AU2007202483A1 - Method and computer network for coordinating a loan over the Internet - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 LendingTree, Inc.

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION DIVISIONAL PATENT Invention Title: Method and computer network for coordinating a loan over the Internet The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us:- METHOD AND COMPUTER NETWOK FOR ct COORDINATING A LOAN OVER THE INTERNET This is a divisional of AU2003213496, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 00 1. The Field of the Invention C The invention relates to a process for coordinating loans on a loan processing Scomputer over a computer network or the Internet. The Internet, a vast collection of S 10 computers world wide, is a relatively new medium for both personal and commercial Sentities to transact business. To conduct business over the Internet, companies must (Ni find ways to communicate with potential customers. The two most common forms of communication across the Internet are web pages, and e-mail.

2. The Prior Art Various methods are known for presenting web pages over the Internet. For example, information about the Internet and web browsers can be found in U.S. Pat.

No. 5,701,451 to Rogers et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Rogers et al., details how requests of a web browser are processed. The Rogers invention speeds up the process for receiving requests from web browser users and retrieving the required information. United States Pat. No. 5,535,407 to Yanagawa et al., details a customer data processing system which is used to assist credit card purchases made in stores. The Yanagawa invention simplifies the way in which credit card purchases are verified at the time of checkout. United States Pat. No. 4,346,442 to Musmanno details a securities brokerage-cash management system. The Musmanno invention maintains customer brokerage accounts, charge cards and checking accounts and calculates available credit for purchases of securities.

Until now, there has been no way to apply for credit from a multitude of lending institutions without physically going to or calling each lender and filling out an application. This process was tedious and time consuming. All applications required substantially the same information: name, address, occupation, debt, amount of loan, etc.. This invention combines the vast resources and speed of a computer network with additional knowledge of various lending institution's selection criteria to create a simple mechanism whereby a credit applicant can apply for credit from a multitude of lending institutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the invention is a method for identifying a lender for a credit transaction, comprising: receiving selection criteria from a lender; receiving credit data from one of a credit applicant and a credit agency; and automatically applying the selection criteria to determine if the credit data 00 matches the selection criteria, whereby a match results in an identification of the credit cK1 applicant as being suitable for completing a commercial transaction with the lender.

N Receiving credit data from one of the credit applicant and the credit agency may further comprise receiving a credit score about the credit applicant from the credit agency. Receiving a credit score about the credit applicant from a credit agency may further comprise receiving a Fair Isaac Credit Score concerning the credit applicant.

Receiving credit data from one of the credit applicant and the credit agency may further comprise receiving a field of information that is part of a qualification form. Receiving the field of information that is part of the qualification form may further comprise receiving at least one of a social security number, address, phone number, e-mail address, state of residence, and income of the credit applicant. Receiving credit data from one of the credit applicant and the credit agency may comprise receiving credit data comprising information relating to one of a first mortgage, a second mortgage, a car loan, a student loan, a personal loan, and a credit card. Receiving selection criteria from the lender may comprise receiving selection criteria comprising criteria defined by the lender and useful for identification of a qualified candidate for one of credit and a loan. The method may further comprise receiving a selection for a desired type of credit; and sending a question to the credit applicant pertaining to a desired type of credit. In addition the method may further comprise receiving an answer to the question pertaining to the desired type of credit; sending a qualification form to the credit applicant corresponding to the answer to the question pertaining to the type of credit desired by the credit applicant.

In a second aspect, the invention is a method for coordinating a qualification form between an applicant and a lender via a computer network, comprising: receiving lender selection criteria from the lender; receiving qualification form data sent from one of the applicant and a third party; employing the lender selection criteria to automatically determine if the applicant is suitable for completing a commercial transaction.

(N In accordance with the second aspect, the step of receiving qualification form data sent from one of the applicant and the third party may further comprise receiving data from a credit agency. Receiving qualification form data sent from one of the applicant and the third party may further comprise receiving a credit score from a credit agency. Receiving a credit score from the credit agency may further comprise receiving a Fair Isaac Credit Score pertaining to the applicant. Receiving qualification 00 form data sent from one of the applicant and a third party may further comprise cK receiving at least one of a social security number, address, phone number, e-mail address, state of residence, and income of the applicant. Optionally, or in addition, qualification form data sent from one of the applicant and a third party may further comprise receiving credit data comprising information relating to one of a first ('i mortgage, a second mortgage, a car loan, a student loan, a personal loan, and a credit card.

