Television ads often make reverse mortgages sound like the best deal since sliced bread when you are retired. They can be very beneficial. However, like the traditional housing loan market, the reverse mortgage market has some companies that do it better than others. You should be looking for a company with a solid reputation, is a member of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association, is in good standing with the Federal Housing Administration and has a customer service department that actually speaks to you. The following are some of the most reputable reverse mortgage lenders: American Advisors Group, LendingTree, All Reverse Mortgage Company, Reverse Mortgage Advisors of America and guidetolenders.com.
Top 5 Reverse Mortgage Providers:
- American Advisors Group
- LendingTree
- All Reverse Mortgage Company
- Reverse Mortgage Advisors of America
- guidetolenders.com
American Advisors Group
The American Advisors Group has earned an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau. They offer a free information kit listing the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage and will conduct a personal interview to help you determine if this is the right financial step for you. Your home must be valued over $100,000 and you must have at least 50% equity in it in order to be eligible. They are an approved member of HUD, a requirement to meet the FHA guidelines for reserse mortgages.
Highlights:
- Offer personal attention
- No pressure information available
- Upfront eligibility requirements
LendingTree
LendingTree is continuing to grow as a visible mortgage specialist, and have been working to support their commercial image with excellent service. They offer you the chance to compare rates with competitors before making your selection. They offer several payout options including lump sum, monthly installments or annual payments which can work with your individual financial situation. They work to help insure that the income from your reverse mortgage does not negatively affect your social security.
Highlights:
- A+ rating with BBB
- Multiple payment options
- Compare rates with competitors
All Reverse Mortgage Company
This financial institution specializes in reverse mortgages, meaning they can reduce costs and rates as they deal in bulk with the service writers. Generally their closing costs are lower. They offer an easy to use mortgage calculator and provide free quotes through email and on their simple mobile app for your smartphone. They also offer a variety of plans for $0 monthly servicing fees, origination and closing costs. You will want to discuss all the options with your broker in detail to fully understand what the different services provide.
Highlights:
- Free email quotes
- Low closing costs
- $0 monthly service fee plans
Reverse Mortgage Advisors of America
While building a positive reputation in the industry, RMAA does only operate in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Louisiana, Georgia and Florida. However, in that limited area they provide excellent service. They are approved by Equal Housing Opportunity and HUD which works with homeowners in lower income areas, providing a valuable service in often overlooked neighborhoods. They provide a free guide for reverse mortgages to help you understand what kind of help you can receive and how a reverse mortgage will affect your current mortgage. Check out their calculator so you can build an idea of how much your home may be worth to you in a lump sum or as a monthly income supplement.
Highlights:
- Service in seven states
- EHO and HUD approved
- Provides free guide
guidetolenders.com
This online mortgage lender works solely through email, phone calls and long distance customer service. However, they have maintained their A+ BBB rating while lowering their overall operational costs and passing that on to their customers. Their application can be filled out online at any hour of the day for your convenience. You’ll find your credit score for free at their website, providing you a clearer picture of the mortgage offers that you may receive. They will quote several rates from which you can choose—sort of like a one-stop shop. However, that does mean your mortgage will likely be sold once you have closed on it. But a better rate may be worth that risk. For a busy professional, they are an excellent option.
Highlights:
- Online application
- Free Credit Score
- Multiple Quotes Provided
Conclusion
Like shopping for a first mortgage, finding a reliable provider for your reverse mortgage should be approached with the same attention to detail and understanding. Finding the right company can ensure years of carefree living while you enjoy your retirement.