Reverse Mortgage News by HECMWorld

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 anyt...

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 in...

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...

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 mor...

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 housin...

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...

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 policymaker...

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 Illinoi...

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...

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://he...

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 Repor...

[ 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 t...

[ 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 a...

[ 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 pod...

[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 Dwell...

[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...

[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!