What can I expect to learn from my housing counseling appointment?
Accredited housing counselors work with seniors to help them evaluate the viability of a reverse mortgage loan by looking at the borrowers:
Current budget
Monthly income
Loan risks
Loan benefits
Interest rates
Associated fees
HUD-approved HECM housing counselors are required to use loan comparison and analysis software that meets the requirements established by the AARP. Certified counselors must also adhere to the AARP Foundation Reverse Mortgage Education Project counseling policies and procedures. Because it is their job to help insure that you are making a responsible financial decision, they may also review financial options with you.
The AARP Foundation Reverse Mortgage Education Project regulates a national network of HUD-approved HECM housing counseling agencies by administering the exam that certifies counselors for HUD-approved HECM housing counseling agencies. HUD's National HECM Counseling Network consists of the exam's highest scoring counselors. That means that that you can be sure that they are charged with looking out for your best interest.
Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Counseling Providers– National
NFCC – National Foundation for Credit Counseling – (866) 698-6322 MMI – Money Management International - (877) 908-2227 AARP- (800) 209-8085 NCOA – National Council on Aging – (800) 510-0301 Credibility of Atlanta (CCCS of ATL) – (866) 616-3716
Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Counseling – Local/Area
Family Services Agency - CCCS 7075 Golden Oaks Loop West, Suite 12 Southaven, MS 38671 Phone Number: (662) 536-4931
Consumer Credit Counseling of Arkansas P.O. Box 10290 Fayetteville, AR 72703 Toll-Free: 1-800-889-4916 Website: http://www.ccoacares.com
Housing Education and Economic Development, Inc. 3405 Medgar Evers Blvd. Jackson, MS39213-6360 Phone:(601) 981-1960 Website:www2.netdoor.com/~heed/
CCCS of Greater New Orleans, Inc. 1018 North Gloster, Suite H Tupelo, MS38804 Toll-Free:(800) 850-2227 Website: www.moneymanagement.org