loanDepot And Smith Douglas Homes Announce New Joint Venture Called Ridgeland Mortgage That Will Provide A Smooth And Streamlined Financing Option For New Home Buyers

New venture connects award-winning approach to new home construction with industry-leading lending platform to exceed customer expectations

loanDepot, Inc. (NYSE: "LDI"), a leading provider of products and services that power the homeownership journey, and Smith Douglas Homes (NYSE:SDHC), the nation's 36th largest new home builderi with a strong presence in America's Southeast and Southern regions, today announced a new joint venture that will provide a smooth and streamlined financing option for new home buyers.

Called Ridgeland Mortgage, the venture expands loanDepot's footprint in the purchase mortgage market while supporting Smith Douglas Homes' continued growth and success. It will benefit from Smith Douglas Homes' focus on building high quality homes at attractive prices in growing markets while capitalizing on loanDepot's lending industry expertise and best-in-class platform. As Ridgeland Mortgage grows, the company plans to operate in the following markets:

• Atlanta and Central GA
• Houston, TX
• Birmingham and Huntsville, AL
• Charlotte and Raleigh, NC
• Chattanooga and Nashville, TN