THE
REVERSE SEPTEMBER 2010
review
Reverse Mortgages: An Originator’s Tale
Simple and easy marketing strategies can improve your credibility in the reverse mortgage field
Sue Haviland
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For more information on how you can be a part of | TRRSecurity July / August 2010 2the 1 Team, visit our web site at S1L.com
TRR 3
TRR09.10 “ M o v i n g F o r w a r d I n R e v e r s e .”
FEATURE
Reverse Mortgages: An Originator’s Tale
Simple and easy marketing strategies can improve your credibility in the reverse mortgage field
Sue Haviland
“How can a reverse mortgage originator continue to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace such as the one we are faced with now?“
16
I’m a Reverse Mortgage Originator and Damn It, People Like Me
Sometimes reverse mortgage originators
must toughen up and deal with personal and professional criticism
Michael Manfredi
page 16
12
Winning Battles While Losing Wars
Don’t waste your time and breath--
convey important information when you get the opportunity
Jonathan Neal
22
Please Say it Again: “I Will NOT Make These Common Mistakes!”
These seven common mistakes are easy to commit, but even easier to avoid Sam Collins
Note from the Editor The Best is Yet to Come
5
Directory 4 | TRR
September 2010
Ask the Underwriter
Industry Stats
Summer Beach List
Get Ready To Tackle That
6
The Last Word
Cost Effective Reverse 29
Mortgage Marketing 101
30
May 2010
8
24
THE
A
REVERSE review
The Best is Yet to Come… As many of us watch or read the daily news, we all take a deep breath and try to believe the worse seems to be over
regarding the US financial crisis. The stock market collapse
is history, and the nation’s economy seems to be picking up
16745 W. Bernardo Drive Suite 450 San Diego, CA 92127 Publisher Aman Makkar
momentum. Summer is almost over so it’s time to get back on track and close out the rest of the remainder of 2010.
Editor-in-Chief Erica English
Here at The Reverse Review we have been busy planning a wonderful September issue filled with many sales &
marketing tips aimed to help you finish this year on top.
Additionally, we hope these suggestions will enhance all originators ability to help seniors in the months to come. This issue focuses on achieving credibility in the reverse
mortgage industry. Michael Manfredi, who is an originator
out of Arizona and a new contributor to The Reverse Review, shares his take on the meaning of credibility and how it
Copy Editor Kaitlin Dershaw Creative Director Traci Knight National Accounts Manager David Peck
brings him much success in our community. However,
promoting such credibility can be just as important which is why we invited Sue Haviland to break down the marketing strategies that have contributed greatly to her success.
We can reclaim our industry by sharing tips of success within The Reverse Review magazine or on
reversereview.com. Plenty of work still remains to be done in 2010 so let’s start by working together and growing
the community as a whole in order to help promote the important reverse mortgage product.
Erica English Editor-In-Chief 5 | TRR
July / August 2010
Printer The Ovid Bell Press Advertising Information phone : 858.832.8320 e-mail : advertising@reversereview.com Subscriptions and Editorial Content phone : 858.217.5332 e-mail : information@reversereview.com website : www.reversereview.com
© 2010 The Reverse Review, LLC. All rights reserved. The Reverse Review, LLC is a California limited liability company and is the publisher of The Reverse Review magazine. Reproductions or distribution of any materials obtained in the publication without written permission is expressly prohibited. The views, claims and opinions expressed in article and advertisement herein are not necessarily those of The Reverse Review, its employees, agents or directors. This publication and any references to products or services are provided “as is” without any expressed or implied warranty or term of any kind. While effort is made to ensure accuracy in the content of the information presented herein, The Reverse Review, LLC is not responsible for any errors, misprints, or misinformation. Any legal information contained herein is not to be construed as legal advice and is provided for entertainment or educational purposes only. Postmaster : Please send address changes to The Reverse Review, 16745 W. Bernardo Drive Suite 450 San Diego, CA 92127
Get Ready To Tackle That Summer Beach List
If you haven’t completed your summer to-do list, here are some questions to ask yourself and some tips to help you finish it ralph rosynek For many of us parents, the delight in hearing the school bells ring
Q. W hen does the name of the Lender have to be changed on the
So what did you do on your summer vacation?
Q. W hat is the new guideline for the maximum annuity amount you
has arrived, unfortunately with the passing of summer.
For me and about two hundred other participants, there was a need to attend a HUD Appraisal Underwriting webinar! (No doubt, with
appraisal report?
can sell to your borrower?
that comment you now realize that August is a slow month for some
Q. I f the comparable were better than the subject, would the
Many thanks to the gang at the HUD Denver HOC for an excellent
Q. C an a manufactured home foundation inspection report be used
of us!)
presentation – is there a HUD form to file a complaint about that manufactured housing poll most of us missed?!
Not wanting to completely jolt you back into the desk chair, as a
few more weeks of summer are remaining, perhaps a few general questions from the review material of the appraisal webinar I
attended will start the blood flowing and motivate you to attack your summer beach list you created last month.
Q. What is the expiration date of an appraisal completed on August 17, 2010?
Q. What are the requisite “data” elements you must have in order to proceed with a reverse mortgage loan application?
Q. Where is the data plate located on a manufactured home?
6 | TRR
September 2010
appraiser line item amount be added or subtracted?
more than once?
Q. W hich item does FHA not automatically require an inspection for - wells, septic, termites, or flat and unobservable roofs?
Q. W ith regard to the previous question, as an underwriter, which of the available responses would be your primary concern?
Q. W hat do the acronyms HRAP and DELRAP stand for? It is important to carefully determine the condition of the subject
property in a HECM transaction. In many situations, an appraisal and third party review of the subject property may not have
occurred since their last “forward” mortgage transaction. Borrower
age, financial stability and physical ability may have contributed to
an increase in deferred maintenance potentially creating unsafe and unsound living conditions.
