Reverse Mortgage News by HECMWorld

Housing equity remains one of the biggest drivers of opportunity for the reverse mortgage industry—but are the headlines telling the full story? In Part One of this Industry Leader Insights series, HECM World's Andrew Montesi sits down with Aaron Wagner, Head of Data Science at ATTOM, to look beyond the latest housing equity headlines and explore what the data is really saying. Aaron explains why today's moderation in home equity is better viewed as market normalization, why the Midwest has become one of America's strongest equity regions, and how reverse mortgage professionals should think differently about housing and property data. In this episode: • Why housing equity is moderating, but remains historically strong • What “equity rich” actually means and how ATTOM measures it • Why Florida, Arizona and other pandemic boom markets are cooling • Why the Midwest is now home to many of America's most equity-rich counties • How reverse mortgage professionals can use local property data to uncover opportunities If you work in the reverse mortgage industry, housing market intelligence has never been more important. ▶️ Next week in Part Two: We look ahead to the future of housing equity, the biggest drivers of property wealth over the next five years, the role of AI in property intelligence, and why ATTOM believes the long-term opportunity for the reverse mortgage industry remains incredibly strong.

Cooling inflation, a stronger Social Security outlook, new retirement research and a surprising New York Times opinion piece all point to one conclusion: housing wealth is becoming one of the most important forces shaping retirement in America. This week on HECM World Weekly, Gabrielle Hayen breaks down the biggest stories affecting the reverse mortgage, mortgage, housing and retirement industries. This week's headlines include: Inflation cools, easing pressure on mortgage rates and reducing expectations of another Fed rate hike. • AARP projects one of the largest Social Security COLAs in years—but will it be enough? • New research finds nearly half of Americans don't expect to fully retire. • The Great Wealth Transfer is already underway, with families sharing wealth earlier than ever. • A major study reinforces the benefits of investing in aging in place. • And why a new New York Times opinion piece argues America's housing crisis is really a retirement crisis. Together, these stories highlight a broader trend: home equity and housing wealth are becoming increasingly central to retirement planning. Read the full HECM World Weekly article: https://hecmworld.com/2026/07/17/hecm-world-weekly-inflation-cools-social-security-to-rise-and-the-nyt-declares-a-retirement-crisis/ If you enjoyed this episode, check out hecmworld.com and subscribe for weekly analysis covering reverse mortgages, retirement finance, housing, mortgage markets and home equity.

HECM for Purchase is gaining momentum across the reverse mortgage industry, but many Realtors still don't fully understand how it works. In this week's Food For Thought, Lisa Moriello, National Reverse Mortgage Sales Leader at Loan Depot, breaks down the five biggest misconceptions Realtors have about HECM for Purchase and explains how reverse mortgage professionals can reframe the conversation. Whether you're building Realtor relationships or looking to grow your purchase business, these practical insights can help you turn common objections into opportunities. In this video: • Why HECM for Purchase isn't a loan of last resort • The truth about down payments and buyer strength • Why closing timelines aren't what many Realtors think • How HECM for Purchase can create more listings and transactions • A simple way to overcome negative perceptions before offers are submitted If you're serious about growing your HECM for Purchase business, this is a conversation worth sharing with your Realtor partners.

Who is the ideal reverse mortgage client today—and how has that changed over the past decade? In this edition of Industry Leader Insights, Gabe Bodner, President of the 55 Plus Division at OneTrust Home Loans, explores one of the most important questions every reverse mortgage professional should be asking. As housing wealth grows, retirement planning evolves and attitudes toward home equity continue to shift, the traditional “last resort” borrower is no longer the only client worth focusing on. Gabe discusses the rise of planning-based borrowers, why defining your ideal client can transform your marketing and referral strategy, and how loan officers can position themselves for the next generation of HECM borrowers. Whether you're looking to grow your business, refine your target market or better understand where the industry is heading, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of reverse mortgage lending.

