As many readers of this column know, I try to focus on practical items that affect the "on the street" loan originator who is in the reverse arena. No pie in the sky, no using the readers as guinea pigs for a new untested strategy. With that in mind, I'm throwing out a call to action: What is it that you want to see in this column in 2010? Are you looking for marketing strategies? Have you been relying on direct mail that is just not producing results anymore? Maybe it's a script that needs tweaking. Having trouble with that "kitchen table talk?" Wish you could increase your closing ratio? Perhaps if you are new to the reverse space it's something more basic.
Tell me what you are looking for in 2010 and I'll do the rest. I'll let the readers drive the content by suggesting the topics are of most concern to you. Maybe it's an underwriting issue you have experienced. Are conversations with the kids or other family members a stumbling block for you? Want to be sure your advertising is appropriate and suitable and producing the desired results? Is your website in need of an overhaul? Now is the time.
Let's get down to brass tacks and make 2010 a great year. It's up to us to keep the message positive, to counterbalance the media stories that are often negative, and to be there for our seniors.
You are not alone out there. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need. I look forward to hearing your suggestions and ideas to make the upcoming year a truly successful one - 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. Sign up for her free seven-part mini-course at