A face-to-face interview with the Borrower, when possible, is an
excellent way to avoid surprise appraisal issues and value concerns arising from poor property conditions. Alternatively, asking the right questions at the time of interview will also provide better
overall assistance to the Borrower and help to avoid those surprise conversations down the road.
Key to an initial subject property conversation is the condition of the heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing mechanicals. Questions
regarding the age of the roof, understanding structural issues (if any) and the Borrower’s ability to conduct routine maintenance are also essential.
As the summer comes to a close, the arrival of fall for many also
represents a time of focused preparedness for the upcoming winter
with respect to “getting the house in shape.” Product education with local licensed contractors is an excellent origination strategy when considering the nature of HECM repair features and benefits.
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We have some tremendous industry agenda items on our plate,
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The implementation of a new counseling protocol in combination
with continuing consumer advocacy and state legislative efforts has
certainly placed a great deal of focus on how we transact and deliver reverse mortgage loans to senior consumers. The key to maintaining
a high level of professionalism and consumer safeguards is to remain fully educated and informed with the many facets of this product.
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September 2010 TRR
|7
INDUSTRY SUMMARY
May Endorsements
The reverse mortgage lending market is showing
Retail Endorsement Growth
17.65%
signs of consolidating into fewer larger lenders REVERSE MARKET INSIGHT
Wholesale Endorsement Growth
15.24%
After a very tough May for the reverse mortgage broker business, June provided a welcome bounce that almost kept pace with retail/direct endorsements. Broker volume grew 15.2% while retail/direct grew
Total Endorsement Growth
16.55%
slightly faster at 17.6% as the overall business regained some traction from May’s trough levels. Retail/direct volumes have continued to outpace
* Figures Above Reflect Change from Prior Month
Trailing Twelve Month Endorsements
broker loans, continuing the trend started last month, but we’ll wait a while before calling this the new world order for reverse.
One of the interesting trends we’re watching is the consolidation of
lending in the reverse mortgage market toward fewer larger lenders.
We’ve written about this before, and it’s an interesting complementary
perspective to the count of active lenders and average loans per lender. • In 2008, there were 2,950 active lenders, compared to 3,151 in 2009.
10,000 8,000
• The 100 largest lenders for 2008 shrank -6.8% in 2009, but the other
6,000
2,850 lenders actually grew by 4.6%.
4,000
• The number of lenders shrank from 2,483 in Jan-Jun 2009 to 1,883
2,000
in 2010.
0 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 Retail
Wholesale *Numbers Represent Months
RETAIL UNITS
WHOLESALE
CHG%
UNITS
CHG%
TOTAL UNITS
CHG%
5
40,436 10.62%
5,392 16.63%
9,828 13.84%
6
3,681 -17.02%
5,246
-2.71%
8,927 -9.17%
7
3,903
6.03%
5,567
6.12%
8
4,081
4.56%
4,692 -15.72%
8,773 -7.36%
9,470
6.08%
9
3,836
-6.0%
3,901 -16.86%
7,737 -11.81%
10
3,954
3.08%
4,326 10.89%
8,280
11
3,171 -19.8%
4,450
2.87%
7,621 -7.96%
12
3,124 -1.48%
3,890 -12.58%
7,014 -7.96%
1
2,783 -10.92%
3,038
-21.9%
5,821 -17.01%
2
2,692 -3.27%
2,813
-7.41%
5,505 -5.43%
3
2,465 -8.43%
2,086 -25.84%
4,551 -17.33%
4
2,900 17.65%
2,404 15.24%
5,304 16.55%
TOT
41,026
47,805
88,831
8 | TRR
September 2010
7.02%
• The 100 largest lenders for Jan-Jun 2009 shrank -42.2%, while the other 2,383 shrank a smaller -32.6%.
So if the number of lenders is shrinking but the largest lenders aren’t
staying ahead of the market as a group, what is the trade-off? Survival. • Only one among the top 100 2008 lenders was not active in 2009 (1%), compared to 827 disappearances among the other 2,850 (29%).
• It got worse for both groups in 2010, with 3 of the top 100 2009
lenders gone (3%), but a whopping 1,136 (47.7%) of the smaller lenders leaving the business.
Of course, there were certainly some big winners among the survivors in the non top 100 lenders in both years, otherwise the growth rates would
be lagging the top 100. It’s never been easy to be small, but right now the
risk/reward is more exaggerated than ever. Big may not be beautiful these days but it’s a lot less ugly than being small.
S A V E
T H E
D A T E
National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association
2010 Annual Meeting and Expo November 3-5, 2010 New Orleans, LA The Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel
for more information, visit www.nrmlaonline.org
September 2010 TRR
|9
contributors
Ralph Rosynek
Ralph Rosynek is President and CEO of 1st Reverse as well as a HECM DE Underwriter. Mr. Rosynek has been involved in mortgage lending for over 30 years, with the last 5+ years exclusively providing reverse mortgage lending solutions. To contact Mr. Rosynek or to learn more about 1st Reverse Financial Services, please visit www.1streverse.com or call 877.574.1000.
10 | TRR
September 2010
John K. Lunde
Michael Manfredi
Sam Collins
John K. Lunde is President and Founder of Reverse Market Insight, Inc., a performance data analysis and consulting firm specializing in the reverse mortgage industry. RMI clients include 8 of the top 10 reverse mortgage lenders plus investors, servicers and vendors to the industry. Find out more at www.rminsight.net or call 949.429.0452.
Michael Manfredi is a Reverse Mortgage Originator and the CEO of Reverse Mortgage Concepts. Michael has originated hundreds of reverse mortgages since 2003. Michael is the married father of two boys, whose family enjoys exploring the Grand Canyon State. He is a licensed loan officer and mortgage broker in the state of Arizona.
