Podcast

Reverse Mortgage News & Insights from HECMWorld

Business, Business News, Marketing, News

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

Episodes
200
Releases
Twice a week
Typical length
14 min
On air since
2023
Latest episode
1 day ago

Episodes

200 episodes, newest first

  1. Industry Leader Insights: What Traditional and Reverse Mortgage LOs Must Do to Grow Together

    Episode 990

    Show notes

    What can traditional and reverse mortgage loan officers learn from each other? And what separates the most successful originators from the rest?

    In Part 2 of Industry Leader Insights, Jesse Allen, President of 55+ Lending at Rate, joins HECM World Publisher Andrew Montesi to discuss how the two sides of the mortgage industry can work together to unlock new opportunities.

    At Rate, reverse mortgage purchases account for approximately 15–20% of reverse business generated through traditional loan officers, compared with an estimated 5% industry-wide. But Allen says the opportunity extends well beyond purchase lending.

    In this conversation, Jesse shares practical insights on:

    • How traditional loan officers can identify reverse mortgage opportunities without becoming specialists.
    • Why reverse specialists must earn the trust of traditional originators and their referral partners.
    • The overlooked opportunity in reverse mortgage purchase financing.
    • What separates successful reverse mortgage originators from the rest.
    • Why product diversification, communication and a growth mindset are essential for the modern reverse mortgage professional.

    Allen also explains why technical expertise alone isn't enough to build a successful referral-driven business, and offers practical advice for traditional originators looking to get started in reverse lending.

    READ THE FULL ARTICLE:https://hecmworld.com/2026/11/02/industry-leader-insightsreverse-mortgage-partnerships/

    CATCH UP ON PART 1: Discover how Rate is driving reverse mortgage growth through its traditional loan officer network, including a 69% increase in participation in 2025.

    https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/26/industry-leader-insights-rate-reverse-mortgage-growth/

    Subscribe to HECM World for more Industry Leader Insights, reverse mortgage news and retirement finance analysis https://hecmworld.com/

    20 min
  2. HECM World Weekly, Ep 955:Record Home Equity Rate-Locked, Care Costs Surge, HEI Expansion Concerns

    Episode 991

    Show notes

    Record $13.2 Trillion in Home Equity, But 88% Is Rate-Locked.

    American homeowners are sitting on a record $13.2 trillion in accessible home equity. But with 88% of that equity tied to mortgages carrying rates below today's market levels, accessing it isn't always straightforward.

    In this week's HECM World Weekly, we examine what the latest First American research means for reverse mortgages, alongside new housing data, mortgage application trends, and the latest GDP and inflation figures that could influence the Federal Reserve's next move.

    Plus:

    • Caregiving costs surge 60%: New AARP research reveals family caregivers are spending an average of $11,508 annually out of pocket, raising questions about retirement finances and housing wealth.
    • HEI competition and consumer concerns: Unlock completes a $433 million securitization, while one reverse mortgage originator shares a firsthand experience that raises questions about HEI settlement costs.
    • Rate's reverse mortgage growth: Jesse Allen explains how traditional mortgage loan officers are helping drive reverse mortgage production.
    • Unsettled trusts: Shana Roach highlights a title issue that could derail an otherwise promising reverse mortgage transaction.

    With record housing wealth, growing financial pressures and increasing competition, what does it all mean for reverse mortgage professionals?

    Watch or listen to this week's HECM World Weekly for the latest industry news and insights.

    Read the full report:https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/30/hecm-world-weekly-record-home-equity-care-costs-hei-concerns/

    More reverse mortgage news and insights:https://hecmworld.com/

    15 min
  3. Rethinking Retirement Finance Ep 4: Would Dr. Wade Pfau Get a Reverse Mortgage? Retirement Questions

    Episode 989

    Show notes

    Would Dr. Wade Pfau get a reverse mortgage himself when he turns 62?

    In the fourth and final episode of our series with Dr. Wade Pfau on Rethinking Retirement Finance, the leading retirement researcher joins host Shain Urwin, CRMP, of C2 Financial to answer questions from viewers and explore some of the practical applications of reverse mortgages in retirement planning.