In a third aspect, the invention is a method for coordinating information between a lender and a consumer, comprising: receiving a selection for a desired type of credit from a consumer; sending a qualification form to the consumer in response to the credit selection by the consumer; and applying selection criteria of a lender to automatically determine if credit data from the qualification form as completed by a user matches the selection criteria.

In the third aspect, the method may further comprise receiving qualification form data from one of the consumer and a third party. The step of receiving qualification form data sent from one of the consumer and the third party may further comprise receiving a credit score from a credit agency. Receiving a credit score about the consumer from the credit agency may further comprise receiving a Fair Isaac Credit Score pertaining to the consumer. Receiving qualification form data sent from one of the consumer and a third party may further comprise receiving at least one of a social security number, address, phone number, e-mail address, state of residence, and income of the applicant. In addition, or optionally receiving qualification form data sent from one of the consumer and a third party may further comprise receiving credit data comprising information relating to one of a first mortgage, a second mortgage, a car loan, a student loan, a personal loan, and a credit card. Receiving qualification form data sent from one of the consumer and a third party may further comprise receiving at least one of a social security number, address, phone number, e-mail address, state of residence, and income of the applicant. The method may further comprise displaying a

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positive credit decision concerning the qualification form and a match with the selection criteria.

In a fourth aspect, the invention is a system for coordinating business between a O computer user and a lender comprising: a processing unit; a memory storage device; and 00 a program module, stored in said memory storage device for providing cI instructions to the processing unit; the processing unit responsive to said instructions of said program module, operable for receiving selection criteria from the lender; receiving credit data from one of the computer user and a credit agency; and applying lender selection criteria to determine if the credit data matches the selection criteria.

The processing unit may be further operable for receiving credit data from one of the computer user and the credit agency may further comprise receiving a credit score about the computer user from the credit agency. The processing unit may be further operable for receiving a credit score about the computer user from the credit agency and may further comprises receiving a Fair Isaac Credit Score pertaining to the computer user. The processing unit may be further operable for receiving credit data from one of the computer user and the credit agency may further comprise receiving at least one of a social security number, address, phone number, e-mail address, state of residence, and income of the computer user. The processing unit may be further operable for receiving credit data from one of the computer user and the credit agency may further comprise receiving credit data comprising information relating to one of a first mortgage, a second mortgage, a car loan, a student loan, a personal loan, and a credit card. The processing unit may be further operable for receiving selection criteria from the lender may further comprise receiving selection criteria from the lender via a computer network operatively coupled to the processing unit.

In a still further aspect, the invention is a method for coordinating business between a computer user and a lending institution via a computer network, comprising: employing selection criteria to automatically select the lending institution who receives a credit application which results from filtering credit data sent by the computer user; and posting a positive credit decision from the lending institution on a website in response to a favorable match between the credit data and the selection criteria.

-6- The method in accordance with this aspect may further comprise receiving credit data sent from one of the computer user and a third party. The step of receiving credit data from one of the computer user and the third party may further comprise receiving a credit score about the computer user from a credit agency. The step of receiving a credit score about the consumer user from the credit agency may further comprises receiving a Fair Isaac Credit Score pertaining to the computer user. The 00 method may further comprise receiving the selection criteria from the lending N institution via a computer network.

(In a still further aspect, the invention is a method for coordinating a transaction between a computer user and a lending institution via a computer network, comprising: sending credit application data over the computer network to the lending ('i institution; receiving a positive credit decision from the lending institution posted on a website in response to a favorable match between the credit application data and selection criteria managed by the lending institution and stored in a database coupled to the computer network.

Sending the credit application data over the computer network may further comprise sending credit application data comprising at least one of a social security number, address, phone number, e-mail address, state of residence, and income of the applicant. Optionally, or in addition, sending the credit application data over the computer network may further comprise sending credit application data comprising information relating to one of a first mortgage, a second mortgage, a car loan, a student loan, a personal loan, and a credit card.