Sam Collins is the President of Sam Collins Reverse Marketing, LLC and Founder of REMALO, the Reverse Mortgage Association for Loan Officers. REMALO is a web based national sales, marketing, training, and full service center, created exclusively for Reverse Mortgage loan officers, correspondents, branch managers, key executives, and brokers. www.remalo.org or 877.262.7656.
Sue Haviland
Jonathan Neal
John Sorgenfrei
Sue Haviland, CMI is the founder of Reverse Mortgage Success, a leader in education and training for loan originators who want to embrace and excel in the reverse mortgage arena. Sue is an author, coach, speaker, and an originator. Reach her at 410.557.0294, reversemortgagesuccess.com, or sue@reversemortgagesuccess. com .
Jonathan Neal is the senior partner at CCG-Capital Consulting Group, LLC, a sales and training consulting firm located in Atlanta, Georgia. Through his 30 years of experience, Jonathan’s primary focus has been on post-retirement and estate planning. Jonathan is recognized nationally as an author and coach, managing and training financial/insurance professionals who work principally in the senior market place. Jonathan can be reached by phone at 678.906.2850 or email at jneal@ccgcap.com.
John Sorgenfrei is the president of Assurance Home Loan, a correspondent lender located in Melbourne, Florida. Assurance Home Loan has been offering Reverse Mortgage programs to seniors since 2004. They also provide forward mortgages through FHA and VA. With over 25 years of uninterrupted lending experience, John can assure you the best quality service and the knowledge that only a time tested professional possess. John can be reached at john@assurancehome.com or 321.728.0101.
September 2010 TRR
| 11
I’m a Reverse Mortgage Originator and Damn It, People Like Me Sometimes reverse mortgage originators must toughen up and deal with personal and professional criticism MICHAEL MANFREDI I have been a salesman all of my life and I’ve been in financial
products and almost no support from the government or related
background checks, fingerprint checks, have credit reviews, and
was just waking up to the possibility that reverse mortgages might
services for over 15 years. I have been required to pass many
audits. As a result, everything you would ever want to know about
me can be found on the internet. I have a U4, an MU4, and my life’s
history is available online with the NMLS and the NASD. Basically, I
am who I say I am, and I have never done a client wrong. My family, friends, and customers respect how hard I work and I display the
evidence of my compliance on the walls of my office, as well as on every website, business card, and advertisement I produce.
I had spent two years searching for a career that would allow me
to use my considerable experience to make a positive difference in
the lives of my clients and secure my family’s future when I entered the reverse mortgage business almost a decade ago. During that
time, there were many avenues I investigated and eventually ruled
out because I could see a potential conflict of interest or I had a bad feeling about the industry in general. I finally chose the reverse
mortgage industry because, unlike traditional mortgages, I could
see a true net benefit for every client and I would be doing business
with people who would honor a handshake promise and appreciate a job well done.
Years ago, it was not easy to make a living in the reverse mortgage
business. The transactions would be capped by lending limits based on median home prices and public awareness was at an absolute minimum. There were no lender premiums and no fixed rate
12 | TRR
September 2010
industries. Customers were few and far between and the country be a good idea, but they were skeptical. We were on our own
and some customers proceeded with a hint of blind faith, so we
persevered and delivered on our promises. I knew it would only be a matter of time before it really caught on.
Competition, like free markets, is healthy for the evolution of an
industry and we are certainly seeing our share of it. The growth of
the reverse mortgage program has blossomed in the last few years, only to contract under the pressure of the housing value crisis and multiple layers of new regulation. More and more homeowners
need reverse mortgages and they are inquiring or attempting to qualify, while fewer and fewer loans are actually closing due to additional barriers to entry, such as tougher qualifying ratios.
The industry is consolidating and will continue to do so with the
coming collapse of the traditional mortgage broker, as new financial regulations force originators to have banking ties.
The new regulations have not been good for reverse mortgages and it’s getting harder to be in this business. We are a public relations
nightmare because we sell a financial service to seniors. Potential borrowers used to balk at closing costs but are now facing other
issues like bad press, lower proceeds, higher insurance premiums,
and the government imposed gambling on appraisals thanks to the
HVCC. Industry veterans are scrambling to roll out new compliance
with RESPA, NMLS and even Red Flag policies. Counseling has
taken a turn for the worse and counselors are now killing another measurable percentage of reverse mortgage transactions. Do we
really need all of this because a homeowner, age 62, wants to do a home equity loan with deferred interest?
The RESPA Challenge
This is where the big disconnect exists. In the court of public
opinions, reverse mortgages do not stand a chance. It is estimated that a mere 75,000 of these loans will close by year end, but high
profile politicians and journalists have weighed in with their opinions and convinced millions, for the most part, that reverse mortgages are not so good. They get it dead wrong and disseminate information either by design or out of ignorance. This information encourages
lawmakers to tighten up lending laws and over-regulate the industry. The good news is that reverse mortgages have been noticed, but the bad news is that lawmakers look at reverse mortgages like they are the underbelly of an even more sinister industry.
So how is it that I spent so much time and effort choosing a noble career and working diligently to provide a much-needed service
only to end up on the worst of the worst list? There are far too many of us doing a lot of good in the world to allow this to happen, yet
reverse mortgages have become an easy target, sure to get attention and ruffle feathers. It seems as if there is an irresistible urge to
publish reverse mortgage smears in major publications. What they
don’t realize is that we are a group of trained professionals that (for the most part) practice good morals and ethics. Furthermore, there
are just not enough deals gone bad to warrant the kind of negative attention that reverse mortgages get. It’s kind of like spotting a toupee; you only see the bad ones.