    The conversation covers:

    • Whether Pfau would personally use a reverse mortgage, and why it depends on his retirement plans.
    • Why a HECM line of credit differs from a traditional HELOC.
    • How reverse mortgages can support Roth IRA conversion strategies.
    • Using HECM tenure payments to create reliable retirement cash flow.
    • The value of professional education, including RICP, CFP and CRMP designations.
    • Why borrowers should look beyond upfront HECM costs to evaluate potential long-term benefits.

    Pfau also discusses his retirement research, books and the importance of evaluating reverse mortgages as part of a comprehensive retirement strategy.

    READ THE FULL ARTICLE:https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/29/rethinking-retirement-finance-reverse-mortgage-retirement-planning/

    CATCH UP ON THE SERIES:

    Episode 1 – Rethinking Reverse Mortgages in Retirement Planning
    https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/08/rethinking-retirement-finance-reverse-mortgages/

    Episode 2 – Using a HECM Line of Credit During Market Downturns
    https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/15/rethinking-retirement-finance-wade-pfau-hecm-line-of-credit-market-downturns/

    Episode 3 – Reverse Mortgages and the Bigger Retirement Planning Picture
    https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/22/rethinking-retirement-reverse-mortgage-retirement-planning/

    ABOUT THE SHOW

    Rethinking Retirement Finance is a new weekly HECM World show exploring the research and strategies shaping retirement planning — and what they mean for reverse mortgage professionals and their clients.

    Hosted by Shain Urwin, CRMP, of C2 Financial, featuring conversations with leading researchers and retirement finance experts.

    Subscribe to http://hecmworld.com for more industry news, interviews and insights.

    21 min
  4. Food For Thought: Unsettled Trusts Can Derail Reverse Mortgage Loans, Shana Roach Warns

    Episode 986

    Show notes

    An inherited property may look ready for reverse mortgage financing, but an unsettled trust can create serious title complications, underwriting delays and even derail a loan.

    In this week's HECM World Food for Thought, Shana Roach, CRMP, of Mutual of Omaha, explains why incomplete trust administration is an often-overlooked problem in the origination process.

    Drawing on a real lending scenario, Shana breaks down:

    • How unsettled trusts can create unexpected title and ownership issues.
    • Five warning signs to listen for during borrower conversations.
    • Three critical questions originators should ask during initial discovery.
    • When to involve title companies and estate planning attorneys.
    • Why identifying these issues on day one can prevent weeks of delays and unnecessary costs.

    Her message is simple: Recognize the warning signs early, ask the right questions and protect both your pipeline and your borrower's expectations.

    Read the full article on HECM World:
    https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/28/food-for-thought-unsettled-trusts-derail-reverse-mortgage-loans/

    Subscribe to HECM World
    HECM World delivers news, insights and expert perspectives for reverse mortgage professionals, covering the issues shaping the industry.

    Visit:https://hecmworld.com

    5 min
  5. Industry Leader Insights: Bridging Traditional And Reverse Mortgages - The Growth Opportunity

    Episode 987

    Show notes

    What happens when traditional mortgage lenders start embracing reverse mortgages as a genuine growth opportunity?

    In Part 1 of this two-part Industry Leader Insights interview, HECM World Publisher Andrew Montesi sits down with Jesse Allen, President of 55+ Lending at Rate and NRMLA board member, to explore how Rate is bridging traditional and reverse mortgage lending — and the results it's seeing.

    Allen reveals that participation in reverse lending among Rate's traditional mortgage loan officers increased 69% in 2025, followed by another 50% increase so far in 2026.

    In this episode:

    • How Rate is building reverse mortgage lending into a dedicated growth business.
    • Why traditional mortgage LO engagement has surged.
    • The role of proprietary products, which now account for 40% of Rate's reverse mortgage business.
    • How to identify reverse mortgage opportunities within existing client databases.
    • Why reverse specialists must earn the trust of traditional loan officers.
    • What greater integration could mean for the future of the reverse mortgage industry.

    Allen also shares why he believes the industry is at one of its most exciting inflection points in decades.

    Read the full article:
    https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/26/industry-leader-insights-rate-reverse-mortgage-growth/

    About Industry Leader Insights

    Industry Leader Insights from HECM World features conversations with the leaders shaping the reverse mortgage industry, exploring the strategies, challenges and opportunities driving its future.

    Sponsored by Reverse Focus
    The all-in-one software and marketing solution built specifically for the reverse mortgage industry, including CRM, websites, SEO and growth strategy.

