A reverse mortgage, when used correctly can add stability to your retirement years and selecting the right lender to originate your loan is an important first step.

We created this review guide to provide insight into how lenders are rated and how reviews are collected across the web, (including independent and sponsored review sites).

With a federally insured HECM loan, the lender is NOT the entity who is guaranteeing access to your funds or the terms of the loan.

HUD guarantees that if a lender servicing your loan goes out of business FHA will transfer your loan to another servicer that must honor the same terms for your lifetime.

There are over 100 active lenders, banks and brokers across the US.

Below you will find the top 10 active lenders sorted by actual reviews across the web.

5 Expert Tips to Selecting the Best Reverse Mortgage Provider

#1. Get the loan that’s right for you, from a lender who is looking out for your best interests

Many people are convinced that they need just one thing or another and they miss other points that may make a lot more difference in the overall benefit or cost of the loan.

We have borrowers who look at the cost of the appraisal fee and will go to one lender over another because the appraisal fee at one is $100 lower, not realizing they receive thousands less due to a higher rate or that the higher rate will accrue thousands of dollars more interest over the life of the loan and that’s just one example.

You really need to look at the totality of the transaction and not allow yourself to be fixed on just one small factor that in the overall picture may not even be a major factor.

#2. Beware of Fake Reviews 

Read the reviews of actual customers online.  Do not trust solely in online sites that generate leads for companies, their reviews can be bought and sold.

Go to honest third parties like the BBB (Better Business Bureau) or Google Ratings whose ratings are consumer generated and cannot influenced by the lender.

Look for problem issues that are constant and recurring and realize you may want to steer clear of those originators.

Understand your needs.  This loan is all about you, not the lender.

The key to a successful reverse mortgage is getting the right loan the first time and the right loan is the one that addresses your circumstances.

What works for some, may be a terrible idea for others.

At All Reverse Mortgage, we prefer to give you enough information to make an informed decision – not sell you a loan program that doesn’t fit your needs.

#3. Compare all the loan terms, including but not just the fees

Lending laws do not allow originators to pad any closing costs. Appraisals, title fees, credit, etc., all can be charged at only what those companies charge.

Originators cannot by law add anything to those fees. Many borrowers look only at the fees on an adjustable rate loan.

You must also look at the margin if you are looking at an adjustable rate loan as a higher margin can cost you thousands and tens of thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan, just as a higher interest rate can on a fixed rate loan.

Not only that, but the higher margin raises the effective rate which lowers the Principal Limit (loan amount) the borrower will receive.

The effect of the higher margin is you receive less money in the loan, and you pay significantly more interest over the life of the loan.  Do not overlook the margin!

Since the UFMIP is based on 2.0% of the appraised value of the home to a current maximum of $765,600, the UFMIP can go as high as $15,312.00.

With an increased interest rate option, there is a possibility that we can absorb this or some of this upfront insurance saving you thousands.

In some cases, the higher margin and lower fee would cause you to receive less money overall.

That’s why it’s important to compare and see which is really a better option for you.

#4. Make sure your lender belongs to NRMLA

If the lending institution belongs to NRMLA, the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association, and/or the National Association of Mortgage Brokers, (NAMB) they must adhere to extremely high ethical standards.

Our company is also listed as A+ with the Better Business Bureau. If you want to see what our customers are saying about us, please look at the comment cards we have posted.

Were we able to help every borrower? No, but then again, no lender is since the HUD reverse mortgage program was not meant to cover all situations and all properties.

Hud’s had a very tough time with property values and still sees this as a potential area of concern.

HUD implemented a process whereby they have appraisals submitted to them electronically, even before the lender sees the appraisal from the HUD approved appraiser.

Then HUD, in its sole discretion, is ordering additional appraisals when they feel it is warranted/necessary.

If HUD feels that an additional appraisal is required, lenders have no recourse and cannot waive the requirement.

Be wary of originators who tell you they do not have this issue.

#5. Avoid companies with appraisal interests

We will never use an Appraisal Management Company (AMC) that is owned in whole or part by just one lender.

Lender-owned AMC’s do not cooperate with lenders other than the one who owns them so that borrowers are trapped if their original lender cannot close their loan or if another lender can give the borrowers a better deal and the borrower later wants to transfer to another lender.

This creates a conflict that prevents borrowers from being able to transfer the appraisal and some banks routinely followed this procedure, locking borrowers into loans they later cannot change.

It’s a loophole in HUD’s intentions but there is currently no way to get the AMC to cooperate as they say they cannot work with anyone but the lender who placed the order (who, conveniently enough, owns them).

When this happens, borrowers have one of two choices, order a new appraisal at an additional cost or stay with their original lender, even though they might have found a loan with lifetime costs thousands of dollars less.

There is a solution though.  You have to do your homework and get solid quotes and compare before you begin.  Then verify the credentials of the originator and the company.

If you have done all the comparison shopping in advance, you won’t have that terrible feeling later if things get rocky and you find that you didn’t even have the best circumstances from the start and now the lender is making it almost impossible for you to move your loan.

Summary: 

• Reverse mortgage lenders market to consumers in a variety of channels such as TV, internet, direct mail and through financial planning communities.
• Choose your lender based on their independent reviews and best offer as lending institutions set their own interest rates and fees. (Contrary to believe the government does not control the rate, margin or origination fee.)
• Companies that are HUD Approved are direct lenders and will usually save you time and money as working with a broker means you are working through a “middleman” and can expect some higher costs associated with your loan.
• Make sure the lender you select is approved by NRMLA and abides by their code-of-ethics.
• Don’t accept high pressure sales tactics 
• All reverse mortgages require independent counseling. Make sure you review and consider alternative options before committing.

Additional  Resources: 

• Locate Lender by State or City 
• Search HUD.GOV Approved Lender Search
• NRMLA Lender Search