The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) published a mortgagee letter reminding lenders participating in the agency’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program to make certain senior borrowers are fully informed of all their options when applying for reverse mortgages.  

The FHA’s mortgagee letter also reinforces the agency’s prohibition against misleading or deceptive advertising and that this prohibition extends to misleading or deceptive descriptions of the HECM program.

FHA’s guidance is intended to protect HECM borrowers from misleading advertising and presentations that appear to limit their options rather than informing them of the full range of available HECM offerings.

“Senior borrowers deserve freedom of choice when considering whether a reverse mortgage is appropriate for them,” said FHA Commissioner Carol Galante.  “This guidance is intended to make sure lenders know we’re keeping a watchful eye on their marketing and advertising practices that might steer borrowers toward reverse mortgage options that limit their available choices.”

FHA-approved lenders are required to explain in clear, consistent language all requirements and features of the HECM program and may not mislead or otherwise cause a senior borrower to believe that the HECM product contains any features or limitations that are inconsistent with FHA’s requirements. For example, the mortgagee must explain:

• FHA insures fixed interest rate mortgages, as well as annual and monthly adjustable interest rate mortgages;
• The borrower has the ability to change the method of payment under the reverse mortgage adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) products at any time provided funds are available;
• Fixed interest rate mortgages are limited to the Single Disbursement Lump Sum payment option where there is a one-time draw at loan closing and no future draws post loan closing;
• Adjustable interest rate mortgages provide for five flexible payment options and allow future draws;
• The amount of funds available to the mortgagor is currently determined by the age of the youngest mortgagor; and
• The disbursement of mortgage proceeds during the first twelve-month disbursement period is subject to an initial disbursement limit as determined by requirements set by the secretary.

Lenders are prohibited from using any misleading or misrepresentative advertising or marketing materials in connection with the HECM program or from making any statement or representation that could mislead a mortgagor as to his or her rights under a HECM. In addition, mortgagees may not state or imply that as a result of their approval to participate in FHA programs that any of their products have been endorsed by FHA or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). All advertisements or marketing materials used in connection with the HECM program must include a prominently displayed disclaimer that clearly informs the public that such materials are not from HUD or FHA and the document was not approved by the department or government agency.

Read FHA’s Mortgagee Letter.