    Learn more:https://reversefocus.com/

    Subscribe to HECM World for the latest reverse mortgage news, industry interviews and retirement finance insights.

    18 min
  6. HECM World Weekly, ep 954: Housing Slowdown Deepens As Retirement Confidence Falters

    Episode 988

    Show notes

    America's housing market is showing fresh signs of weakness. Builder confidence has hit a 14-year low, pending home sales have plunged to record lows, and Fannie Mae is forecasting elevated mortgage rates through 2027.

    But what could a slowdown in new construction mean for existing home values, accumulated home equity and the growing demand for aging-in-place renovations?

    In this week's HECM World Weekly, Gabrielle Hayen breaks down the latest housing, mortgage and retirement finance developments — and their implications for the reverse mortgage industry.

    This week's headlines:

    • Homebuilding slumps: Builder confidence hits a 14-year low as construction slows and price cuts increase.
    • Mortgage demand weakens: Pending home sales reach a record low, applications decline, and Fannie Mae releases its latest housing forecast.
    • Housing affordability crisis: Nearly half of existing homeowners say they couldn't afford to buy a home today.
    • Retirement confidence gap: Longbridge Financial research reveals a 42-percentage-point divide between home-equity-heavy and investment-heavy households.
    • HECM reform: NRMLA President Steve Irwin outlines further priorities for modernizing the federally insured reverse mortgage program.
    • Dr Wade Pfau's advice for originators: Why understanding retirement finance is essential to building stronger financial advisor relationships.

    With senior housing wealth at a record $15.34 trillion, the question of how homeowners can effectively use their equity in retirement remains as relevant as ever.

    Read the full article on HECM World:
    https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/23/hecm-world-weekly-housing-slowdown-deepens-as-retirement-confidence-falters/

    Subscribe to HECM World for weekly reverse mortgage news, housing market updates, retirement finance research and industry insights. http://hecmworld.com

    13 min
  7. Rethinking Retirement Finance, Ep 3: Dr. Wade Pfau On Thinking Like a Retirement Planner

    Episode 985

    Show notes

    Why should reverse mortgage professionals start thinking more like retirement planners?

    In Episode 3 of Rethinking Retirement Finance, host Shain Urwin of C2 Financial continues his conversation with renowned retirement researcher Dr. Wade Pfau, exploring how originators can apply retirement income research to better serve clients and build stronger relationships with financial advisors.

    Pfau explains why reverse mortgage costs shouldn't be viewed in isolation, how strategically using housing wealth can improve long-term retirement outcomes, and why the transition from accumulating wealth to spending it requires a completely different financial planning mindset.

    Urwin also shares how an educational event with Pfau transformed his own approach to reverse mortgage origination, while Pfau offers practical advice for professionals looking to engage financial advisors, CPAs and other referral partners.

    It's a conversation about moving beyond the loan transaction and understanding the bigger retirement picture.

    Watch or read more:https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/22/rethinking-retirement-reverse-mortgage-retirement-planning/

    About Rethinking Retirement Finance

    Rethinking Retirement Finance is a new weekly HECM World show exploring the research and strategies shaping retirement planning — and what they mean for reverse mortgage professionals and their clients.

    Hosted by Shain Urwin of C2 Financial, with new episodes every Thursday.

    Subscribe to HECM World on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts for more industry news, research and insights.

    19 min
  8. Food For Thought: What I Wish Every Mortgage Loan Officer Knew About Reverse

    Episode 982

    Show notes

    A cash-out refinance might solve an older homeowner's financial problems today, but could it eliminate their reverse mortgage options tomorrow?

    In this episode of HECM World's Food for Thought, Christina Harmes, CRMP, of Barrett Financial and a reverse mortgage coach, shares a cautionary story about a homeowner who refinanced at 65, only to discover four years later that a reverse mortgage was no longer an option.

    Her message to traditional mortgage loan officers is clear: reverse mortgages shouldn't be treated as a last resort. They should be evaluated while homeowners still have choices.

    In this episode, Christina explores:

    • How cash-out refinancing can affect future reverse mortgage eligibility
    • Why qualifying for a mortgage today doesn't guarantee long-term affordability
    • The importance of considering a homeowner's financial position five, 10 or 20 years into retirement
    • How forward and reverse mortgage professionals can work together to better serve older homeowners

    "The mistake isn't choosing the cash out refinance. Maybe that's the right tool. But the mistake is never evaluating a reverse mortgage in the first place."

