Home Equity Conversion Mortgage counseling is required for all individuals on title seeking a reverse mortgage*. Sons, daughters, relatives, or other interested parties are allowed to sit in on the telephone or face-to-face counseling session. The counseling is conducted by a non-profit third party and usually takes an hour to an hour and a half. The session can take place over the phone if the homeowner later meets the lender face-to-face for the application. If the counseling session is conducted face-to-face, the homeowner may have the application documents mailed to him/her as opposed to meeting the lender for application. A face-to-face meeting with Fairfield Mortgage is more efficient and is the recommended method for all applications. 

At the end of your counseling session you will receive a certificate of counseling. This original certificate is required to begin the reverse mortgage process and will be needed at application. If you have any questions about your current situation, for example power of attorney, guardianship, or medical conditions, please call us for direction. 

*There are different types of counseling for the different reverse mortgage products. The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage makes up 99% of Fairfield Mortgage’s reverse mortgage business and is therefore listed as the requirement. 

How To Schedule A Counseling Session

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National Foundation of Credit Counselors (NFCC), Money Management International (MMI), and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) counselors listed below are equally qualified to handle your counseling needs. You are more than welcome to use any counselor of your choice. All you have to do is request reverse mortgage counseling or home equity conversion mortgage counseling. 

HUD -	(800) 569-4287   Click here to Locate a counselor online by state
NFCC -	(866) 698-6322
MMI -	(877) 908-2227
AARP -	(800) 209-8085