The filter may be made up of a plurality of selection criteria in which a specific lending institution has given to the inventor. The filter may be customizable by the specific lending institution in real time and unique to each lending institution. Once the application has been filtered, it is sent to a list of lending institutions that match with the credit application. These lending institutions may then reply as to whether the application has been accepted or rejected. The criteria for acceptance or rejection of an application may be determined by each lending institution based upon an administration services form. For example, this program can administer a mortgage filter for lending institutions to filter out mortgage applications from borrowers. In that way, once an application is completed and screened through the filter process the lending institution may simply accept or deny only a select few number of applications that pass through the filter. This type filter process may also be applied to home equity loans, auto loans, personal loans, and credit card applications.

-7- The information may be sent in many different ways. For example, the information can be sent in an Active File Transfer system (AFTS), via e-mail, through a secured webpage or through a Common Gateway Interface (CGI). In addition, since much of the information relayed between the network of computers is private information, it may be encrypted before it is sent from one computer to another.

It is therefore an advantage of at least one embodiment of the present invention 00 that a fast, convenient process is provided in which to apply for credit from a large rN, number of lending institutions. In accordance with our invention, needless repetitive (applications are eliminated.

It is a further advantage of at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide a universal credit application over a computer network and to allow the credit ('i applicant to submit a single credit application to a plurality of lending institutions who then make offers to the customer via a computer network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings which disclose several embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views: FIG. I shows an overview of the method of the invention; FIG. 2 shows a schematic depiction of network designed to achieve the method of the invention; FIG. 3a shows the steps involving the second stage of the lending process; FIG. 3b shows the steps involving the third stage of the lending process; FIG. 4 shows the steps of the fourth stage of the lending process; FIG. 5 shows the steps of the fifth stage of the lending process; cn FIG. 6 shows a schematic of the filter process, matching an individual lender to an individual borrower; 00 FIG. 7 shows the lending process where an individual 5 lender selects from a plurality of borrowers; FIG. 8 shows the steps of the sixth stage of the lending process; FIGS. 9a, 9b, and 9c show an interactive webpage for allowing lending institution to select and filter out mortgage applications; FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c show an interactive webpage for allowing a lending institution to select and filter out home equity applications; FIGS. lla and llb show an interactive webpage for allowing a lending institution to select and filter out car loan applications; FIGS. 12a and 12b show an interactive webpage for allowing a lending institution to select and filter out personal loan applications; FIGS. 13a and 13b show an interactive webpage for allowing a lending institution to select and filter out credit Mc, card applications; 00 FIG. 14a shows a schematic of the seventh stage of the lending process; FIG. 14b shows the various transfer methods in the eighth stage of the lending process; and FIG. 15 shows the steps of the Active File Transfer System in the eighth stage in the of the lending process; FIG. 16 shows the steps of the Active File Transfer System in the ninth stage of the lending process; and FIG. 17 shows the tenth stage of the lending process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Essentially, the invention is a process and a computer for coordinating loans between lending institutions and borrowers via a computer network. FIG. 1 illustrates the ten general stages in the process required to coordinate an electronic credit application between a prospective borrower and a plurality of lending institutions. For example, in stage 1 the process presents background information and a 00 5 credit application to a prospective borrower-credit applicant on a web site. In stage 2, the prospective borrower inputs information onto the web site. In stage 3, validation checks are performed on this information to make sure that the application is complete and correct. Next, stage 4 involves storing and manipulating the credit application in a database.

In stage 5, a Fair Isaac Credit Score is obtained based upon the credit application and that score is matched to the application and stored in the database. Next, in stage 6, the application is filtered where it is compared to a list of criteria presented by a series of lending institutions. If the application passes this list of criteria then in stage 7 the application is sent to each one of those institutions whose criteria match with the application. In stage 8 the lender processes the application and can either accept or deny it. If the lender accepts the application then in stage 9, the borrower can reply stating whether he accepts or denies the lender's application. Finally, in stage 10, information about this transaction is sent to a database to allow lending institutions to have access to their lending history.