    Read the full article on HECM World:
    https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/21/food-for-thought-cash-out-refinance-reverse-mortgages/

    Subscribe to HECM World for the latest reverse mortgage news, industry insights and expert perspectives.

    Visithttps://hecmworld.com/

    10 min
  9. Industry Leader Insights: Steve Irwin on Reverse Mortgage Policy Reform and Global Innovation

    Episode 983

    Show notes

    What needs to change to unlock the future of the reverse mortgage industry?

    In Part 2 of HECM World's Industry Leader Insights, NRMLA President Steve Irwin talks about the reforms, innovations and industry collaboration needed to move reverse mortgages forward.

    Following Part 1's discussion on record senior housing wealth, historically low HECM endorsements and the state of the industry, Irwin turns his attention to what comes next.

    From FHA mortgage insurance reform and HECM servicing changes to international product innovation, emerging technology and the future of NRMLA itself, Irwin makes the case for an industry willing to adapt and evolve.

    In this episode:

    • Why risk-based mortgage insurance pricing and HECM assignment reform remain priorities
    • NRMLA's future relationship with HUD, FHA, Ginnie Mae and the administration
    • What the U.S. can learn from reverse mortgage innovation in Europe, Australia, Asia and beyond
    • How technology, collaboration and changing consumer needs will shape the next generation of reverse mortgage originators
    • The future of NRMLA’s own mission and the products it may support
    • What's ahead at NRMLA's Annual Meeting in San Antonio, November 10–12

    "We can't just demand that the marketplace evolve, but as a membership association, we need to continually evolve as well." — Steve Irwin

    Read the full article on HECM World:
    https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/19/industry-leader-insights-steve-irwin-reverse-mortgage-innovation/

    Missed Part 1? Catch up here:https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/12/industry-leader-insights-steve-irwin-hecm-outlook/

    Subscribe for more interviews, industry insights and the latest reverse mortgage news.

    Visithttps://hecmworld.com/

    17 min
  10. HECM World Weekly, Ep 953: Social Security Boost Amid Rising Inflation, High Rates And Care Costs

    Episode 984

    Show notes

    Social Security benefits are set to rise 3.6% in 2027, the largest increase since 2023. But with consumer inflation accelerating to 3.7% and producer prices jumping 6.3% annually, how far will that extra retirement income go?

    In this week's HECM World Weekly, we cover the latest economic and housing news, including mortgage rates holding near three-year highs and what those rates mean for HECM borrowers.

    We also examine new research revealing the financial burden of caregiving, with millions of Americans spending thousands of dollars supporting older family members, often at the expense of their own retirement savings.

    Plus:

    • A federal appeals court backs Ginnie Mae in a significant reverse mortgage financing dispute.
    • New EPPARG/EY research forecasts global equity-release activity could nearly triple by 2035, reaching more than US$58 billion annually.
    • Why record senior housing wealth and growing interest in proprietary products contrast with HECM endorsements at their lowest annual level since 2003.
    • The latest mortgage application and home sales figures, and how elevated rates continue to affect housing activity and HECM borrowing capacity.

    Read the full Weekly, including sources and links to the stories covered:

    https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/16/hecm-world-weekly-social-security-boost-rising-inflation-high-rates-care-costs/

    HECM World Weekly delivers the latest reverse mortgage news, housing-market developments and retirement-finance insights for industry professionals.

    Visit and subscribe athttps://hecmworld.com/ for more news, interviews and analysis.

    12 min
  11. Rethinking Retirement Finance Ep. 2: Dr. Wade Pfau on HECM Lines of Credit and Market Downturns

    Episode 981

    Show notes

    Can a reverse mortgage help protect retirement investments during a market downturn?

    In Episode 2 of Rethinking Retirement Finance, retirement income researcher Dr. Wade Pfau joins host Shain Urwin from C2 Financial to explain how a HECM line of credit can serve as a financial buffer, helping retirees manage sequence-of-returns risk and avoid withdrawing from investment portfolios when markets are falling.

    Building on Episode 1's discussion of why housing wealth belongs in retirement planning, this conversation explores the practical strategies behind Pfau's research.

