I received an overwhelming number of questions and comments in response to last week's article on websites and social networking for reverse mortgages. It stands to reason to address these right now and offer some further explanation about why I consider this so important and what I found that made all the difference, since I am decidedly not the guru in this area.
If you are not adept at all this social networking stuff, don't despair. I have about enough knowledge in this area to fill a thimble, but what I do know is how to find the right person to give me the tools to make it work and make me look like a genius.
There it is, you now have my secret. If you lack the knowledge in a particular area but you know that this is crucial to your success in an ever changing landscape, you have a couple of options: 1) sit around and mope about it (No!); 2) take the time and expense to learn it yourself (this may be the best option for some); or my favorite, 3) seek out the top person in that area and align yourself with them to have the tools needed right at your fingertips.
In the last article we touched on the fact that the kids are doing research for mom and dad before they ever contact you directly. That is not the only benefit from social networking. I have also made some great professional contacts in my area. These professionals saw my posts on these sites and either contacted me or "asked for an introduction" through a mutual connection.
When I can use a method such as this to increase my sphere (prospects and professionals) for such a minimal effort, I am sold. In fact, I am so sold that I have asked the expert in this field whom I used to get these results for me to offer a presentation on the topic.
If you are interested in attending this presentation, which will be in the form of a webinar on June 9, just send an email to sue@reversemortgagesuccess.com and I'll get the details for you.
To answer the most asked question about your reverse mortgage website, whether you should have a calculator, I find that is a personal decision. Some may want the prospect to contact them for a quote, while others are concerned that it's better to let the senior run their own numbers and then make the contact if interested.
Does this perhaps weed out (save time) those who do not qualify? Sure. But are you missing an opportunity to talk about a forward loan if a reverse is not an option? My advice is to be sure you have a mechanism to capture the contact information on everyone who is getting a quote if you choose to have a calculator. Make the most of these tools and continue to build your success - in reverse.
Sue Haviland is a reverse mortgage consultant in Baltimore and the founder of Reverse Mortgage Success, a leader in the training and education for originators around the country in the rapidly growing reverse mortgage arena. Ms. Haviland has worked in the lending industry since 1981. She has been originating reverse mortgages for the last six years and still originates loans every day. She has helped hundreds of families all over the country in the last several years. She also shares her knowledge of this market in presentations before the Women's Council of Realtors, Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of Professional Mortgage Women, and SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialists, Brian Sacks' Insider Seminars, as well as the public. She is a Certified Senior Advisor and is active in many professional organizations. Sign up for her free seven-part mini-course at