For this process to occur, there must be a series of computers connected to each other via telecommunication lines as shown in FIG. 2. Here, computer program 10, controls the process and is housed on loan processing computer 100. Loan processing computer 100 coordinates a loan application between a series of lending institution computers 200, and a plurality of borrower computers 300. Computer program 10 is stored on

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loan processing computer 100 in storage device 110 and is run by processor 112. Program 10 is designed to transmit and Sreceive information through a computer network via a web browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer, installed on 00 5 the computers.

Loan processing computer 100 must have sufficient memory O and processor power to project program 10 over a computer network. Therefore, the recommended minimum requirements for processor 12 on computer 100 is an Intel Pentium 200 Mhz processor. The remaining standard components are 64 megabytes of ram, 2 gigabytes of disk space, an Internet connection, additional Ethernet connection, and Windows NT workstation operating system. Computer 100 is installed with one Ethernet interface directly on a computer network, and the other Ethernet interface connected to a firewall storage device 110, to allow disposition of files on a designated server inside the corporate network. In addition computer 100 could be a Unix style server that interfaces with other Unix and non-Unix based computers on a computer network.

When program 10 runs on computer 100 it instructs computer 100 to interact with other computers through a computer network to co-ordinate a loan application. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in stage 1, computer 100 allows lender computers 200 to access information on web-page 114 housed in loan processing computer 100 at a predetermined URL address via telecommunication lines 400. In stage 2, -12computer 100 allows prospective borrowers using satellite computers 300 to view a plurality of documents provided by f computer 100. Stage 2 consists of a series of steps that are shown in FIG. 3a. For example, in step 12, computer 100 sends 00 5 the prospective borrower background information documents to web-site 114 concerning the loan application. These background information documents include a document welcoming Sthe credit applicant to the website, a document explaining the application process, and a document explaining the services provided. In step 14, computer 100 sends an open application to a prospective borrower through a computer network to computer 300. In step 15, the prospective borrower inputs information onto the application. When the prospective borrower wants to send this information back to computer 100 he clicks a "SEND" button which initiates the third stage of the program.

FIG 3b outlines stage 3 wherein computer 100 sends a series of instructions to computer 300 to initiate edit and validation checks. In step 16, computer 100 checks the Social Security number entered. In step 17 computer 100 checks the addresses, in step 18 it checks phone numbers, and in step 19 it checks the email addresses entered. The edit and validation checks in stage 3 insure that the data to be received by the database 140 in computer 100 is in the proper format for further processing. If computer 100 determines that the data is in the proper format, then the borrower can then transmit a completed application 115 to a database on t-'3 -13computer 100.

M FIG. 4 shows stage 4, wherein in step 20 the data from the completed application 115 is encrypted by SSL technology.

00 Next in step 21, at the borrowers instruction, this C 5 information is sent to computer 100, unlocked and stored in storage device 110 for further manipulation. In this stage, Sthe data from completed application 115 is sorted and stored in tables 150 in database 140 based on the type of loan requested(i.e. mortgage, home equity, credit card, etc.).

Next, in step 22, program 10 queries the data from tables 150 to produce reports providing loan information based on data given any field in the application form state of residence, borrower income, etc.).

In FIG. 5, computer 100 moves into stage 5, wherein in step 23, computer 100 dials to a credit bureau housed on Credit Computer 500 via telecommunication lines 400. In step computer 100 obtains a Fair Isaac Credit Score from computer 500 based upon the data sent to computer 500. Next, in step 26, computer 100 inputs the Fair Isaac Credit Score to the database tables 150. The lenders can use this Fair Isaac Credit Score as one determinant to the borrower's credit risk.

FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 show stage 6 of the process, wherein computer 100 runs a filter to match completed application 115 in table 150 against preset criteria established by each lender. As shown in FIG. 6, lender criteria are stored in wb tables 175 in lender database 170 on computer 100. Wherein in FIG. 7 lender database 170 includes a listing of tables 175 Sfor several lending institutions. The process for matching borrower's application in tables 150 to lender criteria in O 5 tables 175 is shown in FIG. 8. For example, in step program 10 starts the filter process. Next, in step 36, the filter process initiates and moves to the appropriate type Sapplication 115 in tables 150. Next, in step 37 the filter moves to a first lending institution in table 175. In step 38, program 10 instructs computer 100 to read all of the lending institution's criteria for extending credit. In step 39, program 10 reads whether there are any criteria present in tables 175. If the requested data is not present, next, in step 45 the filter checks to see if there is any database connection that is broken and whether the database information in the message. If the criteria are present, step 40 instructs computer 100 to see whether any remaining criteria to match to application 115 stored on tables 150.