In 2009, there were over 3,000 lenders in the reverse mortgage
business. I don’t know how many of them were NRMLA (National
Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association) members, but to-date, only two were stripped of the designation as reported by the NRMLA advisory committee. Even if there are a lot more unscrupulous
reverse mortgage lenders that have gone undetected, the industry as a whole is too small to hurt this country’s economy or cause
another meltdown as some have suggested. In June 2010, the total number of new FHA insured loans topped 150,000 nationwide in
one month—only 5,000 of them were reverse mortgages. If all the
reverse mortgages defaulted, it would represent just 3% of the total
market and, let’s face it, reverse mortgages are difficult to default on. A reverse mortgage may default for reasons that are much different
Stricter RESPA rules, lower principal limits, a more complex FM1009 and other changes pose a serious challenge to our industry. Lenders will take on additional responsibilities and need to be meticulous while working with brokers. Brokers will lose all or most of the YSP and any mistake made in the GFE could cut into their origination fee as well. But there is also good news around the corner...
than a traditional mortgage default. Unemployment, rising interest rates, and personal issues like divorce surely don’t make much of a difference in the overall health of reverse mortgage portfolios, but
they could devastate traditional mortgages. Since reverse mortgages are not approved based on the borrower’s ability to repay the g
ReverseVision Inc.
3310 Pollock Place • Raleigh, NC 27607 www.reversevision.com (919) 834 0070 • info@reversevision.com
September 2010 TRR
| 13
loan, a different set of factors will affect the future quality of these
I am working with a young lady right now who is 73. Her mortgage
guess that when we finally see home values return to normal, we’ll
months, but her brother talked her out of the reverse mortgage. He
loans, like shrinking home values and tax defaults. So, it’s my
probably stop hearing about how bad reverse mortgages are and HUD just might start increasing PLFs again.
In the meantime, I still need to do my job and that means I have to fight the uphill battle of a bad reputation. Some people lack
the confidence they need to help themselves and I try my best to
make them comfortable so they do not miss an opportunity. These are the folks that have been poisoned by the media, a neighbor or a family member that comes from that other bunch: the reverse
mortgage advice squad. This is the group that was infected by the
misinformation and bogus loan scenarios published in major news publications. These individuals are okay with borrowing $100,000, $200,000, or more from a home equity line of credit, as long as it’s not a reverse mortgage. They also believe that once homeowners
reach the age of 62, they will need to be more closely watched and
regulated and cannot be in charge of their own financial decisions. The problem is that they are only regulating reverse mortgages for this group. There is no limitation for 62 year old investors
transferring billions in IRA accounts into stocks, gold, or other
commodities. There certainly is no counseling required and the lack of state and federal supervision and control of these ventures is
astronomical. This lack is because they don’t need to be supervised
and controlled; they are capable of making their own decisions and
payment and car payment will drain her savings within a few
did not offer any financial assistance, but his advice trumped that
of the counselor and mine as well. When her money is all gone later this year, I have a feeling she might call me again. Unfortunately, if
home values continue to slide as they have been here in Arizona, she will not qualify for the loan anymore and she will lose any future
potential equity, her place of residence, and all of her savings will be gone. Is this punishment for living beyond her means? Well, I hear that a lot. Many people would never take the time to think about
the health challenges she has faced and the financial assistance she’s given to others in need over the years. The one thing that got her in trouble was a line of credit from Bank of America. Where was her
big brother back then? Why didn’t he stop her from over-leveraging with the bank that provided the money, no counseling, and little to
no qualifying? If she didn’t have that extra mortgage payment every month, she might have a chance. Why didn’t Bank of America do a
reverse mortgage with her back then? That’s a really good question, isn’t it? When she calls me this winter to try to get the reverse
mortgage because she has nowhere to turn, chances are I will not
be able to help her and she will lose her home. The system let her decide for herself to do a home equity loan with her bank, but
now it’s stopping her from fixing an even greater problem because someone has uttered the words “reverse mortgage.”
usually are very conservative. So why, then, are some saying the use
Over the years, I have had to defend this program and myself much
that you would save the economy from meltdown or seniors from
like taking advantage of seniors or trying to steal their homes.
of reverse mortgage proceeds needs to be regulated? You can’t argue losing their homes, because you would have to regulate the use of
proceeds from all home equity loans to do that. People need reverse
mortgages for all kinds of reasons. It’s ridiculous to think we should tell them what they can and can’t do with their own money.
I talk to people who are losing their homes every day. Some are
on their 3rd loan modification, have serious health problems, debt
problems, and emotional distress, and they look to me for answers. I talk to others who would like to turn the equity in their homes into investments, second homes, college tuition, and other viable ideas that they perceive will enhance their existence or make their lives better in some way. They are a good bunch of people and I enjoy
serving them—I am motivated to move mountains to help them. I
don’t sell investments, but if they want to invest the money or use
it to pay bills, it should be up to them. Too many seniors have read something that stopped them from proceeding with the program
or know someone who advised against it and that has stifled their ability to get the help they need.
14 | TRR
September 2010
more than I can remember. I have been accused of terrible things These accusers have no idea how hard I work to help my clients.
In addition to these accusations, I am also part of that motley crew called mortgage brokers and that will raise eyebrows in any room these days. After hundreds of reverse mortgages, I’ve never had even one customer regret it.
“
I talk to others who w homes into investments, second viable ideas that they perceive wi their lives better in some way. They enjoy serving them—
Here is what my customers say:
“I really didn’t know what to expect, but the reverse mortgage literally saved my life.”
The RESPA Opportunity
“Now that I have the reverse mortgage, I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t consider one.” “I wish we would have done the reverse mortgage a long time ago.” I have fond memories of many people I’ve helped over the years
and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to meet them and
work with them. I have written about them often in my blog, but it seems there is a lack of interest in the good stories. Many of them remain my good friends years after their loans have closed. I still
hear from them, from time to time, when they have a question or
a referral. They are a small group, but I know I’ve made their lives better and that the benefits will last them a lifetime. I feel good
about being in the reverse mortgage business, even with all of the
criticism; I know my customers appreciate my persistence. I hope I have made a difference, for the good of the industry.
would like to turn the equity in their d homes, college tuition, and other ill enhance their existence or make y are a good bunch of people and I —I am motivated to move mountains to help them.
