Tree.com considering adding small-business loans to lineup

The parent company of LendingTree, known for matching people shopping for mortgages with lenders, is considering adding small-business loans to its lineup, its CEO said Tuesday.

Doug Lebda said it would mark the first time Ballantyne-based Tree.com has matched lenders and small businesses.

"We're taking a hard look at small-business loans," he said.

The move comes as Tree.com continues to diversify its offerings to consumers. LendingTree was founded in 1996 to help consumers comparison-shop for mortgages. Today, Tree.com's websites allow consumers to shop for personal and auto loans, online degrees and plumbers and other types of home professionals.

Last year, the company began allowing consumers to shop for reverse mortgages on Lendingtree.com. Also last year, the company added the ability to comparison shop for credit cards, and it relaunched its personal loan product.

Mortgage products still generate the lion’s share of revenue for the company.