How do reverse mortgage lenders determine the interest rates?

Lenders set interest rates based on their costs and profit margins. Research and compare rates from different lenders. Check HUD's records for actual loan rates.

Best Reverse Mortgage Lenders of 2025: Ratings, Reviews & ARLO™ Insights

Q: What banks offer reverse mortgages?

Most major banks exited the reverse mortgage industry years ago. Non-bank lenders, brokers, small banks, and credit unions are now the primary sources. While most reverse mortgages are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and follow the same guidelines, each lender offers different interest rates and fees.

Q: Who is the highest-rated reverse mortgage company?

To find the best-rated reverse mortgage provider, research from our top 20 lenders list and avoid sponsored reviews. Look for reviews on independent sites, such as the Better Business Bureau, Google, and Yelp.

Q: Does HUD offer reverse mortgages?

HUD does not originate loans but approves lenders to create federally insured HECM loans. HUD insures these loans and guarantees many features and safeguards.

Q: Are all reverse mortgage companies the same?

No. Every reverse mortgage company operates independently. HUD sets the guidelines but does not originate loans. Make sure your lender is HUD-approved and a member of NRMLA.

Q: How do I know I'm getting the best reverse mortgage?

The best reverse mortgage fits your specific needs. Compare different offers, review the loan terms, and ensure the lender provides clear and transparent documents. Check unbiased reviews from reputable sites like the BBB and Google.

Q: Who actually lends the money in a reverse mortgage?

Lenders use warehouse lines of credit to fund loans. HUD insures these loans, which are then pooled and sold as securities. Most reverse mortgages are HUD Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM).

Q: Which reverse mortgage companies have the lowest closing costs?

Closing costs depend on several factors, including interest rates, loan programs, and lenders. It's essential to compare the entire proposal, as low closing costs may not be beneficial if they result in a higher margin, leading to fewer loan proceeds and significantly higher interest payments over the life of the loan. We strongly advocate for borrowers to make comparisons. Since interest rates and fees can change, don't just take our word for it. Review the actual numbers and determine what's best for your situation.

Q: Can a reverse mortgage lender change without the homeowner's knowledge?

Yes, a reverse mortgage lender can sell the loan or change the servicer. The loan terms remain unchanged, and the new lender is required to notify you.

Q: Can a lender lower the borrower's benefit amount after the loan closes?

No, the lender cannot change the terms of a reverse mortgage after closing. However, you must meet certain conditions to remain in good standing with the loan.

Looking for the best reverse mortgage lender in 2025? Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or comparing interest rates and closing costs, this guide breaks down the top reverse mortgage companies based on verified reviews, BBB ratings, complaint history, and lender transparency.

Updated for 2025, this expert-backed comparison will help you make an informed decision and choose the right reverse mortgage lender for your financial future.

How We Chose the Best Reverse Mortgage Lenders in 2025

Choosing a reverse mortgage lender is a major financial decision—one that can impact your retirement security for years to come. That’s why this list isn’t based on sponsored links or paid placements. Our rankings are grounded in real, verifiable data and over 20 years of industry experience.

Here’s the process we used:

Verified BBB Ratings & Accreditation – Only lenders with an active BBB profile were included, with higher marks for maintaining a long-standing A+ rating.
Years in Business – Lenders with 10+ years of reverse mortgage experience scored higher for stability and reliability.
Customer Review Analysis – We reviewed thousands of borrower ratings from reputable platforms (BBB, Google, Yelp), filtering out duplicates or suspicious feedback.
Complaint Volume & Resolution Rate – Companies with frequent unresolved complaints ranked lower.
Transparency of Loan Terms – Lenders that disclose their margins, fees, and closing costs scored higher.
HUD Approval & NRMLA Membership – Only HUD-approved lenders were considered, with extra credit for NRMLA Code of Ethics membership.

This approach ensures you see a data-backed guide to lenders that consistently deliver the best borrower experiences.

Table of Contents

• How We Chose the Best Reverse Mortgage Lenders in 2025

• 5 Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Reverse Mortgage Lender

• Top 20 Reverse Mortgage Lenders of 2025 (National HECM Rankings & BBB Reviews)

• Best Reverse Mortgage Lenders in 2025 – Rankings, Ratings & Reviews

• What to Compare Before Choosing a Lender

• Before You Choose: Reverse Mortgage Lender Checklist

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Information for Past Customers of Inactive Companies

5 Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Reverse Mortgage Lender

1. Work with a Lender Who Understands Your Needs

Look for a lender who evaluates your entire financial picture, not just one fee or rate. A good lender helps you choose the reverse mortgage plan that best supports your long-term goals and maximizes your home equity.

