The present invention is directed to a method of originating a loan. The method includes the steps of receiving loan request information from an applicant, developing underwriting information relating to the loan, and storing the loan request and the underwriting information so that it is accessible to a plurality of prospective lenders. The method further includes the steps of receiving at least one bid from at least one of the prospective lenders and storing the bid so that the applicant has an opportunity to consider and accept the bid. A corresponding software application and a system are also discussed.