    Topics include:

    • How a HECM line of credit works as a buffer asset during market downturns.
    • How reverse mortgages compare with cash reserves and life insurance in retirement planning.
    • Why some financial advisors remain reluctant to recommend reverse mortgages, even when they understand their potential benefits.
    • The challenge of overcoming longstanding consumer misconceptions.
    • What Pfau's historical research, including the 1966–1995 period behind the 4% withdrawal rule, reveals about retirement income strategies.
    • Why Pfau believes reverse mortgages remain significantly underutilized.

    Pfau explains why greater education and a broader understanding of retirement planning could help more homeowners make informed decisions about their housing wealth.

    Read the article:https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/15/rethinking-retirement-finance-wade-pfau-hecm-line-of-credit-market-downturns/

    Dr. Wade Pfau's books:

    Retirement Planning Guidebook:
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/1945640197

    Reverse Mortgages: How to Use Reverse Mortgages to Secure Your Retirement:
    https://www.amazon.com/Reverse-Mortgages-Secure-Retirement-Researcher/dp/194564012X/

    Rethinking Retirement Finance is a new weekly HECM World show brought to you by C2 Financial exploring the research and strategies shaping retirement planning, and what they mean for reverse mortgage professionals and their clients.

    New episodes every Thursday on HECM World.

    19 min
  12. Food For Thought: HECM Rates - Lisa Moriello On Margin, Timing And Borrower Strategy

    Episode 978

    Show notes

    In this Food For Thought, Lisa Moriello, CRMP, National Sales Manager at loanDepot, breaks down how reverse mortgage professionals can think more strategically about HECM structure in a changing rate environment.

    Lisa focuses on three key “dials” originators can work with: margin, timing and how borrowers access their proceeds. She also explains why the expected rate matters more than the Fed headline, why timing can materially affect proceeds, and how different HECM structures can better align with a borrower’s priorities.

    Rather than trying to predict where rates are headed, Lisa’s message is simple: understand the trade-offs, run the scenarios and structure the loan around what matters most to the borrower.

    Read the full article on HECM World:
    https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/14/food-for-thought-hecm-rates-borrower-strategy/

    Subscribe to HECM World for more reverse mortgage news, insights and industry conversations.

    6 min
  13. Industry Leader Insights: NRMLA's Steve Irwin on the State of the Industry

    Episode 980

    Show notes

    Senior housing wealth has reached a record $15.34 trillion, yet annual HECM endorsements have fallen to their lowest level since 2003. NRMLA President Steve Irwin explains why he believes the reverse mortgage industry remains strong.

    In Part 1 of this Industry Leader Insights interview, Irwin joins HECM World to talk about the state of the reverse mortgage market, the challenges facing federally insured HECMs and the opportunities ahead.

    Topics include:

    • Why Irwin remains optimistic despite historically low HECM production and how proprietary reverse mortgages are filling gaps in the market.
    • NRMLA's push to reform FHA's upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) structure.
    • The industry's relationship with HUD, FHA and Ginnie Mae, including the impact of federal staffing cuts and opportunities for regulatory reform.
    • Why NRMLA supports Matt Jones for FHA commissioner.
    • The reverse mortgage industry's reputation challenge, how the product has evolved and why misconceptions persist among consumers and mortgage professionals.
    • The growing role of traditional mortgage lenders in bringing reverse mortgages into the mainstream.

    With record senior housing wealth and an aging population, the industry faces significant opportunities, but also questions about how to translate that potential into stronger HECM production.

    Read the full article: https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/12/industry-leader-insights-steve-irwin-hecm-outlook/

    Watch Part 1 now, and stay tuned for Part 2, where Steve Irwin looks ahead to the future of the reverse mortgage industry and what needs to change to support long-term growth.

    Subscribe to HECM World — News, insights and analysis for the reverse mortgage industry.

    https://hecmworld.com/

    18 min
  14. HECM World Weekly, Ep 952: Senior Home Equity Tops $15 Trillion As Boomer Housing Handoff Begins

    Episode 979

    Show notes

    Senior home equity has surpassed $15 trillion for the first time, reaching a record $15.34 trillion, according to new NRMLA/RiskSpan data.

    This week on HECM World Weekly, Andrew Montesi steps in for Gabrielle Hayen to cover the latest developments shaping the reverse mortgage industry, housing market and retirement landscape.

