HUD Counseling a Stopgap to Bad Advice for Reverse Mortgage
If there are no other financial means, the borrower can use the home equity as a source of funds to solve financial problems. In fact, the reverse mortgage was originally created with this intention.
Each financial situation requiring remedy is unique. As such the reverse mortgage does not always fit well as a solution.
The reverse mortgage is profitable to a lender only when a borrower decides on getting a reverse mortgage. No return is made by talking the senior out of borrowing. The door is open to unscrupulous people.
I am a lender, and I have a high opinion of most in my field. Nearly all loan officers will give a just evaluation, and handle opinions in a measured honest manner.
However, a certain contingent exists in the mortgage industry, as it does in any industry, comprised of unethical individuals willing to lie, cheat and steal to do a deal.
I formerly worked in the copier business, and my company (which shall remain nameless) had a saying for the sales people: Whatever it takes. They really meant it too. Do whatever you have to do to make a sale.
Some people in the reverse mortgage business feel that way too, but take heart. You may not see them coming, but they wont be your only advisor.
Prior to advancing on in a reverse mortgage transaction the law requires potential borrowers to counsel with a intermediary, HUD approved advisor.
For those being pressured into a reverse mortgage, who could otherwise solve money problems in a less costly way, this is a great little built-in insurance policy. The counselor should be able to weed out poor advice and give the senior educated guidance.
Someone is always lying is wait to trick or take advantage of seniors, and this is one way to greatly avoid that possibility.
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