In a lawsuit filed late last week in the U.S. District Court of California's Central District, the CFPB alleged that Irvine, California-based American Advisors Group (AAG) sent borrowers deceptive and inflated home estimates in direct mailers to convince consumers to take out a reverse mortgage.

Specifically, the CFPB alleges that AAG: Deceptively inflated home values: In marketing their reverse mortgage products, AAG provided consumers with inflated estimates of home values to entice them to enter into negotiations to open a reverse mortgage.

Reverse mortgages are government-insured loans that allow seniors above the age of 62 to access the equity in their homes and receive it as cash to use. The key benefit is that borrowers get to stay in their homes until the loan matures, or as long as they comply with all loan terms.

Plano, Texas-based Finance of America Companies Inc. (FOA) said Monday it closed March 31 on its previously announced deal to acquire the assets of American Advisors Group (AAG), a direct-to-consumer reverse mortgage lender.

Reverse mortgages can be expensive, compared to other types of loans. They can also put the borrower at risk of foreclosure and losing their home in certain cases. A spouse who qualifies may be able to remain in the home if their spouse dies or moves into a nursing home.

Selleck Says: A Reverse Mortgage Turns Your Home Equity into Cash That You Pay Off When You Leave the House. This statement can be a little bit misleading. It is not incorrect, but not fully accurate either. Yes, the loan turns your home equity into cash.

Starwood Capital Group Executives at RMF, which is owned by entities controlled by private equity giant Starwood Capital Group, declined to answer questions. A spokesperson referred RMD to the bankruptcy filings.

U.S. Bank has agreed to pay the United States $200 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly originating and underwriting mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that did not meet applicable requirements, the Justice Department announced today.

A big downside to reverse mortgages is the loss of home equity. Because you're not paying down your reverse mortgage balance, you'll make less profit when you sell, or limit your borrowing power if you need a new loan. You'll pay high upfront fees.

Just like a traditional mortgage, with a HECM you are borrowing money and using your home as security for the loan. You must continue to pay for property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and make repairs needed to maintain your home or the lender can foreclose on the home.

Following the asset acquisition of AAG by FAR in April 2023, FAR and AAG together make up one of the largest reverse mortgage companies in the US. The company is licensed nationally (NMLS #2285) and is a proud member of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA).

Key Differences Between Reverse Mortgages and HECMs Reverse mortgages are available to consumers who are 55 and older in most states while HECMs are only available if you are 62 or older. HECMs also have more flexibility in their payout options while reverse mortgages only offer a single-lump sum in most cases.