2. Carefully Review Online Customer Feedback

Rely on reviews from trusted sources like the BBB or Google, not promotional websites. Watch for recurring issues. What’s right for one borrower may not be right for you.

3. Compare All Loan Details, Including Margins and Closing Costs

Lenders cannot pad third-party fees, but their margin directly affects your loan proceeds and interest accrual. Compare carefully—don’t just look at upfront costs. The Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) is typically 2.0% of your home’s value, up to $1,209,750 ($24,195 max in 2025).

4. Make Sure Your Lender is HUD-Approved

Verify approval through the HUD Lender List to ensure you’re working with a federally authorized lender.

5. Avoid Lenders Who Use In-House Appraisals

Independent appraisals protect your interests. Shop around, compare quotes, and confirm your loan officer is licensed and qualified.

Below is a comparison of the top 20 reverse mortgage lenders in the U.S., ranked by BBB rating, years in business, customer satisfaction, and complaint volume (as of August 2025).

Top 20 Reverse Mortgage Lenders of 2025 (National HECM Rankings & BBB Reviews)

Lender	BBB Rating	Accredited	Years in Business	Customer Rating (0–5)	% Positive Reviews	Complaints	Source
All Reverse Mortgage, Inc. (ARLO)	A+	Yes	21	4.98/5	99.6%	0	Source
Atlantic Avenue Mortgage LLC	A+	Yes	2	4.94/5	98.8%	2	Source
American Pacific Mortgage	F	No	28	1.75/5	35.0%	7	Source
CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC.	F	Yes	22	1.45/5	29.0%	303	Source
Fairway Independent Mortgage	B+	Yes	29	4.51/5	90.2%	28	Source
Finance of America Reverse LLC (FAR)	A+	Yes	21	1.00/5	20.0%	37	Source
GMFS Mortgage	A+	Yes	26	2.5/5	50.0%	18	Source
Goodlife Home Loans	A+	Yes	13	5.0/5	100%	1	Source
Guild Mortgage Company (Formerly Cherry Creek LLC)	A+	No	65	1.5/5	30.0%	75	Source
HighTechLending Inc	A+	Yes	19	4.94/5	98.6%	1	Source
Liberty Home Equity Solutions Inc.	A+	No	21	1.00/5	20.0%	3	Source
Longbridge Financial LLC	A+	Yes	13	3.79/5	75.8%	30	Source
Mid America Mortgage Inc.	A+	No	66	NA	NA	NA	Source
Moneyhouse	NR	No	27	NA	NA	0	Source
Movement Mortgage, LLC	A+	No	17	4.73/5	94.6%	92	Source
Mutual of Omaha Mortgage	A+	Yes	12	1.46/5	29.8%	60	Source
Open Mortgage LLC	A+	No	22	5.0/5	73.4%	0	Source
Plaza Home Mortgage Inc	A+	Yes	24	3.44/5	68.8%	7	Source
Smartfi Home Loans	A+	Yes	6	1.00/5	29.0%	0	Source
South River Mortgage, LLC	A+	No	6	3.63/5	72.0%	12	Source

Source: Data compiled from https://www.rminsight.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lenders_202504.pdf RMInsight (Top 20 HECM Lenders, July 2025 and Better Business Bureau reviews updated as of August 11, 2025)

Did You Know? Not all lenders with an A+ BBB rating have strong borrower satisfaction. Some large names have hundreds of complaints despite their rating. Always dig deeper than the letter grade.

Best Reverse Mortgage Lenders in 2025 – Rankings, Ratings & Reviews

Choosing the right lender is about more than rates—it’s about trust, transparency, and service. Based on national HECM rankings, BBB reviews, and verified borrower feedback, one name leads the industry: All Reverse Mortgage, Inc. (ARLO™).

🏆 #1 Rated Reverse Mortgage Lender in 2025

A+ BBB Rating
21 years in business
4.98 out of 5 stars from verified borrowers
99.6% positive reviews
0 BBB complaints

Borrowers highlight ARLO™ for accuracy, transparency, and speed.

🌟 Other Top-Performing Lenders

HighTechLending Inc. – A+ BBB, 4.94/5 stars, 98.6% positive reviews
Goodlife Home Loans – A+ BBB, 5.0/5 stars, 100% positive reviews

⚠️ Lenders with Lower Satisfaction

CrossCountry Mortgage – F BBB, 1.45/5 stars, 303 complaints
Finance of America Reverse (FAR) – A+ BBB, 1.0/5 stars, 20% positive reviews
Mutual of Omaha Mortgage – A+ BBB, 1.46/5 stars, 60 complaints

💡 Key Takeaway

An A+ BBB rating doesn’t guarantee great service. To choose the right lender:

Check real customer reviews (BBB, Google)
Compare margins and closing costs
Verify HUD approval
Look for transparent communication

What to Compare Before Choosing a Lender

What to Compare	Why It Matters
Lender Experience & Reviews	HUD-approved lenders with strong public reviews are more trustworthy
Loan Margins & Interest	Lower margins increase loan proceeds and reduce interest paid over time
Closing Costs & Fees	Compare full loan estimates—not just teaser rates or partial fees
Support & Counseling	Great lenders offer pre-loan education and long-term borrower support
Appraisal Independence	Avoid lenders who use in-house appraisers to ensure objective property values
NRMLA Membership	Shows commitment to ethical industry standards and borrower protections
Direct vs. Broker	Direct lenders often provide faster and more transparent service

Before You Choose: Reverse Mortgage Lender Checklist

Run Your Own Numbers – Use our reverse mortgage calculator to see real-time rates before speaking with any lender.
Request a Written Loan Estimate – Insist on margin, APR, and all closing costs in writing.
Ask About Servicing – Know who will service your loan after closing.
Compare Margins – Small differences can mean thousands over time.
Confirm HUD Approval – Check the HUD database.
Check Independent Reviews – Use BBB and Google, not just the lender’s own site.

Ready to Compare for Yourself? Use our reverse mortgage calculator for a personalized quote with real-time rates, or call (800) 565-1722 to speak directly with an advisor at All Reverse Mortgage, Inc. (ARLO™).

Frequently Asked Questions

What banks offer reverse mortgages?

Who is the highest-rated reverse mortgage company?

Does HUD offer reverse mortgages?

Are all reverse mortgage companies the same?

How do I know I’m getting the best reverse mortgage?

How do reverse mortgage lenders determine interest rates?

Who actually lends the money in a reverse mortgage?

Which reverse mortgage companies have the lowest closing costs?

Can a reverse mortgage lender change without the homeowner’s knowledge?

Can a lender lower the borrower’s benefit amount after the loan closes?

Information for Past Customers of Inactive Companies

Lender
Wells Fargo Reverse Mortgage	Read More
Bank of America Reverse Mortgage	Read More
Financial Freedom Reverse Mortgage	Read More
MetLife Reverse Mortgage	Read More
RMS - Reverse Mortgage Solutions	Read More
LiveWell Financial	Read More
Resolute Bank	Read More

ARLO recommends these helpful resources:

Search for a lender by State or City

Have a Question About Reverse Mortgages?

Look no further. Michael G. Branson, our CEO, brings a wealth of knowledge directly to you. With a robust 45-year tenure in mortgage banking and 20 years dedicated solely to reverse mortgages, he's the expert you want on your side.

Post your question in the comments below and anticipate a personalized response from Mr. Branson himself, typically within one business day. He's here to illuminate all angles of reverse mortgages, ensuring you're equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Take this opportunity to gain insights from a seasoned professional.

2 Comments on this Article

David R.
September 4th, 2024

In your opinion, who are the best lenders to consider that provide great customer service?
Reply to David
- Michael Branson
  September 4th, 2024
  
  Hi David,
  I'm obviously biased, but I would say All Reverse Mortgage. However, I can also point to our 4.99 out of 5 stars rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and encourage you to read what actual clients have to say. The BBB and sites like Google ratings feature honest reviews from real consumers who have used our services, unlike some rating sites that exist solely to collect information to sell to lenders. These are genuine reviews from borrowers who have experienced our service firsthand.
  We are passionate about doing the right thing for our customers and putting their needs first. That's one of the most important aspects of customer service, especially when it comes to reverse mortgages. HUD controls much of the process, such as appraisals and other factors that determine how much money borrowers receive, which are beyond the lender's control. However, aspects like the margin and fees, which we consistently encourage borrowers to compare, are within the lender's control. Many borrowers find they can save money and receive more in their loan by choosing All Reverse Mortgage.
  We specialize solely in reverse mortgages. For 20 years, we've focused all our efforts on originating and closing reverse mortgages. It's not just a sideline for us, it's the only type of loan we handle. We dedicate all our resources to being the best in the reverse mortgage industry, and our customer ratings reflect our success.
  I apologize if I didn't answer your question exactly as expected, but I don't often get a chance to highlight our strengths. I'm proud of our team, most of whom have been with us for over 10 years, and many since the beginning. Their passion and dedication to providing excellent customer service are why we maintain such high ratings on platforms like the BBB. So when you compare proposals from us with other lenders, remember that we offer not only fantastic rates and terms, but also a deep commitment to customer care. If our past customers' reviews are any indication, All Reverse Mortgage is a lender to seriously consider for exceptional customer service!
  Reply to Michael

Best Reverse Mortgages of 2025

ARLO™

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