Reverse Mortgage News & Insights from HECMWorld

HECMWorld
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Get the latest news, commentary and insights for the US reverse mortgage and property finance industries.  Founded by Shannon Hicks and now hosted by Gabrielle Hayen, HECM World Weekly is the nation’s longest-running weekly podcast, trusted by reverse mortgage professionals for news, insights and trends on the reverse and wider mortgage industry, property equity, wealth and retirement and much more. Brought to you by Lenderful Solutions. Each week we also bring you Industry Leader Insights, where top industry influencers share what's happening at the cutting edge of the mortgage industry, and Food For Thought, our segment focused on professional and personal development for mortgage professionals.  This podcast is brought to you by HECM World, the leading independent media platform for the reverse mortgage industry in the United States.  Find out more and join our community of 6000+ industry leaders at https://hecmworld.com For business inquiries, contact info@hecmworld.com  HECM World is owned and operated by Reverse Focus, a technology and marketing company that has supporting the reverse mortgage industry with full service digital marketing solutions since 2006. Find out more at https://reversefocus.com 

  1. 2h ago

    Industry Leader Insights: Beyond ‘The Great Stay’: How Homeowners Are Changing The Way They Access Equity

    Americans aren’t moving like they used to, and that could permanently change how they access home equity. In this edition of Industry Leader Insights, HECM World speaks with Brian Fox, co-founder at Benutech, about the rise of the “stay-put economy.” Benutech’s analysis shows traditional refinance activity falling almost 80% between 2021 and 2025, while equity lending increased 15%. So what happens when homeowners protect their low-rate first mortgage, remain in place longer and look for other ways to unlock housing wealth? Brian discusses why this shift may be structural, what it means for older homeowners, why downsizing no longer delivers the same financial relief—and how reverse mortgages could become an increasingly important “stay-put” financial tool. Watch the full interview now. Read the full article here and make sure you subscribe at hecmworld.com so you don’t miss a thing. View the Benutech report https://www.benutech.com/the-stay-put-economy-how-rising-rates-transformed-american-homes-from-stepping-stones-into-fortresses

  2. 3d ago

    HECM World Weekly, EP943: From Debt Relief To Healthy Years, Home Equity Takes On A Bigger Role

    This week on HECM World Weekly, we look at how America’s housing wealth is holding firm—but the way homeowners are using it is changing. July’s HECM endorsement volume remained relatively subdued, while Finance of America reported strong year-over-year growth across its retirement solutions business. We also examine Rocket Mortgage’s new campaign positioning home equity as a potential alternative to high-interest credit-card debt. Plus, new Bankrate research raises questions about whether older refinancing borrowers are paying more than they should, home prices continue to rise across most metropolitan markets, and families inheriting homes report growing difficulties retaining valuable low-rate mortgages. Finally, new retirement research reveals that many Americans are more worried about running out of healthy years than running out of money—and what that could mean for the role of housing wealth in retirement planning. In this episode: July’s latest HECM lender results Finance of America’s 21% funded-volume growth Rocket’s push to bring home equity into the mainstream Bankrate’s proposed refinance “seniority tax” The growing divide between local housing markets Mortgage complications within the Great Wealth Transfer Why retirees are rethinking the value of time, health and money For more reverse mortgage news, analysis, research and industry insights, visit HECMWorld.com and subscribe on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

  3. 5d ago

    Food For Thought: What really builds a successful mortgage career?

    In this Food For Thought episode, Jesse Allen, President of 55 Plus Lending at Rate, shares the lessons he's learned after more than 30 years in banking, financial services and mortgage lending—and after helping hundreds of mortgage professionals build successful careers. Rather than focusing on compensation alone, Jesse explains why lasting success comes from choosing the right platform, the right culture and the right leadership. Built around his simple framework of Focus, Systems and Discipline, this conversation offers practical advice for loan officers, mortgage leaders and anyone evaluating their next career move. In this episode you'll discover: Why compensation alone shouldn't drive your career decisions • The importance of aligning your purpose with your company's mission • How great systems help professionals deliver a better client experience • Why discipline and continuous improvement create long-term success • The role leadership and culture play in building high-performing teams • What to look for when evaluating a mortgage company or platform Whether you're an experienced originator or just starting your mortgage career, these principles provide a valuable framework for building something that lasts. https://hecmworld.com/2026/08/05/food-for-thought-what-really-builds-a-successful-mortgage-career/ Subscribe to HECM World for more expert insights from the leaders shaping the future of reverse mortgages and home equity finance.