If there are more criteria to match to application 115, then in step 47, program 10 checks to see whether that remaining criteria matches with application 115. If the criteria matches with application 115 then in step 58, program advances to the next available criteria in tables 175. As shown in FIG. 6, step 58 creates a loop back to step 40. If the criteria does not match with application 115, then in step 48, program 10 checks to see whether there is another lending institution in database 170. If there are no remaining lending institutions in database 170 then in step 59, computer 100 generates a message that no acceptable match has been Sfound. After this message, in step 51, the filter process ends.

00 SS' If there is another lending institution found, then the filter process advances to another lending institution in step O 49. Step 49 creates a loop back to step 38 wherein the filter process reads all of the criteria for the new lending institution. This loop continues until in step 40, the filter finds there are no criteria available to match to completed application 115.

In figures 9a, 9b, and 9c are a series of selection criteria for filtering out mortgage applications sent to a lending institution. For example, a series of interactive display screens are presented where there are first a series of consumer preferences such as selecting first mortgage, refinance an existing mortgage; or either. In addition, one can select a fixed rate mortgage variable rate mortgage or either.

The different property types could be selected such as a single family detached, a town house, a condominium, a cooperative, a multiple family dwelling, or a mobile home.

The occupancy type can be selected as well from a primary residence to a secondary residence to an investment property.

-16- The types of loans requested is also important. First there could be a no documentation mortgage, one could select M the maximum number of units, the maximum loan term (in years), the current loan to value as a percentage, the proposed loan 00 5 to value as a percentage, the current combined loan, and the proposed combined loan to value. All of these calculations could be done on a greater than, or less than scale so that Sthe lending institution can set a series of ranges for acceptance or denial of a loan applicant.

Next, the lending institution can select the appropriate credit score range having a high and a low value entered from an applicant. Next, the lending institution can select the geographic location of the property based upon a series of states or zip codes. In addition, bankruptcy details such as whether they ever declared bankruptcy, the time that applicant's bankruptcy is last discharged etc., the consumer details such as military relationship, the length of residence, at that current address, the monthly salary, monthly income, the length of employment, and the debt to income ratio.

Similarly, the criteria for selecting a home equity loan is presented in FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c. These selection criteria for the filter are the same as outlined for mortgage selections.

For an automobile loan filter, as shown in FIGS. Ila and llb are a series of selection criteria are presented so that Q)-17the consumer can select a new car, a used car, or either, they can also select a finance preference such as a loan, a lease, Scompare or select all. There could also be a cut off selection where the loan amount is between a certain amount, 00 5 and a range for the credit score as well. Similar to the above mortgage selection, there are also a geographical selection a bankruptcy selection, consumer detail selection, length of residence, monthly salary, total monthly income, length of the employment, and a debt to income ratio.

Next, in FIGS. 12a, and 12b is a personal loan filter which would consist of selection criteria such as amount or type of collateral as a percentage of the loan, the finance preference such as a loan, or line of credit, these qualifications could be where the loan amount is within a particular range, and where the credit score is within a particular range. In addition, as stated above, the filter can also be based upon geographic location, bankruptcy details, consumer details, length of residence, monthly salary, total monthly income, length of employment, and a debt to income ratio.

Finally in FIGS. 13a, and 13b, are a series of selection criteria for credit card filters. These selection criteria are based upon the following consumer preferences, the lowest possible annual fee, the lowest possible interest rate, gold card or credit limit, and air milage or other bonuses. Next, it will refer qualifications where a range of credit line -18requested is within a particular range. In addition, the credit score can also be selected within a particular range.

Finally the geographical location of the consumer, the bankruptcy details, the consumer details, the length of residence, the monthly salary, the total monthly income, the length of employment, and the debt to income ratio can be selected to be within a particular range so that a lending institution can filter out applicants for a credit card application.