    In this episode:

    • Record senior home equity: Homeowners aged 62 and older now hold $15.34 trillion in housing wealth, following a $398 billion quarterly increase.
    • The Boomer housing handoff: New Realtor.com research projects 13.9 million homes will transition out of older-owner occupancy over the next decade.
    • Aging in place: Northwestern Mutual finds 83% of Boomers and older Americans prefer to receive long-term care at home, despite significant financial challenges.
    • Longer retirements: New TIAA research highlights growing concerns about longevity, healthcare costs and retirement savings.
    • Rethinking Retirement Finance: Dr. Wade Pfau explores why housing wealth should be considered alongside other retirement assets.
    • Older Americans' wealth: Bank of America reports households aged 55 and older hold nearly $140 trillion in total net worth.
    • Mortgage rates climb: Freddie Mac reports the 30-year fixed rate at 7.40%, while the MBA reports declining mortgage applications.

    As senior housing wealth reaches new heights, what do these demographic and financial shifts mean for the future of reverse mortgages?

    Read the full Weekly report and find more details here: https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/09/hecm-world-weekly-senior-home-equity-tops-15-trillion-boomer-housing-handoff/

    Subscribe to HECM World — News, insights and analysis for the reverse mortgage industry.

    https://hecmworld.com/

    13 min
  15. Rethinking Retirement Finance, Ep 1: Dr. Wade Pfau on Reverse Mortgages in Retirement

    Episode 977

    Show notes

    Should a reverse mortgage really be treated as a financial last resort?

    In the first episode of HECM World’s new Rethinking Retirement Finance show, host Shain Urwin from C2 Financial sits down with retirement income researcher Dr. Wade Pfau to challenge that conventional thinking.

    Pfau explains why housing wealth should be considered alongside investments and other retirement assets, how a HECM line of credit can fit into a broader retirement strategy, and why waiting until a client “needs” a reverse mortgage may mean overlooking its strategic value.

    The conversation also explores why misconceptions remain common among financial advisors — and how reverse mortgage professionals can better educate advisors about how the product actually works.

    Read the full article and key takeaways:
    https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/08/rethinking-retirement-finance-reverse-mortgages/

    Rethinking Retirement Finance is a new weekly HECM World show exploring the research and strategies shaping retirement planning — and what they mean for reverse mortgage professionals and their clients.

    New episodes every Thursday.

    About Dr. Wade Pfau

    Dr. Wade D. Pfau, PhD, CFA, RICP® is the founder of Retirement Researcher, co-founder of the Retirement Income Style Awareness tool and co-host of the Retire with Style podcast. He is principal and director of retirement research at McLean Asset Management, a Research Fellow with the LIMRA Retirement Income Institute and a professor of practice at The American College of Financial Services.

    He is the author of four books, including:

    He is the author of four books, including:

    Retirement Planning Guidebook
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/1945640197/

    Reverse Mortgages: How to use Reverse Mortgages to Secure Your Retirement
    https://www.amazon.com/Reverse-Mortgages-Secure-Retirement-Researcher/dp/194564012X/

    19 min
  16. Food For Thought: Why October Is A Key Month For Reverse Mortgage Conversations

    Episode 974

    Show notes

    October brings a unique convergence of retirement decisions: Social Security adjustments, Medicare open enrollment, insurance renewals, property taxes and rising seasonal expenses.

    For many older homeowners, it’s the time of year when one question becomes increasingly important: “Am I going to be okay next year?”

    In this edition of Food for Thought, Lisa Moriello, CRMP, National Retail Reverse Sales Manager at loanDepot, explains why reverse mortgage professionals should be paying particular attention to October.

    Lisa shares three practical ways originators can add value right now — reconnecting with clients before they call, building relationships with Medicare agents, and helping bring home equity into the broader retirement-income conversation.

    As Lisa puts it: “You’re not the loan officer calling to sell. You’re the professional who knew what month it was.”

    Watch the full episode for Lisa’s practical approach to making October count.

    Read the full article: https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/07/food-for-thought-october-retirement-planning-reverse-mortgage/

    Check out http://hecmworld.com and subscribe so you don’t miss a thing

    5 min
  17. Industry Leader Insights Roundtable: Build Teams, Scale Production & Grow Reverse Mortgages

    Episode 975

    Show notes

    What changes when a successful originator becomes responsible for building a team, coaching others and scaling production?