This week on HECM World Weekly, we explore the biggest stories shaping the reverse mortgage industry and the future of housing wealth. HUD is considering changes to property standards that could make reverse mortgages more accessible, Finance of America expands HomeSafe Second into new markets, and artificial intelligence is driving an extraordinary luxury housing boom in San Francisco unlike anything seen in decades. We also unpack Realtor.com's updated housing forecast, examine a new Federal Reserve study on housing demand, discuss why Gen Z is entering the housing market while many Boomers continue ageing in place, and look at what President Trump's comments on Australia's retirement system could mean for the future of retirement planning in the United States. Whether you're a reverse mortgage professional, lender, financial adviser or simply interested in the trends shaping retirement, this episode provides the context behind the headlines—and what they could mean for your clients and your business. In this episode: • NRMLA pushes for modernised HUD property standards • Finance of America expands HomeSafe Second • AI's growing role in mortgage lending • Realtor.com's updated 2026 housing forecast • Federal Reserve study sparks housing demand debate • San Francisco's AI-fuelled housing boom • Gen Z homebuyers and the mortgage lock-in effect • Trump's interest in Australia's retirement system Read the full HECM World Weekly article:https://hecmworld.com/2026/07/10/hecm-world-weekly-housing-wealth-enters-a-new-era-as-ai-policy-and-demographics-reshape-retirement/ Subscribe for weekly reverse mortgage news, housing market insights and retirement trends from across the industry.  

America's housing market is entering a new phase. This week, Realtor.com reported the largest annual decline in asking prices since it began tracking the data in 2017. But is this the beginning of a downturn—or simply a return to a more balanced housing market? In this week's HECM World Weekly, Gabrielle Hayen breaks down the biggest housing, home equity and reverse mortgage stories shaping the industry, including: Housing asking prices post their biggest annual decline on record Why the market may actually be becoming healthier Luxury housing continues to outperform the broader market The latest developments surrounding the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Finance of America expands its reverse mortgage business through the acquisition of Onity's servicing portfolio June's Top 100 Retail HECM Lenders Report and Finance of America's return to the number one spot Why Hometap's growing legal challenges could have broader implications for the home equity market As always, we go beyond the headlines to explain what these developments mean for reverse mortgage professionals, older homeowners, and the future of housing wealth in America. If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, like and share to help us continue bringing independent news and insights to the reverse mortgage industry.

Congress passes the biggest bipartisan housing package in years… then, just hours before it was due to become law, President Trump pulls the brakes. In this week's HECM World Weekly, Gabrielle Hayen unpacks what happened, why the housing bill matters, and what it could mean for housing affordability, aging in place and the reverse mortgage industry. We also explore: Why this landmark housing bill could indirectly shape the future of home equity and retirement planning New Redfin data showing home prices continue to climb Harvard research revealing why more older homeowners are becoming asset rich but income constrained AARP's record investment in helping older Americans age in place What these trends mean for HECM professionals and the growing role of housing wealth in retirement Read the full article here: hecmworld.com Subscribe to HECM World for weekly news, insights and analysis covering the reverse mortgage industry, home equity and retirement planning.

This week on HECM World Weekly, we examine several major developments shaping housing, retirement planning, and the reverse mortgage industry. The Federal Reserve entered a new era under Chairman Kevin Warsh, holding rates steady while signaling a more hawkish outlook for the months ahead. We break down what the Fed's latest decision could mean for mortgage rates, housing activity, and reverse mortgage borrowers. We also explore new forecasts showing housing wealth continues to grow, with the typical homeowner expected to gain another $16,000 in equity this year. Yet despite rising home values, more older Americans are choosing to age in place rather than downsize. In this episode: What the Fed's new direction means for housing and reverse mortgages • Why housing wealth continues building despite affordability challenges • America's rapidly aging suburbs and the rise of aging in place • Why downsizing no longer makes financial sense for many retirees • The latest Social Security Trustees Report and what it means for retirement security Taken together, these stories point to a growing trend: older Americans continue accumulating housing wealth, but increasingly want to access it without leaving the homes and communities they love. Read the full HECM World Weekly article: https://hecmworld.com/2026/06/19/podcast-fed-signals-a-new-direction-housing-wealth-grows-and-more-seniors-choose-to-stay-put/ Subscribe to HECM World for weekly news, insights, interviews, and commentary covering reverse mortgages, home equity, retirement finance, aging in place, and the future of housing wealth.