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September 2010 TRR
| 15
An Originator’sTale
Reverse Mortgages:
16TRR
Simple and easy marketing strategies can improve your credibility in the reverse mortgage field Sue Haviland
“You have got to be crazy. This is a lapse in judgment on your part. This program will not be around for long. You’re going to build your business around senior citizens? ”These are the comments I heard from my long time friend and mentor when I told him the exciting news that I had decided to take the plunge and enter the reverse mortgage arena about 8 years ago. Now before you deem him mad, keep in mind that he felt he was looking out for my best interests and could not understand my decision to “give up” the forward world and go into reverse.
g
TRR 17
Whenever I tell people how long I have been in the reverse mortgage business, they usually say I’m a real industry veteran. Not so fast. There are others who have been in the game much longer than I, some who truly were the trailblazers in an uncharted territory and
we all have them to thank. But, I will admit to you that in the last 8 years, I have seen a
lot of things come and go. Our industry has undergone many changes, and more are on the horizon. It makes perfect sense that as this industry grows and evolves, (many say
we are out of the infancy stage and are in the growth phase of the business, and I tend to agree) change is inevitable. How can a reverse mortgage originator continue to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace such as the one we are faced with now? The answer may
not immediately present itself, but oftentimes, when an industry is undergoing “growing
pains,” the best thing to do is get back to basics. Wherever you are in your reverse mortgage career, stop for a moment and think, “What did I do to get here? What steps did I take to
accomplish my goals to this point?” Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is tune out all of the “noise” that is going on around you and quit looking at every “shiny object”
that crosses your path; stay focused on your goals. That’s not to say that you don’t want to
assess your activities and marketing from time to time. You should do quite the opposite; a good look in the mirror is often a healthy thing.
When I first started in this business, things were a lot different, to be sure. For example:
• We only had one product, and it was one size fits all; • Counseling was different;
• Origination fees were different;
• We ordered our own appraisals;
• HECM for purchase did not exist;
• There were very few companies even offering the reverse mortgage; • FHA lending limits varied by county; and
• What press coverage there was did not frame our industry in a positive light. I could go on, but I’ll refrain. In many ways the evolution our industry has undergone has
been of great benefit to the senior, but has posed challenges for the originator. We now must keep up with frequent changes to programs, pricing, and regulations that can vary from state to state, meanwhile keeping our seniors informed. While the “upkeep” now seems
almost constant, I find that sticking with the basics keeps me grounded and focused on the reason I got into this arena in the first place: the senior.
In the early days, my marketing budget was a nice, round number (think zero). Working
on a program about which there was limited knowledge on the part of my prospect base, coupled with a limited marketing budget certainly presented some challenges. As I look
back now, it was the best situation to be in, since I was forced to develop practical, effective, and low or no-cost ways to build a business from scratch.
The following are some marketing and outreach methods I have used over the years and
have found to be tried and true. Note that they are neither costly nor complicated. In some cases, I have added to or revised them, but the overall goal remains the same: getting in touch with the senior prospects in my community and positioning myself as a reverse mortgage expert in my area.
18 | TRR
September 2010
In man way the evolut ou industr underg has be great b to t senio has p challe for origina now keep u freq chan prog pricin regu tha vary state mea keep se info
ny ys e tion ur ry has gone een of benefit the or, but posed enges the ator. We must up with quent nges to grams, ng, and ulations at can y from to state, anwhile ping our eniors ormed.
It’s All About the Connections “Way back then,” when I made the transition from the forward world to reverse, there was little direction and it was difficult to find many resources for marketing. So, I did
what I had always done in my forward business; I built upon the networking relationships I had already made and simply expanded them to include professionals who worked
with the senior population. It was sheer genius (ok, not really but it worked then and it
continues to work today). This strategy of building a professional network is among the
most basic you will find. It will also be one of the most successful if you continue to work
at it. Whether you belong to a structured group that meets regularly or one that meets less often, if you research the groups in your area and see which one(s) mirror the way you
like to work, you will reap the benefits. Some originators prefer not to belong to organized groups, but rather to meet individually with other senior oriented professionals in their
area. No matter which approach you prefer, the important point is to get connected with as many as possible, and build relationships with those whose ideals and goals most closely match yours.
Here are a few suggestions for professionals to target in your area: • Elder Law or Estate Planning Attorneys • Divorce Attorneys
• Bankruptcy Attorneys • Financial Planners • CPAs
• Insurance Agents (Life & Health, Property & Casualty, and Long Term Care) • In Home Care Agencies
• Funeral Home Directors
• Geriatric Care Managers
• Home Improvement Contractors (CAPS designation) • REALTORS®
These are just a few suggestions to start or add to your network. It’s not necessary to have every category in your network and you’ll probably add some that I did not list here. I
suggest you have more than one from the categories you select. Geographic restrictions and areas of specialty make this a prudent practice. By learning about the services each of these professions offers, you not only build referral sources, you become a source of information for your senior clients. Be sure you are a true partner to these other
professionals, and look for ways you can help them build their business. As they say, pay it forward.
One Step Further In looking at the list above, do you notice something that many of these professions have in common with us in the mortgage industry? Yes, they need continuing education. Why not become that preferred provider? Once again, it’s not costly (it often involves little
more than your time) and you become much more than a reverse mortgage originator. You are positioning yourself as a true expert in your community. Think you can’t possibly do
this? Think again. I have been offering continuing education for years. REALTORS® were my audience when I was in the forward work, so I simply prepared a course for them on the subject of reverse mortgages (and this was way before HECM for purchase) g
September 2010 TRR
| 19
and offered it throughout my state. I then received requests to
only attend those functions you think are appropriate. I found that
on an ongoing basis. If you work with financial planners and CPAs,
loan officers in the forward world who used to be my competition.
provide the same for other real estate professionals and now do this structure a course around their needs.
