On this day before Thanksgiving 2009, I hope you all get to spend some time with family and friends over the holiday weekend. We have so much to be grateful for. I thank all the readers of this column for your commitment to the senior market. At a time when so many of our seniors are facing financial challenges, you remain in the forefront bringing the information they need. I hear from you week after week telling me the success stories that make what we do so unique. At the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association conference last week, I was able to speak with our peers from around the country and heard that many of us are dealing with the same issues. Property values remain a challenge in many parts of the country, the press is often mentioned as painting us in a less than favorable light. We can deal with all this; because we know what we do is important and brings real value to our clients.
We can all market in different ways and make use of the many strategies that are available to attract clients, but in the end, it all comes down to helping the senior, listening to their needs, and doing the right thing. I consider myself fortunate to be associated with you, the readers of this publication who share the goal of providing the best service we can to the senior community we serve.
Enjoy your time this weekend and as you celebrate, be confident in the fact that you represent a product for which your senior clients are truly thankful.
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. Sue 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. Sue is a Certified Senior Advisor and is active in many professional organizations. Sign up for her free seven-part mini-course at