Housing wealth is becoming one of the most important financial resources available to older Americans — and this week's news highlighted why. In this episode of HECM World Weekly, we explore the growing role of home equity in retirement planning as homeowners increasingly access equity without refinancing, existing-home sales show signs of recovery, and policymakers look for ways to improve housing mobility. We also examine new research showing housing wealth may be becoming more influential than income in shaping future financial outcomes, discuss proposed legislation aimed at encouraging senior downsizing, and explore why aging in place remains a critical part of the housing conversation. Plus, we recap key takeaways from NRMLA's Western Regional Meeting, including discussions around Reverse for Purchase, industry advocacy, aging-in-place solutions, artificial intelligence, and the future of retirement finance. In this episode: Homeowners tap equity at the fastest pace since 2021 • Why HELOCs and second liens are surging • Existing-home sales post their strongest month of 2026 • New research on housing wealth and generational opportunity • The proposed Nest Egg Protection Act and senior downsizing incentives • Why aging in place remains a powerful housing trend • NRMLA Western Regional Meeting highlights • FHA leadership changes and what they could mean for HECMs As retirement planning and housing planning continue to converge, understanding home equity has never been more important. Tune in and read the full article: https://hecmworld.com/2026/06/12/podcast-hecm-world-weekly-homeowners-tap-equity/ Subscribe to HECM World for weekly insights on reverse mortgages, retirement finance, housing wealth, aging in place, and the future of home equity.

This week's HECM World Weekly breaks down the latest housing and economic data shaping the future of retirement finance. The housing market is becoming more rational again. Sellers are adjusting expectations, buyers remain active when affordability makes sense, and mortgage activity continues slowing under the weight of higher rates and elevated housing costs. At the same time, new research shows Americans age 50+ now generate $12.5 trillion in economic activity annually — reinforcing just how central older homeowners have become to the broader U.S. economy. But there's another side to the story: Older Americans are also carrying more debt, facing higher living costs and increasingly relying on housing wealth to support retirement stability. In this episode: Why the housing market is starting to normalize What slowing mortgage activity means for aging in place Why affordability is driving almost every housing decision now The growing economic influence of Americans 50+ Rising debt pressure among retirees The emotional complexity behind the Great Wealth Transfer Onity's approved reverse MSR sale to Finance of America The latest May 2026 HECM endorsement numbers The broader takeaway? Retirement planning is increasingly becoming housing planning. Read the full article here: https://hecmworld.com/2026/06/05/podcast-buyers-return-older-americans-carry-the-economy/ Subscribe for weekly reverse mortgage industry news, housing insights and retirement finance analysis from HECM World.

This week on HECM World Weekly, we unpack one of the biggest trends shaping the future of retirement and housing finance in America: Housing wealth is becoming more important at the exact same moment the housing market itself is becoming more frozen, expensive and politically contested. As mortgage rates climb back toward 6.7%, new-home sales slow, affordability pressures intensify and policymakers push more aggressive housing agendas, older Americans are increasingly being forced to rethink retirement, mobility and aging in place. In this episode: Why the U.S. housing market is becoming increasingly “stuck” What higher mortgage rates mean for retirees and downsizers Why aging in place is becoming more financially important How affordability pressures are reshaping retirement behavior The growing political debate surrounding housing wealth Why home equity may become one of the defining retirement finance stories of the next decade Get the full show notes here: hecmworld.com

This week's developments across the reverse mortgage, retirement and housing sectors highlighted an increasingly important reality for the HECM industry: retirement pressure is intensifying, and home equity is becoming more central to how older Americans manage financial stability later in life. From HUD audit failures exposing vulnerable reverse mortgage borrowers to potential default, to Illinois rolling out one of the nation's most comprehensive home equity investment regulatory frameworks, the conversation around housing wealth continues shifting from optional strategy to financial necessity. At the same time, new retirement research, capital gains concerns and mortgage assistance initiatives all reinforced the growing importance of liquidity, income sustainability and aging-in-place strategies. For reverse mortgage professionals, the environment continues becoming more strategic, more policy-driven and more interconnected with mainstream retirement planning.

