Reverse Mortgage FAQs

The counseling process is different for every person. However, having your most recent statements available at the time of counseling can help reduce the process time.

MMI has an established network within the creditor community. With over 46 years in the credit counseling industry, we have developed strong relationships with many of the nations major credit corporations. We work with all unsecured creditors including doctors, attorneys, finance corporations, and collection agencies.

To begin on the path to financial freedom, simply complete the online counseling form or call a counselor directly. To assist in expediting either counseling process, have your most recent creditor statements available for quick and easy reference.

Yes, our company is committed to maintaining your privacy and online confidentiality. MMI has produced a privacy statement that outlines the steps that we have taken to ensure that any information or data that you provide is kept confidential and cannot be used improperly.

A counselor will contact you to discuss the details of your proposed Debt Management Plan. Our professional, certified counselors will assess your financial situation, assist in creating a spending plan, and discuss options for debt repayment

After you make your first deposit, our support counselors are available to guide you to your financial goals. As a client, access to detailed information about your repayment program is available anytime by accessing this web site or our customer information line.

A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, more commonly referred to as a HECM, is the most frequently used type of Reverse Mortgage.  It is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) protecting borrowers from any interruption in loan proceeds, should the lending institution become unable to fulfill loan obligations.

A reverse mortgage is a type of loan that allows homeowners, 62 years of age or older, to convert part of their home’s equity into tax-free income. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), many seniors use reverse mortgages to supplement social security, meet medical expenses, and make home improvements.  If you have low or no outstanding mortgage debt, a reverse mortgage may allow you to borrow against the equity in your home. As long as you continue to occupy the property as your primary residence, no payments to the loan will be required.

To be considered for a reverse mortgage, HUD’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) requires that you participate in a counseling session with an approved nonprofit housing counseling agency. At completion of the session, the counselor will issue you a certificate that must be provided to the lender you choose to work with. At MMI, we have counselors certified by HUD who specialize in helping consumers, 62 years of age or older, explore and evaluate this financial tool.

The content of the counseling session is prescribed by federal and other regulations, but the basic goal of the session is quite straightforward. The goal of reverse mortgage counseling is to ensure that you have the necessary information to make an educated decision.  During your counseling session, you and your counselor will discuss:

• How a reverse mortgage works.
• The financial and tax implications of entering into a reverse mortgage.
• The different kinds of options available to borrowers using a reverse mortgage.
• The costs associated with these kinds of loans.
• Other options available to the prospective borrower, including housing, social services, health, and other financial alternatives.

The counseling session also offers you the opportunity to ask questions of a trained professional who has no financial interest in whether or not you choose to establish a reverse mortgage.

All persons on the deed must be counseled. In the case of an ineligible or underage spouse, both AARP and FHA recommend counseling.  It is important that all parties involved understand the implications of a reverse mortgage and the risks of relinquishing (quitclaiming) their interest in the property.

Should you decide to pursue a Reverse Mortgage after completing counseling, you must select a Reverse Mortgage lender and apply for the loan. The first step in the application process is to provide your lender with the certificate issued by your HUD approved Reverse Mortgage counselor. The entire process generally takes 60-90 days to completion.  Loan processing times may vary, so it would be best to check with your lender for specific loan processing timelines.