Reverse Mortgage Counseling Information

To be eligible for a Reverse Mortgage (HECM or Homekeeper), you must discuss the loan with a counselor employed by a nonprofit or public agency approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In 2002 and 2004 the AARP Foundation Reverse Mortgage Education Project administered a National HECM Counselor Exam for counselors who work for HUD-approved HECM housing counseling agencies. They selected the highest scorers to participate in its HECM counseling network. These counselors must use loan analysis and comparison software that meets AARP's model specifications. They must also follow the Project's counseling policies and procedures. Project counselors provide in-person counseling and their local areas and counseling by telephone in other areas nationwide. This counseling generally takes at least one hour. When provided by telephone it can take longer and sometimes more than one phone call. The Project's counseling is funded by HUD and is free to you.

Who can request counseling?

The homeowner or the owner's authorized legal representative can request Reverse Mortgage counseling. Authorized legal representatives can be a guardian, conservator, or person holding a durable power of attorney who has been authorized to act in this matter by the owner. The Reverse Mortgage Education Project and Counselors do not accept counseling requests from anyone else on behalf of an owner.