Home equity is becoming one of the biggest retirement conversations in America. In this week's HECM World Weekly, Gabrielle Hayen breaks down: Why equity-rich homeowners are declining Concerns retirees may be overestimating housing wealth The senior housing boom and affordability crisis Why aging in place is becoming increasingly important How financial planners are viewing home equity differently Why retirement pressure continues building across America For reverse mortgage professionals, the landscape is shifting fast. Read the companion article at hecmworld.com.

This week has brought a mix of real, on-the-ground industry energy and some pretty telling macro signals. From a packed room in Tennessee to rising foreclosure activity, shifting policy conversations, and changing family dynamics, the common thread is this: the environment around our clients is getting more complex, not less. And that puts more weight on how we show up as professionals. https://hecmworld.com/2026/05/08/podcast-momentum-builds-pressure-rises/

HECM World Weekly has a new home on Fridays and a new host in Gabrielle Hayen. This week we dig into what the latest retirement confidence research means for reverse mortgage professionals, why Gen X is heading into the HECM demographic under serious financial pressure, and why Boomers are sitting on a massive amount of equity with no plans to move. We also cover the February 2026 TPO-Broker Report now that HUD has finally released the data. A lot to unpack this week.

[Yahoo Finance] The HUD-approved HECM counseling agency Greenpath Financial Wellness reveals the shocking truth 20% of counselees are facing. [Housing Wire] Industry expert Dan Hultquist explains how most home equity advice is not appropriate for older homeowners.  [The Daily Mail] Thanks to new assessment fees, many older Florida condo owners are forced to sell their condos for pennies on the dollar. Watch our video podcast here!

[NBC 9 News] One Colorado couple filed suit against home equity investment provider Unison, seeking class action status. [Housing Wire] The numbers tell the story. For the first time, private reverse mortgage dollar volume surpassed HECMs. Money Digest] These are baby boomers' spending habits that undermine their retirement security. Watch our video podcast here!

[Money Talks News] Homeowners' insurance companies are using digital surveillance to spy on homeowners to cancel policies and increase premiums. Here's how they can fight back. [Housing Wire] First American Title files suit seeking to freeze $1.6M in Novad Asset Management assets.  [Chattanooga Times Free Press] More older homeowners are learning the cost of staying in a home not suited to age in place. Watch our video podcast here!

[Housing Wire] A widow of a HECM borrower was seeking non-borrowing spouse protections until she was foreclosed on. A Lawsuit followed. [Housing Wire] A default judgment led to one creditor attempting to force withdrawals from one HECM borrower's line of credit. Here's what the courts said.  [HECMWorld] Reverse plus Analyzer is now integrated with these proprietary loans. Watch our video podcast here!

[HECMWorld] Reverse mortgage news round-up: Four stories in four-minutes. [RMI] Reverse Market Insight's Market Minute with Jon McCue. [Kipliner] HELOCs and the equity lending landscape have changed. New conversations in home equity lending. Watch our video podcast here!

[Housing Wire] President Trump signs two executive orders that address housing affordability and homebuyers' credit. [HECMWorld] Exclusive Interview: Sometimes a HECM or reverse mortgage isn't the right fit. Do homeowners always need zero mortgage payments? HighTechLending's Eric Ellsworth shared how Equity Select can help to fill the gaps. [Housing Wire] How home modifications and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) help homeowners age in place. Watch our video podcast here!

[Housing Wire] How state lawmakers' response to HEI contracts can undermine reverse mortgage perceptions. [HECMWorld] Exclusive Interview: Mark O'Neil on Mutual of Omaha Mortgage's sponsorship of a reverse mortgage certification with the National Association of Mortgage Brokers. [Housing Wire] A leading housing analyst notes how the Iran war and oil disruptions are driving up mortgage rates. Watch our video podcast here!