What about the seniors in your local community? Do you currently provide seminars? If you’re comfortable in front of a room, take this a step further. Many community colleges have experienced
the benefits of offering lifelong learning classes on various topics, and reverse mortgages fit in perfectly. The college will be pleased
to assist you in getting a course together (another addition to their offerings) and once again, you are the expert. A large part of our business involves
educating the seniors
and their families, why not simply do this in a more formal setting?
Consider teaming up
with an elder attorney or financial planner if that model suits you, or just go it alone,
professor! There are so many ways to
offer education to
professionals and to the public; I could
probably do an entire piece on that topic
alone, but we need to move on.
Just Show Up
early in my reverse career, some of my best referrals came from In addition to professional groups, look into the organizations
within your community. The Chamber of Commerce in your area probably does not have a reverse mortgage representative. Of
course it makes sense to include a senior oriented professional
group, so while these were difficult to find years ago, that is no
longer the case. If you can’t find one, start your own, and take the initiative. Civic and faith based groups should be on your list as
well. Find a charity that focuses on a cause that resonates with you and do more than contribute funds—volunteer. It’s also important
Many community colleges have experienced the benefits of offering lifelong learning classes on various topics, and reverse mortgages fit in perfectly. The college will be pleased to assist you in getting a course together (another addition to their offerings) and once again, you are the expert. A large part of our business involves educating the seniors and their families, why not simply do this in a more formal setting? Consider teaming up with an elder attorney or financial planner if that model suits you,or just go it alone, professor!
In keeping with the
that your local elected
officials understand the
importance of the reverse mortgage program to the local community. If you are so inclined, connect
with these local officials
and offer to be the source of information and
updates on the program. The Media In All of Its Forms
When you think of the media, do you think
it only includes being
interviewed on radio or
television? Think again. If you are not comfortable or think you are not
ready to get in front of the camera or microphone,
strategy of working with other professionals, I am often asked,
don’t worry, there are many other opportunities. By the way, you
help of others that you already know. Seek a warm introduction to
with your local publications and offer to prepare an article on this
“where do I find them?” It’s easier than you think. First, enlist the the particular profession you are targeting. Once you have begun to build your network from these, now you need to go where the professionals are. I belong to and regularly attend several
networking and education events for professionals OUTSIDE the
reverse mortgage business. In particular, look for real estate groups (you should most certainly be a member of and volunteer at your local real estate board), insurance groups, and financial planners
are capable of those things; you just don’t know it yet. Get in touch fantastic program that is of great interest to area seniors. I have
even gone so far in the past as to purchase last minute discounted
advertising space (this is a little known secret the publications will generally not tell you about) and used that space for an article.
Collect “success stories” and testimonials from past clients and include these in your writing (always get permission).
associations. You get the picture. It continues to surprise me how
Now let’s talk about the “new” media: social media. I will admit to
Don’t ignore the mortgage industry groups. Networking with
fear of being left behind, or not wanting to appear uninformed, but
often I am the only reverse mortgage professional in the room.
your peers can be quite effective if done properly. Be selective and
20 | TRR
September 2010
being slow to embrace this form of outreach at first. Maybe it was
I finally took action. In a way, I realized how our seniors must feel
not completely understanding the reverse mortgage program. So, I
From time to time, we all need someone whom we can bounce
this type of marketing and learned from her. I now feel much more
mastermind group. If so, good for you, if not, consider a coach. You
did what I knew I had to do. I found someone who is an expert in
comfortable, although I am far from an expert in using social media. It enhances the other forms of marketing that I use and gives me
ideas off of and get some honest feedback. Maybe you are part of a can participate in coaching groups or as an individual.
even more ways to position myself as the local reverse mortgage
Review your marketing from time to time. At the beginning of this
and not complicated; it’s an opportunity to learn something new.
You must be able to assess the success rate of each marketing
expert. As with the other strategies discussed here, it’s not costly
Earlier in this article, we talked about presentations and offering
classes. Be sure to video and/or audio record yourself when you
piece I wrote, “A good look in the mirror can be a healthy thing.” strategy. Whether you are spending money or time, track each strategy and modify as needed.
speak. You can then use short pieces of these presentations to
We’ve covered quite a bit of ground here and I hope I’ve given you
you can offer to prospects, and promote it on your site. Often,
and sharing what I’ve learned with others in the business. Whether
promote yourself on your website. Consider a webinar series that children are scattered around the country, while mom and dad are
local. Expand your outreach to the children or other trusted advisors with webinars or other electronic means. Be sure to post your newsletters or industry updates on your site as well. Do You Need A Little Nudge? When you feel like you are in a rut and your efforts are not paying
some food for thought. I truly enjoy originating reverse mortgages you are a seasoned reverse mortgage originator looking to jump
start some old strategies or you are new to this wonderful reverse
business, keep yourself focused on the senior and the many benefits
the reverse mortgage program can bring to someone’s life. You have found (or maybe it found you!) a profession where the work we do today can have real impact tomorrow. Take pride and continue to serve our seniors.
off, think about this: Who do you take advice from? Do you
surround yourself with like-minded success oriented thinkers?