    In Part 2 of HECM World’s Leaders Roundtable, Shain Urwin, CRMP, Christina Harmes, CRMP, and Gabe Bodner move beyond individual performance to tackle the bigger questions around leadership and growth in the reverse mortgage industry.

    The panel discusses why successful processes need to be documented, how to coach different types of originators, where strong forward mortgage producers may fit into reverse, and how leaders can build a high-performance culture without losing sight of the borrower.

    They also get candid about compensation, client-first decision making and what the industry needs to do differently if it wants to reach more older homeowners.

    Watch the full Industry Leader Insights conversation and read more here: https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/05/industry-leader-insights-leaders-roundtable-build-teams-scale-production/

    23 min
  18. HECM World Weekly, Ep 951: Softer Inflation, Rising Retirement Costs And Falling HECM Volume

    Episode 976

    Show notes

    Inflation offered some relief this week, with the Fed’s preferred measure coming in softer than expected and easing some of the immediate pressure for another rate increase.

    But the broader picture remains challenging. Mortgage rates are still above 7%, sellers are cutting prices at the highest September rate in years, and new research is highlighting growing financial pressure on older homeowners.

    This week:

    • Softer inflation cools expectations for another immediate rate hike
    • Mortgage rates remain above 7% as housing activity stays under pressure
    • More sellers cut prices as affordability remains strained
    • Longbridge finds inflation and housing costs weighing on older homeowners
    • $250,000 now covers less than three years of long-term care on average
    • The U.S. slips again in a global retirement-security ranking
    • Fiscal year 2026 HECM endorsements are in, along with HECM World’s latest industry reports show movement across the market
    • And more!

    Watch or listen to the latest HECM World Weekly.

    Get all the details here:
    https://hecmworld.com/2026/10/02/hecm-world-weekly-softer-inflation-rising-retirement-costs/

    Subscribe for the latest reverse mortgage and home equity finance insights at HECMWorld.com.

    13 min
  19. Food For Thought: The Customer Journey Problem Isn’t Always the Delay — It’s the Silence

    Episode 971

    Show notes

    A long wait is one thing. Not knowing what’s happening is another.

    In this Food For Thought, Jason Back of Broker Essentials uses a frustrating airport experience in Barcelona to highlight a common weakness in the mortgage customer journey: silence.

    As mortgage businesses increasingly rely on automation, CRMs, portals and digital processes, Jason argues that efficiency only works when customers still understand where they are, what happens next and what they need to do.

    He shares three practical ways mortgage professionals can improve the client experience, including identifying communication gaps, providing updates before customers have to ask, and making someone responsible for viewing the process from the customer’s perspective.

    Read the full article: [INSERT LINK]

    Subscribe to HECM World for more insights from leaders across the reverse mortgage industry.

    Visit HECMWorld.com for more news, interviews and analysis.

    7 min
  20. Industry Leader Insights Roundtable: What Separates Successful Originators in a Tough Market

    Episode 972

    Show notes

    What separates the reverse mortgage originators who consistently perform from those who struggle to gain traction?

    In Part 1 of this special Industry Leader Insights roundtable, Andrew Montesi is joined by three leading voices in reverse mortgage sales:

    • Shain Urwin, CRMP, National Reverse Mortgage Director at C2 Financial
    • Christina Harmes, CRMP, Reverse Mortgage Division Director at Barrett Financial
    • Gabe Bodner, President of the 55+ Mortgage Division at OneTrust Home Loans

    Together, they unpack the habits, disciplines and sales fundamentals that drive individual success — from prospecting and preparation to metrics, mentorship, empathy and long-term follow-up.

    The panel also gets into one of the biggest challenges facing originators today: how to respond when rates, housing conditions, regulation and consumer perceptions are largely outside your control.

    This is a practical conversation built around real experience, including what these leaders have learned the hard way and how they coach originators who are working hard but not seeing enough results.

    Watch or listen to Part 1 now, and come back for Part 2 as the discussion shifts to scale, coaching, team development and building a high-performance reverse mortgage business.

    Get the full article and details: https://hecmworld.com/2026/09/28/industry-leader-insights-leaders-roundtable-successful-originators-tough-market/

    Subscribe and get the latest reverse mortgage industry news and insights at hecmworld.com

    22 min