[Housing Wire] This housing inventory map may surprise you. [NRMLA] NRMLA requests changes to New Jersey HECM counseling bill. [Yahoo] Occupancy certifications aren't only for HECM loans. They're being required for some traditional mortgage holders.   Watch our video podcast here!

[Allaire Elder Law] Structuring a reverse mortgage with Medicaid. [HECMWorld] An inside look at Fairway's new certification partnership. [NAR] Many only have $1K in retirement savings. Home equity may be a lifeline.  Watch our video podcast here!

[Housing Wire] These are the challenges mortgage pros will face in 2026. [Money Made] I want to stay. My children want me to downsize. [Fairway Mortgage] Fairway and NAIFA launch the Certified Home Equity Advisor (CHEA) designation. Watch our video podcast here!

[The Sacramento Bee] Californians spend almost half their income on their mortgage.  [Housing Wire] Barry Habib, Logan Mohtashami say housing market set for pent-up demand surge. [Oregon Live] Impacted HECM borrowers may receive payouts from banned loan servicers as part of a CFPB settlement. Watch our video podcast here!

[Allianz Life] Workers are increasingly raiding their 401(k)s.  [Wallet Hub] These are the best and worst places to retire. [Oregon Live] Family frets about costs of settling their father's estate, which has a reverse mortgage. Watch our video podcast here!

[New York Times] Here's why retirees are more likely to be denied a mortgage or home equity loan.  [Housing Wire] HighTechLending launches a second-lien position version of Equity Select. [Longbridge Financial] Cybersecurity tips for seniors. Watch our video podcast here!

[Housing Wire] Here's why many seniors' homes sell for less. [Justia] Ask a lawyer: Should I sign an heirship release on my dad's house? [RMI] Reverse Market Insight's Market Minute with Jon McCue. Watch our video podcast here!

[Reddit] My in-laws are in over their heads with their mortgage. What should I do? [Housing Wire] Social Security earned benefits at risk under proposed reforms. [Realtor.com] How a $6 trillion wealth transfer is fueling luxury real estate. Watch our video podcast here!

[Investopedia] The average retiree has this much home equity. [Housing Wire] How one lender ranked #1 in 2025 despite a tepid market. [NewsWeek] Here are the cities where home values are expected to fall the most in 2026. Watch our video podcast here!

[Las Vegas Real Estate Review] Which is less expensive? Downsizing or getting a reverse mortgage? [Housing Wire] A judge rules against HomeTap's defense strategy: lawsuit will continue. [Housing Wire] Logan Mohtashami's 2026 housing market forecast. Watch our video podcast here!

[Housing Wire] NRMLA responds to the CFPB's proposed changes to Reg B that would substantially impact the HECM program. [News Break] Here's when Dave Ramsey recommends taking Social Security benefits as early as possible. [JP Morgan Asset Management] JP Morgan's analysis reveals the true impacts credit card debt has on retirement savings and preparedness. Watch our video podcast here!

[The Cato Institute] Survey reveals most expect Social Security benefits will be cut in the future [Business Wire] A $2.5 billion capital commitment from Blue Owl to Finance of America sends an important signal about the future of reverse mortgage lending. [Reverse Market Insight] Reverse Market Insight's Market Minute with Jon McCue reviewing all the latest trends in HECM originations. Watch our video podcast here!

[Housing Wire] How 'shadow listings' reduce senior homeowners' final sales price. [Housing Wire] HUD extends the comment period in the Federal Register for proposed HECM reforms. [Housing Wire] Why credit report costs will skyrocket in 2026. Watch our video podcast here!

[The Mortgage Reports] The best way to structure a HECM? [Housing Wire] Stop marketing like it's 2008. [AOL] Two financial experts warn against postponing Social Security until age 70. Here's why. Watch our video podcast here!