If there are no more criteria to match to application 115, then in step 50, the filter determines whether there has been an acceptable match between a borrower and a lender. If there is an acceptable match, then in step 55 the filter selects that lender as a suitable lender for application 115.

In step 56 program 10 checks to see if there is another lending institution available, if yes, then program advances to the next lending institution in step 49. If there are no more lending institutions available, then program advances to step 57 wherein the filter process ends. Finally in step 59a computer 100 selects a limited number of matched lending institutions in which to send application 115. For example, if the filter process matches application 115 with lending institutions, computer 100 may send application 115 to only a fraction of those matched lending institutions. This selection process in step 58 is based upon either random -19selection or a predetermined set of criteria stored in computer 100.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14a in stage 7, program 00 determines the interface method between computer 100 and the selected lending institution computers 200. The interface method can be Common Gateway Interface (CGI), Active File STransfer (AFTS), as a secured file on a secured webpage or via e-mail. Stage 7 allows loan computer 100 to access many different lender sites which thereby allows for greater communication flexibility within the system.

In stage 8, as shown in FIGS. 15a, 15b and 16, computer 100 sends data from table 150 via the interface method selected in stage 7 to the lending institutions selected in the filter process of stage 6. FIG. 16 shows the Active File Transfer System (AFTS) of FIG. 15b in greater detail. For example, in step 60, program 10 instructs computer 100 to start the AFTS. Next, in step 61 a text referral notice is sent to The Institution Internet Host (IIH) computer 220. In step 62, IIH computer 220 requests a full message from computer 100. In step 63 computer 100 sends an encrypted full message to IIH computer 220. Next, in step 64 computer 200 moves the message to the Institution's Corporate Network (ICH) 600. In step 65, ICH 600 converts the message from HTML format to a customized fixed record format defined and controlled by the destination institution. Next, in step outside program 10, this information can be processed and stored in the lender's system. In step 71 the lender approves or denies application 115. If the lending institution Sapproves application 115 it attaches an approval to the record file in step 73. Alternatively if the lending institution 00 5 denies application 115, then in step 72 it attaches a denial to the record file. In step 74, the lender comuters 700 generate a text decision message file. This message file is converted from the existing format into HTML format and sent to computer 100 web-site via encrypted transmission in step 75. The text decision message file contains a loan id number and a request for more information from the borrower.

Computer 100 next stores the decision file in database 180 in step 80. Next, in step 81, computer 100 notifies an applicant that a decision has been made.

In addition, the data from credit application 115 can also be sent via e-mail with Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption as shown in FIG. 15b. PGP is an encryption program that can be used to encrypt, a binary file to someone, with very high security, without having to exchange a set of private encryption keys beforehand. In this style transfer system, the text of table 150 comprising credit application 115, is transformed into an e-mail text message. Next, the email message is encrypted in PGP format. Finally, computer 100 sends the e-mail message to computer 230 which is a remote networked computer on a lending institution's site.

The third transfer process, that of the secured dynamic w website serves as a place for lenders to log in to a website to change their lending criteria filters and to view loan ¢Cc applications. In this process, information is stored on computer 100 in a website that can be accessed by a lender.

00 5 To access this site, a lender is given a login access account to log into the website that is encrypted by SSL technology.

Once the lender logs into the website he can download Sinformation relating to a borrower's request for information.

In the fourth transfer method, the Common Gateway Interface (CGI) format is shown in FIG. 15b. There, computer 100 sends data from table 150 to institution server 250 via a Common Gateway Interface (CGI) program. CGI programs allow for a server to server interface over which encrypted information can be transferred. For example, the data located on table 150 is first encrypted. Next the data can be sent from computer 100 to institution server 250. Server 250 next stores and unlocks the encrypted data. This unlocked data can then be read by all other networked computers 230 in a lender's home network.

In stage 9, as shown in FIG. 17, computer program moves into the second phase of (AFTS) in step 82. In this stage, the borrower informs the lender of his decision concerning the loan. For example, in step 83 a borrower sends his decision notification from computer 300 to computer 100.

