Understanding Reverse Mortgages: Products, Risks and Counseling Best Practices

Reverse mortgages can provide older homeowners with an important financial resource, but they are also among the most complex mortgage products housing counselors’ encounter. Counselors should understand how reverse mortgages work and how to help clients evaluate whether a reverse mortgage is the most appropriate solution based on their goals, financial circumstances, and long-term housing plans. 

This 90-minute introductory webinar provides housing counselors with a practical overview of the HUD insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program, including eligibility requirements, loan features, borrower obligations, payment options, costs, and consumer protections. Participants will also be briefly introduced to other reverse mortgage products. We will explore common risks and misconceptions and alternatives to the HECM product. We will touch on counseling best practices for helping older adults make informed decisions. 

Designed for housing counselors who are new to reverse mortgage counseling or considering preparation for the HUD HECM Counselor Examination, this webinar introduces key terminology and concepts found proprietary reverse mortgage research as well as in HUD guidance and the HUD Exchange. Participants will leave with a foundational understanding of reverse mortgages, greater confidence discussing reverse mortgage options with clients, and knowledge of additional resources for continued learning. 

Sue Ortiz is the Chief Programs Officer with Habitat for Humanity of Michigan and is the Executive Director of Fair Lending Services. She is also a consultant with NCRC and loves to create curriculum material and facilitate webinars, virtual, e-learning, and live trainings. Sue holds a Master’s degree in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, and has numerous certifications in housing counseling and financial coaching. She’s building a cabin in the woods in Northern Michigan.