How Alauda ranks your options
When Alauda compares home equity options for you, it puts them in an order. This is the rule behind that order, first in one sentence, then in plain words.
Options that fit what you told us (rate type, payment comfort, timing) come first; within each group, options are ordered by interest plus fees over your time horizon. Who pays us is never part of the order.
First, we sort by fit. Three of your answers decide fit: whether your rate should stay the same or can move with rates, the monthly payment you would be comfortable with, and when you need the money. Options that match your answers go in the first group.
An option that misses your rate or payment answer is not ruled out. It comes after the options that fit, and you can still choose it. It only misses a preference you gave us, not a lender's rule. Timing is the exception. If you set a firm deadline, options that cannot fund in time are not offered.
Then, within each group, we sort by cost. The cost is the interest plus fees you would pay over your time horizon, meaning the period the comparison covers. The option that costs least over that period comes first.
We count interest and fees together because a lower rate is not always cheaper. An option with a low rate and high upfront fees can cost more over a short period than one with a slightly higher rate and no fees. Adding both over the same period puts every option on equal footing.
Who pays us plays no part in either step. The order would be the same if nobody paid us at all. See how we make money.