Blog

For many homeowners, the question isn’t whether to tap into home equity - it’s how to do it wisely. Two common options are a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), also known as the FHA-insured reverse mortgage loan, and a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). While they may sound similar, the way they function - and the role they play in retirement planning - is very different. 1. Repayment Obligations Reverse Mortgage Loan (HECM): With a reverse mortgage loan, no monthly pr

Retirement — or the years leading up to it — can feel like a tug-of-war between what you can control and what you can’t. Markets fluctuate. Health changes. Family needs evolve. But peace doesn’t come from controlling everything; it comes from knowing where your control truly lives — and living there intentionally. Here are ten things no algorithm, economy, or news cycle can take from you. Your Sense of Awe Pause when something beautiful interrupts you — morning light through

Financial advisors often face the same challenge with clients: they see the long-term benefits of a Roth IRA conversion but hesitate when it comes to paying the tax bill. Using retirement assets to cover conversion taxes can create ripple effects - from triggering higher taxable income to forcing sales during down markets. There is another way to create liquidity: the reverse mortgage loan. While often misunderstood, this tool can give clients age 62 and older more flexibilit

For a lot of retirees, a primary concern is about how much they can spend. But what often matters more is when they spend it. It’s the classic sequence-of-return problem: when markets fall early in retirement, withdrawals can lock in losses from which the portfolio never recovers. Here’s where the reverse mortgage loan enters the picture; not as a last resort, but as a strategic buffer that can protect investments when they’re most vulnerable. Same Returns, Different Results.

When people reach out to talk about a reverse mortgage, the conversation almost never starts with numbers. It starts with life; with stories, worries, and what-ifs. And that’s exactly where I like to begin. Every homeowner I meet has a unique story that deserves the time, attention, and honesty to be fully heard. The product is always secondary. Plus, I love a great story — learning what excites someone, what makes them nervous, and which moments they’ll cherish forever. This

Rising healthcare costs are an increasing burden on many seniors in Minnesota. Assisted living facilities can easily cost $10k/month for...

Jay has a new job title! He joins the Loan Atlas as a Faculty Member and Board Advisor. The Loan Atlas is a community and learning...

Let's unravel the myth and explore the nuances of why getting a home loan with your bank isn't always the seamless journey it's made out...

Whether it's from family, friends, or a loved one, receiving a gifted down payment can be a game-changer in realizing your homeownership...

Where would you rather live? A $425k condo with one bedroom, two bathrooms, and a view of the neighboring skyscrapers, or a $700k condo...

Many aspiring homeowners believe that their student loans will restrict their ability to purchase a home. Understanding how student loans...

Dear friends, Spring is in the air, and I hope this finds you well. As a young boy, I remember watching the Twins win the World Series in...

Dreaming of owning your own home but feeling overwhelmed by the financial hurdles? FHA financing might just be the key to turning your...

Should I get “Pre-Qualified” or “Pre-Approved” when looking for a home? It is important to know the answer to this question. Both of them...

There’s a stereotype out there–perhaps a justifiable one–about the reluctance of seniors to use modern technology and their dependence on...

Buying a home isn't just about four walls and a roof; it often involves becoming a part of a community governed by a Homeowners...

So what’s going on with the National Association of Realtors lawsuit? We've seen headlines that real estate commissions are changing...

Did you know that the amount of your Social Security distributions depends on the age you start receiving them? You can start receiving...

The decision to buy a home is one of the most significant milestones in life—a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and...

Dear Friends, I’m always searching for quotes, insights and ideas to share with you to make these letters insightful and valuable (and...