  4. Aug 3

    Industry Leader Insights: Senior Housing Equity Is At Record Highs. So Why Haven't Reverse Mortgages Taken Off?

    In this Industry Leader Insights episode, HECM World sits down with John Lunde, Founder and President of Reverse Market Insight (RMI), to explore one of the biggest questions facing the industry today. Drawing on more than 20 years of reverse mortgage market data, John shares his perspective on the trends that have shaped the industry, why record senior housing equity hasn't translated into record reverse mortgage volume, and what lenders, loan officers and business leaders need to do differently to unlock the opportunity ahead. In this episode you'll discover: Why reverse mortgage originations remain well below their historic peak • The surprising disconnect between record housing equity and industry growth • How proprietary reverse mortgages are reshaping the market • The biggest mistakes professionals make when interpreting market data • Why education inside the mortgage industry remains the biggest growth opportunity • How technology, data and integrated systems will define the next generation of reverse mortgage businesses • What successful lenders do differently when building local market expertise Whether you're a reverse mortgage professional, lender, broker, executive or industry partner, this conversation provides valuable insights into where the market has been—and where it's heading next. https://hecmworld.com/2026/08/03/industry-leader-insights-senior-housing-equity-is-at-record-highs-so-why-havent-reverse-mortgages-taken-off/ Subscribe to HECM World for the latest reverse mortgage news, expert interviews and industry insights from across the United States.

  5. Jul 31

    HECM World Weekly, EP942: Fed Holds Rates As Inflation Pressure Builds, While Housing Equity Tells A More Complicated Story

    The Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady, but growing inflation concerns could keep mortgage rates higher for longer — adding another layer of complexity for older homeowners and the reverse mortgage industry. In this week's HECM World Weekly, we look beyond the headlines to unpack what the latest economic, housing and retirement data really means for the industry. We cover: Why the Fed held rates despite growing pressure to act on inflation Home prices reaching another record — while actually falling in real terms Why stagnant homeownership and extremely low homeowner vacancy matter for aging in place The rapid growth of proprietary reverse mortgages — and why unit counts only tell part of the story Why HECM dollar volume presents a stronger picture than originations alone New research showing older Americans becoming more defensive about retirement Why liquidity, resilience and downside protection could become increasingly important to reverse mortgage conversations Older Americans continue to hold extraordinary levels of housing wealth. But with inflation, higher rates and retirement uncertainty changing the financial landscape, how that equity is used — and the products available to access it — is becoming increasingly important. For more reverse mortgage news, research and industry insights, visit HECM World. https://hecmworld.com/2026/07/31/hecm-world-weekly-fed-holds-rates-as-inflation-pressure-builds-while-housing-equity-tells-a-more-complicated-story

  6. Jul 29

    Food For Thought: As AI Reshapes Reverse Mortgages, Emotional Intelligence Becomes the Advantage

    Borrowers are already using artificial intelligence to compare reverse mortgage options and double-check the recommendations they receive from loan officers. Should reverse mortgage professionals be worried? Christina Harmes, CRMP, says no—but their value is changing. After several prospects used AI to analyze the loan scenarios she presented, Christina discovered that the technology largely confirmed her recommendations and increased the borrowers’ trust. The experience also highlighted something AI cannot easily replace: emotional intelligence. A reverse mortgage decision is rarely just about rates, proceeds or loan structure. Homeowners may also be worried about their independence, family, legacy, long-term security or whether using home equity means they have somehow failed. In this edition of Food for Thought, Christina explains how reverse mortgage professionals can combine technical expertise with empathy, active listening and trust. You’ll learn: How consumers are using AI to research reverse mortgages • Why the professional-consumer knowledge gap is shrinking • How to recognize the real question behind a borrower’s words • Why listening before offering a solution builds trust • How box breathing can improve stressful client conversations • Why emotional intelligence may offer “job insurance” in the age of AI AI can do the math. The competitive advantage is understanding the person behind the numbers. Subscribe to HECM World for reverse mortgage news, insights and professional strategies. https://hecmworld.com/2026/07/29/food-for-thought-as-ai-reshapes-reverse-mortgages-emotional-intelligence-becomes-the-advantage/

