For the last few weeks, it seems that here in Baltimore where we've had a lollapalooza of a winter, everyone's in a funk. Yes it's been tough to get outside and the snow is finally almost gone. I've taken this time to look at a few projects I've been considering and also trying to figure out how to make the best of this time of the year. By the way, spring is only a couple of weeks away.
If you live in an area that's been hard hit this winter, here is a suggestion for increasing your reverse mortgage business. Have you been in contact with the local home improvement contractors and other professionals in this arena? They have probably received calls from senior homeowners who have some type of damage to their home. These folks are less likely to attempt even a minor repair themselves due to the risk of injury.
And yes some of this damage may be covered by the homeowner insurance policy, assuming of course that they are insured. Many are not. Perhaps these seniors would like to enlist the contractor to do some additional work while they are getting those repairs made.
Make a note this week to reach out to your local contractors and see how you can help them. Perhaps you have a reverse mortgage prospect that will need to do some repairs on their property.
Don't forget that seniors are also online more than we realize, and doubly so during these winter months. Many of you know what a fan I am of the newsletter. Is your newsletter available online? Let your senior clients know they have an option - they can get an online version or hard copy. You can "go green" and save yourself some postage cost at the same time.
Are you using video to communicate with your reverse mortgage prospects and their children? In our coaching group at
As the Baby Boomers move into their senior years, on line communication and marketing will become more crucial to your business, so be sure you have that covered. I have enlisted the help of a good friend and colleague, and together we have put together an event being held in Baltimore this spring. Check it out at
So even in these last weeks of winter, there are opportunities out there to continue to build your reverse mortgage business and serve our senior clients. Put down the shovel and get out there.
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