September 2010 TRR
| 21
Winning Battles While Losing Wars Don’t waste your time and breath--convey important information when you get the opportunity Jonathan Neal A number of years ago, I left my house one Saturday morning with
When it needs gas, I put gas in it, when it needs new tires, I go to
accessories I wanted, and I knew what I was willing to pay. There
center. In other words, when it comes to servicing my cars, I take
the sole intent of buying a new car. I knew what car, color, and
were two dealerships near my house, both of which had the car I
wanted, so I went to the closest one first. I found the car I wanted
in the lot just as a salesman walked up to me and asked if I needed
a tire store, and when it needs maintenance, I take it to a service
them to a specialist who is honest, dependable, and knows what they are doing.
help, to which I answered, “Yes, I have two questions and if I like
The moral of the story: the first salesman proved to me without
but hearing is not the same as listening, and for some reason, rather
the second salesperson made the sale because he put what was
the answers, I will buy this car today.” Now, I am sure he heard me, than asking what my questions were, he started telling me about
the engine. He insisted that I come to the front of the car where he
a shadow of a doubt that he knew more about engines than I do; important to me ahead of his ego.
opened the hood and started pointing out all kinds of things that
Over the last three years, I have spoken to hundreds of professionals
on about everything there was to know about car engines, I said,
Financial Planning fields and during that time, I have learned a lot
meant nothing to me. Finally, after about ten minutes of him rattling “Thank you,” and walked away. I got back in my car and drove to the other dealership, met a salesperson, and asked if they had the
car I was looking for, to which he said, “Yes.” At which time, I told
working in sales/marketing positions in the Reverse Mortgage and of things, none of which is more profound than the communication chasm that still exists between these two groups.
him the same thing I had told the other salesperson, the difference
When I say communication chasm, I’m not talking about the contact
the questions and he answered both as we walked to the car. After
doubt that people on the reverse mortgage side of this equation
being that this salesman asked what the questions were. I asked completing all the paperwork, I drove my new car home.
Here’s the deal. I don’t know anything about engines and don’t care to learn anything about them. In fact, that overly chatty salesman could have told me that the engine incorporated sterile fallopian tubes and I would have cared less, how could I have, I wasn’t
listening. You see, when it comes to cars, what is important to me is that they are comfortable, with windshield wipers, lights, air
conditioning, and a heater that all work, and most of all, they start when I want to go somewhere.
22 | TRR
September 2010
aspect of the communication process. After all, there can be no
have done an exemplary job when it comes to reaching out to their brethren on the financial planning side. What I’m talking about is what is being conveyed; in short, most RM people are spending a
lot of time telling financial planning people things they don’t care to hear about and as a result, they simply aren’t listening. It makes me think of the lyric in the song “Comfortably Numb” that says “your lips are moving but I can’t hear what you’re saying.”
In the process, far too many RM professionals waste a lot of hard earned opportunities because they fail to explain why a reverse
mortgage might be the perfect solution to any number of
professionalism, and dependability are of value to a financial
For the most part, Financial/Insurance Advisors don’t know,
If I was working in the reverse mortgage field and had a copy
of a reverse mortgage. What they do care about is that reverse
Know,” I would go straight to section two: “Reverse Mortgages
problems seniors are facing today.
planner whose business is focused in the senior market place.
nor do they care about all the details involved in the makeup
“
mortgages can provide features and benefits that can be beneficial
of “Reverse Mortgages – What Every Financial Advisor Should
to their clients.
There can be no doubt that people on the reverse mortgage side of this equation have done an exemplary job when it comes to reaching out to their brethren on the financial planning side.
They don’t have the time to learn all the ins and outs of your
the basics of reverse mortgages, which is something you already
product and that puts you in a great position, because you
do know everything there is to know about RMs, which, in
”
in the Financial Plan.” Why? Because the first section is about
know. The second section, on the other hand, talks about how
effect, makes you a specialist; in other words, your knowledge,
incorporating a reverse mortgage in a financial plan can provide seniors with options that can enhance their financial positions.
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| 23
Please Say it Again: “I Will NOT Make These Common Mistakes!” These seven common mistakes are easy to commit, but even easier to avoid Sam Collins Reverse mortgage professionals are faced with multitasking and often
#2: Lack of a Referral Program
that are occurring right before our very eyes. If we are not careful, we
Who is the second easiest client for you to acquire? The answer is a
line profits.
senior clients great and give them great service, the clients will gladly
find that each day becomes so busy that we often don’t see the mistakes can make mistakes that cost us significant opportunities and bottom
I have found seven mistakes that are common to my everyday business and want to share them with you in hopes that you can avoid them. #1: Lack of an iron clad system for senior client data collection How often do you lack the information to contact a senior client
because, somehow, their phone number and contact information got
lost in the shuffle? The real gold in any business is in your senior client base.
It is 10 times easier to get an existing client to return to you or to
recommend someone else than it is to get a new client to do business
referral. Unfortunately, most believe the myth that if they treat their refer their friends to them. This leads us to our second common mistake: the lack of a referral program.
The last thing your senior client is thinking when they are finished
doing business with you is, “Who can I send to the nice people I know so that they can get some more clients?” It’s not because they don’t
want to, but it’s because we are all too busy to be thinking about other things going on in our lives. That’s why you need to have a “Senior
Client Rewards Referral System” in place, which will give your existing clients an incentive to refer. A client referral program doesn’t have to cost a lot of money and most times the reward can be as simple as a “thank you.”
with you. What would happen to your senior business if you had to
#3: Lack of a Lost Client Reactivation Program
with your existing clients? If collecting and keeping organized client
If a referral client is the second easiest client for you to have, then
their client data? Collecting the necessary information allows you to
“lost clients.” Again, most of us totally ignore the clients that have not
constantly rely on selling new clients without the opportunity to work information is so important, why do many originators still fail to collect continue to market to your most valuable asset—YOUR EXISTING SENIOR CLIENTS.
who do you think is the third easiest client to get? The answer is your done business with us in several years, when in fact, these people are infinitely easier to convert than any new client, as long as you know
how. This marketing mistake is the lack of a Lost Client Reactivation Program. g
24 | TRR
September 2010
September 2010 TRR
| 25
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26 Robert Wagner | TRR
September 2010
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Do you have one in place? Refer to mistake #1, since lacking a system
#7: Too infrequent contact with current clients
Without a system, you can’t possibly remember who you really lost.
Now, I just told you that referrals and lost clients are the 2nd and 3rd
to manage your data is perhaps the biggest reason lost clients get lost. You need a lost client reactivation program! #4: Lack of ‘shameless’ self promotion One thing that I have discovered in speaking with hundreds of loan
professionals is that everyone thinks their particular market is different.
easiest clients to cultivate, and you probably already guessed that
your present clients are the first. The best way to accomplish greater
response is to simply increase the frequency of your contact with them. If you think you are mailing or calling your clients too often, you’re probably wrong!
