The Reverse
Mortgage Process

Awareness

You may have heard about the reverse mortgage loan on TV, on the radio, online, by receiving a mailer, or you did your own research.

Education

Meeting with a qualified Mortgage Loan Originator is key. This is where you learn about your specific numbers, what you might qualify for, and receive an analysis of your particular situation.

Counseling

Counseling is required from an independent third party, HUD-approved counseling agency, for all reverse mortgage borrowers. Typically this fee is paid by the borrower. Consult with me and make sure you complete this as soon as possible. Many times counseling can be completed over the telephone.

You will receive two certificates: one to keep and the other to send to our office.

Action and Application

Meet with a Mortgage Loan Originator like myself and decide if a reverse mortgage is right for you. I can meet with you at my office, your home, by video chat, or by phone to help guide you through the application.

You will be left with a complete copy of all the documents for you and your trusted financial advisors (such as a CPA or attorney) or family members to review.

Financial Assessment

To help ensure the long-term success of the HECM loan over time, HUD requires a financial review of each applicant's credit history, property tax payments, and other credit factors. These are evaluated to measure a borrower's willingness and financial capacity to meet the ongoing obligations of the loan.

The Appraisal

Upon receiving your HUD counseling certificate, I will contact you to arrange for an appraisal of your property. The appraisal is paid by the borrower. Reverse mortgages use a full FHA appraisal. The value of your home is based on what comparable properties in your neighborhood have sold for recently.

Processing

I will process your paperwork and submit it to the lender. This process includes the appraisal, the title report, and checking the balance of any liens or mortgages to be paid. Verification of income and other credit factors are also gathered at this time. I will be in contact regularly during this time.

Underwriting

When the processing and all paperwork is complete, I will forward your file to the loan underwriter to determine if the loan will be approved, and I will work to satisfy any conditions or requirements needed to close the loan.

Closing and Funds Disbursed

If your loan has been approved by underwriting, I will contact you to arrange for the signing of your final loan documents. At this time I will confirm your payment plan or partial lump sum (how you want to receive your money).

Once you've signed the closing documents, you have three business days to cancel the loan if you should choose to do so. After the cancellation (rescission) period has passed, your funds are distributed based on the payment option you chose at closing. HECM for Purchase loans do not have a rescission period. See the HECM for Purchase guidelines for more information.