  7. Jul 27

    Industry Leader Insights: Data Points to a Massive Long-Term Opportunity for Reverse Mortgages - With Aaron Wagner from ATTOM

    Is the reverse mortgage industry’s biggest opportunity still ahead? According to ATTOM’s Head of Data Science, Aaron Wagner, the data says yes. In Part Two of this Industry Leader Insights series, Andrew Montesi sits down with Aaron to explore the future of housing equity, the biggest forces shaping property wealth over the next five years, and why America’s enormous equity base continues to support a strong long-term outlook for reverse mortgages. Aaron explains why tenure-driven equity, built through decades of homeownership, is fundamentally different from appreciation-driven equity, why housing supply may be the most underestimated force supporting home values, and how AI is transforming the future of property intelligence. In this episode: • Has America reached peak housing equity? • Why the reverse mortgage opportunity remains exceptionally strong • The difference between tenure-driven and appreciation-driven equity • The biggest drivers of housing wealth over the next five years • Which regions are best positioned for future equity growth • Why housing supply may be the market’s most underestimated force • How AI is changing the way property data is analysed and accessed If you work in the reverse mortgage industry, understanding where housing equity is heading, and why, has never been more important. 🌐 Read the article: https://hecmworld.com/2026/07/27/industry-leader-insights-data-points-to-a-massive-long-term-opportunity-for-reverse-mortgages/

  8. Jul 24

    HECM World Weekly, EP941: Record Senior Housing Equity, Healthcare Costs Rise & The Future of Housing Wealth

    Senior housing equity has reached another record, but that's only part of this week's story. In this episode of HECM World Weekly, we unpack the biggest developments shaping the reverse mortgage, housing equity and retirement industries, including: Senior housing equity climbs to a record $14.92 trillion • Exclusive ATTOM insights into where America's deepest housing equity is really being built • California's growing home equity tax problem • Tennessee's first real-world success story following expanded access to proprietary reverse mortgages • Fidelity says retiree healthcare costs have risen another 7.5% • Housing affordability emerges as America's top political issue for younger voters • Why the World Economic Forum says we need to rethink housing • And the debate over whether housing is still the best long-term investment. Whether you're a reverse mortgage professional, lender, financial planner or housing industry leader, this episode brings together the week's most important news and explains what it means for the future of housing equity. Read the full article: https://hecmworld.com/2026/07/24/hecm-world-weekly-record-senior-housing-equity-rising-retirement-costs-and-a-bigger-conversation-about-housing/ Subscribe for weekly news, expert interviews and insights from across the U.S. housing equity and reverse mortgage industry.

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Get the latest news, commentary and insights for the US reverse mortgage and property finance industries.  Founded by Shannon Hicks and now hosted by Gabrielle Hayen, HECM World Weekly is the nation’s longest-running weekly podcast, trusted by reverse mortgage professionals for news, insights and trends on the reverse and wider mortgage industry, property equity, wealth and retirement and much more. Brought to you by Lenderful Solutions. Each week we also bring you Industry Leader Insights, where top industry influencers share what's happening at the cutting edge of the mortgage industry, and Food For Thought, our segment focused on professional and personal development for mortgage professionals.  This podcast is brought to you by HECM World, the leading independent media platform for the reverse mortgage industry in the United States.  Find out more and join our community of 6000+ industry leaders at https://hecmworld.com For business inquiries, contact info@hecmworld.com  HECM World is owned and operated by Reverse Focus, a technology and marketing company that has supporting the reverse mortgage industry with full service digital marketing solutions since 2006. Find out more at https://reversefocus.com 

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