LendingTree has commended the release of North Carolina's AI Strategic Roadmap, a policy framework designed to establish the state as a national leader in the responsible development and governance of artificial intelligence. The online financial marketplace highlighted its direct involvement in shaping the strategy through the participation of its senior leadership in the state's advisory efforts. The roadmap aims to foster innovation while implementing necessary guardrails to ensure public trust and safety in AI deployment.

Governor Josh Stein emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating that the strategy is intended to protect residents from harm, prepare the workforce for new opportunities, and transform government services. The plan outlines a comprehensive approach to advancing AI across state government, education, workforce development, and consumer-facing industries. It positions North Carolina to compete for future investment and talent by promoting ethical AI adoption.

LendingTree's influence on the roadmap was facilitated by Sarah Bacha, Senior Vice President, Head of Strategy and Analytics at LendingTree, who served on Governor Josh Stein's Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council. The Council included leaders from industry, academia, government, and the nonprofit sector. Bacha's contributions focused on integrating practical, real-world perspectives regarding innovation, consumer protection, transparency, and the responsible deployment of emerging technologies.

"North Carolina's AI Strategic Roadmap is a model for how states can approach this rapidly evolving technology," said Bacha. She noted that the recommendations strike a balance between fostering innovation and establishing the guardrails necessary to build public confidence. Bacha expressed pride in LendingTree's role in bringing the perspective of a technology-driven company serving millions of consumers to the policy-making process.

The company's commitment to responsible AI policy was further underscored by Hala Shakra, Director of AI Strategy at LendingTree, during the Fintech + Insurtech Generations conference in Charlotte, N.C. last month. Shakra emphasized that effective governance should not be viewed as a hindrance to speed but rather as a mechanism to create clarity, enabling teams to move faster and innovate more effectively.

Key Contributions to the Roadmap

LendingTree's involvement in the North Carolina AI Strategic Roadmap highlights its broader advocacy for policies that encourage innovation while preserving consumer choice and privacy. The company has leveraged nearly three decades of experience in financial technology to inform the Council's recommendations.

The final plan provides a strategic framework for economic growth and consumer protection, ensuring that the benefits of AI are realized while mitigating potential risks. LendingTree continues to advocate for the responsible use of emerging technologies in the financial services sector.

Homebuyers can save an average of $62,572 over the life of a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage by shopping around for the lowest interest rate, according to a new report from LendingTree. This potential saving, equivalent to $174 per month or $2,086 annually, highlights the substantial financial impact of comparing loan offers. The findings are based on an analysis of more than 80,000 mortgage shoppers on the LendingTree platform.

Key Savings and Rate Spreads

The report indicates that the average spread between the lowest and highest offered interest rates across all borrowers was 0.79 percentage points. However, for borrowers who received six or more offers, the spread widened to 0.98 percentage points. This increased spread boosts potential monthly savings from $174 to $227 and raises lifetime savings to $81,735.

Borrower Behavior and Negotiation

Despite the clear financial incentives, the study found that many borrowers do not fully leverage the market. While two-thirds of mortgage holders compared quotes from multiple lenders, only 54% attempted to negotiate their mortgage terms. Generational and gender differences were evident, with Baby Boomers being the least likely to negotiate at 18%, compared to roughly 70% of Gen Zers and millennials. Men were also more likely to negotiate than women, with rates of 67% and 36% respectively.

Impact of Negotiating Terms

Negotiating often results in direct financial benefits. Among borrowers who negotiated their interest rate, 93% successfully lowered their monthly payment. Specifically, 37% of negotiators reduced their monthly payment by at least $100. Additionally, 34% of those who negotiated fees and closing costs lowered their upfront expenses by $2,000 or more, with 12% saving at least $5,000.

"Consumers have more power in the mortgage process than they often realize," said Jeff Lyons, LendingTree's General Manager of Lending. "Access to information and choice has never been more important, especially when even small differences in loan terms can have a major impact on long-term costs."

Methodology

LendingTree analyzed data from more than 80,000 users of its online loan marketplace who received two or more offers for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage purchase loans between Oct. 1, 2025, and April 26, 2026. Researchers compared the lowest and highest interest rates offered to individual borrowers and calculated potential savings based on average mortgage amounts requested. Separately, LendingTree commissioned QuestionPro to conduct an online survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers ages 18 to 80 from May 4 to 6, 2026.