Next, in step 84, computer 100 generates and sends a notification to computer 220 (IIH). In step, 85 computer 100 -22sends a full acceptance message to IIH computer 220 and next moves the acceptance message to ICH computer 600 in step Cc After that, in step 91 ICH computer 600 converts the acceptance message from HTML format and moves it to a final 00 5 directory 190 on computer 230 (step 91) At this point the lending institution program takes over Sso that in step 93, institution computer 230 processes the acceptance message. In step 94, institution computer 230 attaches a receipt file to the acceptance message. In step ]0 institution computer 230 generates a notification of receipt message, and in step 96, it converts the notification from its standard database format into HTML format. Finally, in step 97 ICH computer 600 sends a notification of the receipt message to computer 100 and in step 98 the Active File Transfer System ends.

In the tenth and final stage, as shown in FIG. 18, in step 142 the lender contacts the borrower to coordinate the closing of the loan. Here, the lending institution has the borrower's name, social security number, application id number, phone number at both work and home, and the best time to contact the borrower from the acceptance email sent when the offer was accepted. The loan closing can take place in any way that the lender typically closes loans. Once all documents are signed and delivered from the borrower, the loan is closed. Once the lender closes a loan, in step 144 it contacts computer 100 and sends a notification of the loan C1 -23closure. In step 146 computer 100 stores this information in result database 195 which can be accessed by the lenders in step 148. Finally in step 152, the process according to the invention ends for that individual transaction.

00 t 0 While several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that many CI changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (31)

1. A method for identifying a lender for a credit transaction, comprising: 0 receiving selection criteria from a lender; receiving credit data from one of a credit applicant and a credit agency; and automatically applying the selection criteria to determine if the credit data 00 matches the selection criteria, whereby a match results in an identification of the credit CK1 applicant as being suitable for completing a commercial transaction with the lender.

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein receiving credit data from one of the credit applicant and the credit agency further comprises receiving a credit score about the (,i credit applicant from the credit agency.

3. The method of Claim 2, wherein receiving a credit score about the credit applicant from a credit agency further comprises receiving a Fair Isaac Credit Score concerning the credit applicant.

4. The method of Claim 1, wherein receiving credit data from one of the credit applicant and the credit agency further comprises receiving a field of information that is part of a qualification form. The method of Claim 4, wherein receiving the field of information that is part of the qualification form further comprises receiving at least one of a social security number, address, phone number, e-mail address, state of residence, and income of the credit applicant.

6. The method of Claim 1, wherein receiving credit data from one of the credit applicant and the credit agency comprises receiving credit data comprising information relating to one of a first mortgage, a second mortgage, a car loan, a student loan, a personal loan, and a credit card.

7. The method of Claim 1, wherein receiving selection criteria from the lender comprises receiving selection criteria comprising criteria defined by the lender and useful for identification of a qualified candidate for one of credit and a loan.

8. The method of Claim 1 further comprising: (N receiving a selection for a desired type of credit; and sending a question to the credit applicant pertaining to a desired type of credit.

9. The method of Claim 8, further comprising: receiving an answer to the question pertaining to the desired type of credit; sending a qualification form to the credit applicant corresponding to the answer 00 to the question pertaining to the type of credit desired by the credit applicant. (-i A method for coordinating a qualification form between an applicant and a lender via a computer network, comprising: receiving lender selection criteria from the lender; receiving qualification form data sent from one of the applicant and a third party; employing the lender selection criteria to automatically determine if the applicant is suitable for completing a commercial transaction.

11. The method of Claim 10, wherein receiving qualification form data sent from one of the applicant and the third party further comprises receiving data from a credit agency.

12. The method of Claim 10, receiving qualification form data sent from one of the applicant and the third party further comprises receiving a credit score from a credit agency.

13. The method of Claim 12, wherein receiving a credit score from the credit agency further comprises receiving a Fair Isaac Credit Score pertaining to the applicant.

14. The method of Claim 10, wherein receiving qualification form data sent from one of the applicant and a third party further comprises receiving at least one of a social security number, address, phone number, e-mail address, state of residence, and income of the applicant. The method of Claim 10, wherein receiving qualification form data sent from one of the applicant and a third party further comprises receiving credit data comprising information relating to one of a first mortgage, a second mortgage, a car loan, a student loan, a personal loan, and a credit card. 26

16. A method for coordinating information between a lender and a consumer, comprising: receiving a selection for a desired type of credit from a consumer; sending a qualification form to the consumer in response to the credit selection by the consumer; and 00 applying selection criteria of a lender to automatically determine if credit data from the qualification form as completed by a user matches the selection criteria.

