Top 10 Reverse Mortgage Counseling Agencies (Free & Online Availability)
Michael G. Branson, CEO of All Reverse Mortgage, Inc., and moderator of ARLO™, has 45 years of experience in the mortgage banking industry. He has devoted the past 19 years to reverse mortgages exclusively. (License: NMLS# 14040) |
All Reverse Mortgage's editing process includes rigorous fact-checking led by industry experts to ensure all content is accurate and current. This article has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by Cliff Auerswald, President and co-creator of ARLO™. (License: NMLS# 14041) |
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) mandates that homeowners exploring a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) must receive essential counseling. This counseling, provided by a HUD-approved HECM agency, covers the details and alternatives of reverse mortgages.
To assist you, we are required to offer a list of approved reverse mortgage counseling agencies. This list includes five nationwide companies as specified by HUD for HECM, alongside local agencies near you. The number of nearby agencies varies; some borrowers may have several options, while others might need to travel further for in-person counseling.
Additionally, we include agencies offering phone-based counseling, making location less critical, as they are accessible through toll-free numbers. Your priority should be to select a counselor who aligns with your specific counseling needs, ensuring you make an informed decision about your reverse mortgage.
Top Reverse Mortgage Counseling Agencies
The estimated counseling availability times are approximations, with the latest update provided on May 28, 2024
Counseling Agency Next Availability HECM Price JUMBO Price Phone Website
QuickCert 24-48 Hrs. $145 $145 888-383-8885
Website
Hancock Community Development, Inc 24-48 Hrs. $130
$140 877-284-4326 Website
DebtHelper.com 24-48 Hrs. $145 $145 800-920-2262
Website
Credit.org 24-48 Hrs. $150 $150 800-294-3896
Website
Cambridge Credit Counseling 24-48 Hrs. $149 $149 888-764-7460 Website
Money Management International (MMI) 48-72 Hrs. $199 $199
877-908-2227
Website
National Foundation of Credit Counseling 48-72 Hrs. $199 $199
866-698-6322 Website
GreenPath Financial Wellness 1 Week $199 $199 888-860-4167
Website
Hope Inc. 1 Week $200 N/A 844-432-6467
Website
Clearpoint Financial Solutions 3 Weeks $199 $199 877-877-1995
Website
Steps to receiving your reverse mortgage counseling certificate
- Request your pre-counseling document set (Including loan comparison, closing cost worksheet, amortization schedule, and TALC (total annual loan costs)
- Have these mandatory documents available: the HUD document titled “Preparing for your counseling session” (PDF file, 4 Pages) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) booklet “Use Your Home to Stay Home” (PDF file, 26 Pages)
- Determine whether you wish to see a counselor in person or obtain counseling by phone
- Call around and check counselor availability and pricing. Some counseling agencies only accept payment upfront, while others allow you to put their fee into the reverse mortgage closing costs
- After you have finished your counseling, you will receive three copies of your certificate in the mail and have the option to have your counselor fax or email a copy of the certificate to your lender
In-Person HECM Counseling Locator
Search our newest interactive map that locates HUD-approved agencies nearby with in-person availability.
Counseling for those with a vested interest
- Independent reverse mortgage counseling is required before closing for the borrower and co-borrower, who will have a vested interest in closing.
- Non-Borrowing Owners (NBO) coming off title at closing must receive counseling
- Power of Attorney or Guardian/Conservator must be counseled on behalf of any borrower(s) or vested owner(s) that are legally incompetent. (Note: POA for convenience is not permitted at this time)
- CA and AZ – Counseling must be completed before application (and in CA, the lender may not order any services or start the loan until seven days after the date of counseling has passed according to CA law)
- TX – Counseling must be completed at least five days before closing. A counseling certificate in Texas is valid for 180 days. Note: See state regulations for additional requirements and timing.
Restrictions on Applying Prior to HECM Counseling Completion
Lenders and brokers are prohibited from collecting fees or financial details such as bank account or credit card information from borrowers before receiving a HECM Counseling Certificate. The counselor must sign and date this certificate and all individuals mandated to undergo counseling. No fees can be charged, and the loan application process cannot proceed without this completed and signed certificate.
Counseling FAQs
What is reverse mortgage counseling?
How long is a reverse mortgage counseling certificate good for?
Why is counseling a requirement to get a reverse mortgage?
Who is required to complete reverse mortgage counseling?
Are the heirs responsible for reverse mortgage debt?
What happens after your counseling session?
Can a counseling certificate be transferred from one lender to another?
How much is the counseling?
Can a borrower who is refinancing their HECM use their original counseling certificate?
Do all trust beneficiaries need to be counseled?
Can a Power of Attorney attend the counseling on the borrower’s behalf?
How long after counseling does it take to get the certificate?
Do we need to complete the counseling before we apply?
Where can I find a job as a counselor?
Additional Documents for CA Homeowners:
- CA Reverse Mortgage Worksheet Guide (PDF file, 2 Pages)
- CA Important Notice to Reverse Mortgage Loan Applicant (PDF file, 1 Page)
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