Choosing a Reverse Mortgage Professional
The person matters as much as the loan.
A reverse mortgage is a long-term decision, and the person who guides you through it shapes how well you understand it. It's reasonable to take your time choosing them.
A few qualities tend to separate a good fit from a poor one. Training specific to reverse mortgages, such as the Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional designation. A willingness to talk about alternatives, including when a reverse mortgage isn't the answer. Patience with questions, and a welcome for family members and advisors. And a clear, written explanation of every cost before anything is signed.
Those are the same standards I try to meet with every family.
The right loan is easier to find with the right person beside you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional?
It's fair to wonder whether a designation means much. This one involves specialized training and testing in reverse mortgages, and fewer than 300 people in the country hold it. Julie Crittenden is one of them. In most fields, the people who choose to go deeper tend to see more.
How do I choose a reverse mortgage lender?
Most people start by comparing rates, and cost does matter. With a reverse mortgage, though, the person guiding you also shapes how well you understand a long-term decision. Clear explanations of cost, honest talk about alternatives, and room to decide at your own pace are worth weighing alongside the numbers. A fair rate with good guidance usually serves people better than a great rate without it.
What questions are worth asking a reverse mortgage lender?
Three questions cover most of what matters: what the loan will cost over time, what other options exist, and what happens to the home later. How they're answered, plainly and without pressure, tells you as much as the answers themselves. Simple questions tend to bring out honest answers.
Is a reverse mortgage specialist different from a regular loan officer?
While a regular licensed loan officer may be a reasonable place to start, the difference is how often they work with reverse mortgages. Someone who specializes in them every day knows how to price and structure the loan so it fits the homeowner's plans, and understands the details that surface later, like how a line of credit grows or what happens when a spouse isn't on the loan. Experience matters most in the moments no one plans for.
Can I work with a reverse mortgage professional who isn't local?
Licensing matters more than distance. A reverse mortgage professional can help homeowners in any state where they're licensed, and Julie Crittenden is licensed in California, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin. Good guidance doesn't depend on a zip code.
Your Expert Reverse Mortgage Loan Originator
Deciding to venture into a reverse mortgage is a major decision. When choosing whether one is right for you, qualified advice is invaluable; so too is selecting a Mortgage Loan Originator who is well versed in all aspects of reverse mortgages.
A Mortgage Loan Originator must adhere to strict ethical conduct. They must inform you of all the terms and conditions of the loan clearly and with the utmost respect of your needs and goals. They must not pressure you or steer you into another type of loan, such as an annuity, that might not be in your best interest. It is your decision; only you can decide what is right for you.
Knowledge is power. Read up on reverse mortgages throughout this website so you can feel more educated. This will not only save time, but could help you get a better deal. A good place to start is our Top 10 Reverse Mortgage Questions. We’ve also provided a list of Reverse Mortgage Resources.
We realize that a reverse mortgage may not be right for you. We encourage you to explore your options. If, for example, you wish to remodel your kitchen, a different type of single-purpose loan might be more appropriate. If however, a reverse mortgage could suit your needs, we invite you to contact us. An experienced Mortgage Loan Originator will walk you through each step of the process and answer any and all questions you may have.
We look forward to discussing the best loan options for your unique situation.