17. The method of Claim 16, further comprising receiving qualification form data Ssent from one of the consumer and a third party.

18. The method of Claim 17, wherein receiving qualification form data from one of the consumer and a third party further comprises receiving a credit score about the consumer from a credit agency.

19. The method of Claim 18, wherein receiving a credit score about the consumer from the credit agency further comprises receiving a Fair Isaac Credit Score pertaining to the consumer. The method of Claim 17, wherein receiving qualification form data sent from one of the consumer and a third party further comprises receiving credit data comprising information relating to one of a first mortgage, a second mortgage, a car loan, a student loan, a personal loan, and a credit card.

21. The method of Claim 17, wherein receiving qualification form data sent from one of the consumer and a third party further comprises receiving at least one of a social security number, address, phone number, e-mail address, state of residence, and income of the applicant.

22. The method of Claim 16, further comprising displaying a positive credit decision concerning the qualification form and a match with the selection criteria.

23. A system for coordinating business between a computer user and a lender comprising: a processing unit; -27 (N a memory storage device; and a program module, stored in said memory storage device for providing instructions to the processing unit; the processing unit responsive to said instructions of said program module, operable for receiving selection criteria from the lender; receiving credit data from one of the computer user and a credit agency; 00 and N applying lender selection criteria to determine if the credit data matches (the selection criteria.

24. The system of Claim 23, wherein the processing unit is further operable for receiving credit data from one of the computer user and the credit agency further comprises receiving a credit score about the computer user from the credit agency.

25. The system of Claim 24, wherein the processing unit is further operable for receiving a credit score about the computer user from the credit agency further comprises receiving a Fair Isaac Credit Score pertaining to the computer user.

26. The system of Claim 23, wherein the processing unit is further operable for receiving credit data from one of the computer user and the credit agency further comprises receiving at least one of a social security number, address, phone number, e- mail address, state of residence, and income of the computer user.

27. The system of Claim 23, wherein the processing unit is further operable for receiving credit data from one of the computer user and the credit agency further comprises receiving credit data comprising information relating to one of a first mortgage, a second mortgage, a car loan, a student loan, a personal loan, and a credit card.

28. The system of Claim 23, wherein the processing unit is further operable for receiving selection criteria from the lender further comprises receiving selection criteria from the lender via a computer network operatively coupled to the processing unit.

29. A method for coordinating business between a computer user and a lending institution via a computer network, comprising the steps of: -28- ~employing selection criteria to automatically select the lending institution who receives a credit application which results from filtering credit data sent by the computer user; and O posting a positive credit decision from the lending institution on a website in response to a favorable match between the credit data and the selection criteria. 00 30. The method of Claim 29, further comprising receiving credit data sent from one Sof the computer user and a third party. ('i

31. The method of Claim 30, wherein receiving credit data from one of the Scomputer user and the third party further comprises receiving a credit score about the computer user from a credit agency.

32. The method of Claim 31, wherein receiving a credit score about the consumer user from the credit agency further comprises receiving a Fair Isaac Credit Score pertaining to the computer user.

33. The method of Claim 27, further comprising receiving the selection criteria from the lending institution via a computer network.

34. A method for coordinating a transaction between a computer user and a lending institution via a computer network, comprising the steps of: sending credit application data over the computer network to the lending institution; receiving a positive credit decision from the lending institution posted on a website in response to a favorable match between the credit application data and selection criteria managed by the lending institution and stored in a database coupled to the computer network.

35. The method of Claim 34, wherein sending the credit application data over the computer network further comprises sending credit application data comprising at least one of a social security number, address, phone number, e-mail address, state of residence, and income of the applicant.

36. The method of Claim 34, wherein sending the credit application data over the computer network further comprises sending credit application data comprising -29- O N information relating to one of a first mortgage, a second mortgage, a car loan, a student loan, a personal loan, and a credit card. SDated this thirtieth day of May 2007 LendingTree, Inc. 00 Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: F B RICE CO