Consumer Safeguards
Reverse Mortgage loans were designed by the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Fannie Mae and other private
institutions. Most of the Reverse Mortgage loans made today are
insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA); a government
supported mortgage insurance program.
Borrowers must obtain independent counseling prior to applying
for a Reverse Mortgage. Counseling is only available from approved,
independent, third-party sources and the counseling is designed
to highlight and discuss:
• Financial implications of obtaining a Reverse Mortgage.
• Other options that may exist including housing, social
service, health and financial programs.
• Other home equity conversion options that may exist.
• Role and relationship between the homeowner and the lender,
financial advisors, estate planning services, etc.
• Allowable costs and expenses associated with Reverse Mortgages.
Consumers have additional sources of nationally recognized providers
that can be accessed for additional information including:
• A. A. R. P. www.aarp.com/revmort
• National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association www.reversemortgage.org
• The Department of Housing and Urban Development (www.hud.gov)