[HECMWorld] Exclusive Interview: HighTech Lending's NEW Equity Select HELOC.  [FHFA] Here's the 2026 HECM limit! [Housing Wire] Here's how much Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles will increase in 2026. Watch our video podcast here!

[Housing Wire] Trade group seeks to exclude mortgage programs from future government shutdowns.  [Yahoo Finance] Here's where the experts see mortgage rates trending 2026-2029. [Yahoo Finance] The Trump Admin floats the idea of portable mortgage loans. Watch our video podcast here!

[Mortgage Professional of America] Trade group seeks to exclude mortgage programs from future government shutdowns.  [Housing Wire] The HEI battle continues in Massachusetts vs. HomeTap. [Business Insider] A new retirement trend: Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities. Watch our video podcast here!

[Coastal News] A tribute to one of our own: Rosemarie Liftoff. [Housing Wire] Senate Democrats propose bill to boost Social Security & VA payments. [HECMWorld] Exclusive Interview: The leaders of Atlas VMS & QuantumReverse announce a new technology partnership. Watch our video podcast here!

[Housing Wire] High Tech Lending launches a new flexible senior HELOC. [RMI] All the latest HECM data in Revere Market Insight's Market Minute. [Law Offices of Laurie E. Ohall] One law firm addresses the question of how heirs can settle an estate with a reverse mortgage. Watch our video podcast here!

[Reuters] Treasury rates are falling-here's why. [Business Insider] America's desperate homesellers [Fortune] Florida lawmakers weigh sweeping property tax reforms that could slash bills for homeowners. Watch our video podcast here!

[Credit.org] Here's how reverse mortgage default counseling works. [Housing Wire] RMI launches Reverse Qualifier for traditional lenders. [Fortune] The Oracle of Wall Street says boomers control the housing market and will stay put. Watch our video podcast here!

[CBS News] The shocking true cost of poverty for older Americans. [MarketWatch] One dutiful son asks if he should use his 401(k) to pay off his mother's tapped-out reverse mortgage. [Chrisman] Single-Purpose Reverse Mortgages. Who should consider one, and what are the pros and cons of such a loan? Watch our video podcast here!

[Yahoo Finance] A recent Ramsey Solutions show holds one lesson for reverse mortgage pros. [Atlas VMS] Atlas VMS and QuantumReverse announce a new technology partnership. [Chrisman Commentary] The Chrisman Commentary notes this particular reverse mortgage opportunity. [HECMWorld] A look back at HECM endorsement trends in fiscal year 2025. Watch our video podcast here!

[Housing Wire] Smartfi just closed its retail reverse mortgage division, returning its focus to wholesale lending. [Kiplingers] 6 changes that are coming to Social Security in 2026.. [BradleyWindrow] Insights from an extensive collection of senior demographic data. Watch our video podcast here!

[Housing Wire] How one company is helping prevent HECM foreclosures, saving time, money, and preserving the home's value. [Yahoo Finance] American Senior Lending launches a new first-position home equity loan. [Newsweek] Here are the markets where home values are falling. Watch our video podcast here!

[HECMWorld.com]  There's a new HELOC in town. Learn about Longbridge's brand-new HELOC alternative for homeowners 62 and older. [HECMWorld] An interview with Rate's Jesse Q. Allen. [Mayer Brown] Illinois proposes several new regulations for Home Equity Sharing Arrangements (Home Equity Investments) Watch our video podcast here!

[HECMWorld.com] What's a CRMP designation worth? An interview with C2 Financial's Shain Urwin and Scott Harmes [CBS News] Are reverse mortgages riskier in today's housing market?. Watch our video podcast here!

[Realtor.com] Here's where an unpaid utility bill can lead to foreclosure. [Reverse Market Insight] RMI's Market Minute with all the latest trends in HECM loan activity. [Housing Wire] Older American homeowners support housing reforms and affordable housing. Watch our video podcast here!

[CBS News] 3 reverse mortgage red flags to watch for. [NewsWeek] The housing market is at an 'inflection point'. [BlackRock] 5 trends shaping retirement in the U.S. Watch our video podcast here!