, LYNK Mortgage's higher LTC wins.
2. Dedicated Loan Officer vs Algorithmic Underwriting
LYNK Mortgage assigns a dedicated loan officer to your deal from pre-approval through closing. You have one person who knows your deal, your goals, and your strategy. Kiavi's platform is fully automated—you apply online, get underwritten by algorithms, and interact with a call center if you have questions. For investors who value relationships, guidance, and personalized service, LYNK Mortgage's personal model is dramatically different. No call center wait times, no talking to different people each time you call.
3. Broader Product Suite
LYNK Mortgage offers Fix & Flip, DSCR, Bridge, New Construction, and Multifamily Bridge loans—a complete toolkit for real estate investors scaling across multiple strategies. Kiavi focuses primarily on Fix & Flip with newer DSCR and Bridge products. If you're doing new construction or multifamily bridge financing, LYNK Mortgage has you covered. Kiavi's product suite is narrower, limiting your options as you grow and diversify.
4. No Experience Requirement
LYNK Mortgage lends to all experience levels equally—first-time flippers, new rental owners, and seasoned portfolios all qualify on the same terms. Kiavi rewards experienced flippers with better pricing, meaning first-time investors may face higher rates or stricter terms. If you're launching your first flip, LYNK Mortgage doesn't penalize you for being new; Kiavi's algorithm will.
Where Kiavi Stands Out
1. Tech-Forward Platform & Online Convenience
Kiavi's fully online application and real-time status tracking dashboard appeal to tech-savvy investors who prefer self-service. No need to call or email—you apply, track progress, and upload documents entirely online. The platform is modern, intuitive, and designed for speed. If you prefer a DIY experience with no phone calls, Kiavi delivers that. LYNK Mortgage also offers online application, but emphasizes personal interaction—which some investors see as overhead.
2. Nationwide Coverage (40+ States) vs AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV
Kiavi operates in 40+ states; LYNK Mortgage is in AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV states. If you're investing in a state where LYNK Mortgage doesn't operate, Kiavi may be your only option. This geographic advantage gives Kiavi an edge for investors with nationwide portfolios or those operating in less common markets. However, most active real estate investors operate in 2-3 core states where both lenders likely operate.
3. Scale & Brand Recognition
Kiavi has funded $5B+ and is the most recognizable name in online fix & flip lending. That scale and brand awareness matter if you want institutional credibility, a well-established track record through multiple market cycles, and deep experience with volume. Kiavi is the market leader in technology-driven lending. LYNK Mortgage is newer (founded 2018) and smaller ($1 billion+ funded), which some investors view as more innovative and others as less proven.
4. Experience-Based Rewards for Prolific Flippers
Kiavi explicitly rewards experienced flippers with better rates and terms. The more flips you've completed, the lower your cost of capital. For investors doing 10+ flips per year, Kiavi's experience-based pricing could significantly undercut LYNK Mortgage's standard rates. If you're a high-volume flipper, Kiavi's tiered approach may be cheaper. LYNK Mortgage's Express Lane program accelerates closings but doesn't lower rates for repeat customers.
Which Lender Should You Choose?
Choose LYNK Mortgage If:
- You value personal relationships. Dedicated loan officers, boutique service, someone who knows your name and your deals. If you want a partner, not a platform, LYNK Mortgage is the fit.
- You're new to real estate investing. No experience requirement means first-time flippers qualify on the same terms as seasoned investors. Kiavi rewards experience; LYNK Mortgage doesn't penalize it.
- You need maximum leverage. 95% LTC beats Kiavi's 90%. If capital maximization is key, LYNK Mortgage's higher loan-to-cost wins.
- You're doing multiple product types. New construction, multifamily bridge, DSCR, fix & flip—LYNK Mortgage has a complete suite. Kiavi is primarily fix & flip and bridge focused.
- You prefer direct communication. Call your loan officer anytime; get real answers from someone accountable. You hate call centers and automated responses.
Choose Kiavi If:
- You're a high-volume, experienced flipper. Kiavi's experience-based pricing rewards prolific investors with lower rates. If you close 10+ flips per year, Kiavi may be cheaper than LYNK Mortgage.
- You prefer 100% online, self-service. Fill out an application, track progress in real time, no phone calls needed. If you like DIY and tech-driven, Kiavi's platform excels here.
- You need nationwide coverage. Investing in 40+ states. Kiavi operates more broadly than LYNK Mortgage and is more likely available in less common markets.
- You want the established market leader. Kiavi is the most recognized brand in online fix & flip lending with $5B+ funded. If institutional credibility and market leadership matter, Kiavi has those credentials.
- You value speed with minimal human interaction. Kiavi claims 7-day closes for experienced borrowers and a fully automated process. Fast funding without the loan officer handholding.
Best Practice: Get Term Sheets from Both
Rates and terms vary based on your specific deal, credit, experience, and loan structure. The best decision is to apply with both lenders and compare actual term sheets. A difference of 0.25-0.50% in rate or 1-2 points in origination fees can be material over the life of the loan. Both LYNK Mortgage and Kiavi close fast enough that applying to both is practical and doesn't slow down your deal. Compare rates, timeline, service philosophy, and leverage before committing to one lender.
The Bottom Line
LYNK Mortgage and Kiavi are both strong lenders, but they serve different investor profiles. LYNK Mortgage is the better fit if you value personal service, higher leverage, and a broader product suite with no experience requirements. Kiavi is the better fit if you're an experienced, high-volume flipper who prefers full automation and nationwide coverage. For most investors, the best approach is to get term sheets from both and compare actual rates, fees, and closing timelines for your specific deal.
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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