Every one of you has something different or special about you: where
The proper frequency to contact your clients is daily to begin with, then
secret. You have a great opportunity to promote yourself and your
point is that you should never stop unless your senior clients tell you.
you live and market. The big mistake you are making is keeping it a
business, and the best part is that you can do it for the cost of a “first class” stamp—just 44 cents. That’s right; write a simple 1-page press
release and send it out in a #10 envelope. Your local papers and media are hungry for your story, but they can’t run it unless you give it to
them. Making the mistake of believing that they will seek you out is simply that: a mistake. In fact, over 80% of all local news stories are
a result of a simple press release. News sources are starving for your
taper off to twice a week, then once a week, then once monthly. The real Did you know for every month that you do not contact your clients,
you lose your relationship with 10% of them? So, if you wait 10 months, you might as well be mailing to a list you find in the phone book. You
probably have time and money invested in establishing the contact, so don’t lose that investment. Your goal is to become the ‘welcome guest’ not the ‘unwelcome pest’.
“
story, all you have to do is give it to them.
#5 & 6: Working ‘in’ your business instead of ‘on’ your business; and Not realizing the overall importance of marketing
These two marketing mistakes actually go hand-in-hand. One of the
biggest problems I hear from reverse mortgage originators is, “I’m too busy. I’m too busy to do any marketing because I’m the best senior consultant in my market and I need to service all my senior clients
personally. Plus, I need to shop the marketplace and know what others
are doing.” The problem is you are working “in” your business instead of “on” your business.
If there is one thing that you should write down and post as a constant reminder to yourself, it is this:
STOP SEEING YOURSELF AS JUST A LOAN ORIGINATOR IN YOUR REVERSE MORTGAGE BUSINESS, AND START LOOKING AT YOURSELF AS A MARKETER OF SENIOR CLIENTS.
The marketer of any business will be the one who achieves total
financial freedom. The real money is in the marketing, not in actually doing all the tasks within your senior business. Setting aside time to
The marketer of any business will be the one who achieves total financial freedom. The real money is in the marketing, not in actually doing all the tasks within your senior business. Setting aside time to work “on” your business instead of “in” your business will become the most profitable time that you spend during your entire career. Make the time to learn marketing.
work “on” your business instead of “in” your business will become the
most profitable time that you spend during your entire career. Make the time to learn marketing.
For the future
”
Take time to review these 7 common mistakes. I imagine you are not
making all seven, but I guarantee we are all guilty of at least one or two. Take the time to make time, and turn obstacles into opportunities! September 2010 TRR
| 27
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www.reversemortgagesuccess.com 410.557.0294
www.assurancehome.com 321.728.0101
www.celink.com 517.321.9002
www.AttorneyTrustReview.com 631.669.4370
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www.nrmlaonline.org
www.ReverseMortgageConcepts.com 602.456.0009
www.reversevision.com 919.834.0070
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www.smart--marketing.com 877.550.8837 September 2010 TRR
| 29
Cost Effective Reverse Mortgage Marketing 101
Don’t be afraid to change your marketing plan; stay on top of your clients’ needs John SorgenfRei Here are the five questions you need to ask yourself before you begin
Having a good attitude is really important too. Most business owners
plan:
Local businesses are always much more apt to want a local source
to customize your own limited budget Reverse Mortgage marketing
• Where does my target audience live?
• What are the repetitive habits of most seniors?
• How can I get my message out to Seniors in a cost effective manner?
• What businesses are often visited by Seniors?
• Why would a Senior request information on Reverse Mortgages?
Common sense is really your biggest asset when it comes to marketing. I have included a few basic questions you need to ask yourself before you begin a marketing campaign. You will need to measure your
results in order to fine-tune your program and really determine what’s getting the job done for you. Do not be afraid of retooling your plan as the market changes. Just keep asking yourself, “What is my audience
looking for and where are they finding it?” One thing the last five years in the industry has taught us is that you’d better be flexible because you are going to need it if you plan on surviving.
You need to get out of the office and meet business owners whose
are really attracted to individuals whom they feel are in good spirits. to refer their clients to, so stay in town (it saves gas too). Other cost effective ways of getting your message out to seniors is by visiting
their housing developments and posting a flyer in the clubhouse (ask
permission first). Study your product offerings and genuinely listen to your clients’ needs and you will find a way to succeed.
Other often overlooked opportunities are the small trade shows
geared toward senior homeowners. Bring file cards with a few simple criteria for the senior to fill out (i.e. name, address, phone number, etc.) and in return, raffle off a plant or candle (everyone likes free
gifts). Finally, consider joining a local fraternal organization like Elks,
Moose, or rotary clubs. Approach local libraries or churches and offer a free workshop, which explains all the newest advancements and
offerings made available through the HECM reverse mortgages. Most seniors don’t know they can receive funds in multiple ways (i.e. a
lump sum, line of credit, monthly payments, or a combination of the three). Seniors don’t realize that if they have a mortgage, they can
possibly pay it off with a reverse mortgage and relieve themselves of the payments forever.
clients are predominantly seniors. Some of the more productive
Marketing is the combination of everything you do to advance your
Call and set up appointments first, as some business owners may
All of the above require a small monetary investment and can yield
possibilities are Accountants, Financial Planners, and Elder Attorneys. take offense to a cold call, which may interrupt their current train of
thought. It may take a while to make that connection, but do not expect the one call close as a referral source.
30 | TRR
September 2010
business in the most cost effective manner, yielding maximum returns. very substantial returns. This just requires a grass roots effort in
today’s market, as returns have been continually restricted. Pick up the phone and call five local business owners like those mentioned above; your business will increase and your attitude will improve.
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