Tom Selleck Named American Advisors Group National Spokesman

reverse mortgage news

Acclaimed actor to help expand awareness  about reverse mortgage loans for retirement planning 

Orange, Calif. (June 2016) – American Advisors Group (AAG), the leading reverse mortgage lender in the U.S., today announced Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor Tom Selleck as its national spokesperson. Selleck is currently starring as NYPD Commissioner Frank Reagan on the CBS hit series “Blue Bloods” and is also the star of the popular “Jesse Stone” movie franchise based on the Robert B. Parker novels.

The announcement kicks off AAG’s launch of a refreshed, multi-faceted marketing campaign, which will include ads, a new AAG tagline and updated collateral. Together with Selleck, the company will continue to focus efforts on educating older Americans, their family members and caregivers about reverse mortgage loans that can help achieve financial stability in retirement.

Selleck - TomAfter the passing of AAG’s previous spokesperson, former Senator Fred Thompson, the company spent months exploring potential spokespeople to represent the AAG brand. According to Chief Creative Officer Teague McGrath, “Our research reinforced the widespread recognition and respect that Tom Selleck has garnered among Americans and crosses generations. We believe he is the best candidate for the job and we’re thrilled to have him on board.”

A U.S. Army veteran, Selleck served in the 160th Infantry of the California Army National Guard from 1967 to 1973 and has worked tirelessly on behalf of veterans through various organizations. In 1997, Congress awarded Selleck the Horizon Award. This honor is presented to individuals from the private sector who have contributed to expanding opportunities for all Americans through their own personal contributions, and have set exceptional examples for young people through their successes in life. Selleck is particularly proud of being a board member of the Josephson Institute of Ethics, as the national spokesperson for the Character Counts Coalition. He considers himself privileged to have served together with the late Barbara Jordan, a hero of his who also served as the first African American female elected to the United States House of Representatives.

AAG Chief Executive Officer Reza Jahangiri added, “It’s critical we partner with a spokesperson that older homeowners trust and with whom they feel a connection.” He explained, “I am confident that Tom, with his stature and credibility, will greatly assist us in continuing the conversation about the importance of home equity in retirement planning. He has been a welcome guest in American households for nearly 50 years and his record of service speaks for itself. We’re proud he’s part of the team.”

About his new role, Selleck said, “I am pleased and proud to be working with AAG.  It was, after all, Fred Thompson who sparked my interest in reverse mortgages. I strongly believe that it is important for many Americans 62 and older, and just as importantly for their families, to know that a reverse mortgage can help them stay in their homes without giving up their ownership.”

About American Advisors Group

American Advisors Group (AAG) is the nation’s leader in reverse mortgage lending. We are dedicated to assisting American seniors convert a portion of their home equity, a largely untapped asset, to help fund their retirement needs.

AAG holds an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, has a 96% customer satisfaction rating and is a proud member of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA). To learn more about American Advisors Group and reverse mortgages, please visit the company’s website at www.aag.com, on Facebook and on Twitter.

For media inquiries, please contact Laura Turtzer at 949-751-4481 or email pr@aag.com.

VP of National Association of Appraisers Joins Landmark Network as Chief Appraiser

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John Dingeman: Chief Appraiser, Landmark Network

Van Nuys, CA, March 14, 2016 –

Landmark Network, Inc., a leading provider of valuation management services and technology for lenders and brokers, announced the addition of John Dingeman to their team as Chief Appraiser. In his role, Mr. Dingeman will be responsible for all planning, organization, and supervision over appraisal quality control functions.

“I am extremely honored and fortunate to have this opportunity; an opportunity to join a team of like-minded, dedicated and driven individuals who are interested in serving our clients, valued panel appraisers and especially the consumer.  Together we will work towards our continued success and escalate our status as the preferred Appraisal Management Company for all lenders and a trusted partner for all appraiser vendors.”

-John Dingeman

Mr. Dingeman is a California, Arizona and Nevada Certified Residential Appraiser and registered Property Tax Agent in Arizona.  He also serves as the Past President and Lobbyist for the Coalition of Arizona Appraisers (CoAA), and is the current Vice-President of the National Association of Appraisers (NAA). He has extensive experience in the appraisal of single-family residential dwellings, small income producing properties, and vacant land. He is also an FHA appraiser and specializes in HUD/REO properties. Mr. Dingeman has assisted in the development of continuing education course materials approved by the Arizona Board of Appraisal and is a faculty member and continuing education instructor for the Columbia Institute.

“We’re excited to have John join the Landmark team.  He brings a solid reputation and years of appraisal industry experience to the position and we look forward to him strengthening both our client and vendor relationships.”  – Hunter Gorog, President & COO

About Landmark Network:

Landmark Network is a Los Angeles-based appraisal management company that offers a full range of national valuation and technology solutions. With a branch office in New Jersey and an east coast operations center in Maine, Landmark stands apart by paying premium rates and selecting appraisers based on the specifics of each assignment. Landmark included on Inc. Magazine’s Fastest Growing Companies for 3 out of the last 5 years; and was named a top Service Provider by Mortgage Executive Magazine.

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For inquiries:

Erik Richard CEO erichard@landmarknetwork.com 888.272.1214×704
Hunter Gorog President & COO hgorog@landmarknetwork.com 888.272.1214×706

 

Home Point Financial Hires Steven Sless

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Leslie Kiesel

734-256-4456

Home Point Financial Hires Steven J. Sless as Towson, MD Branch Manager

Ann Arbor, Michigan – February 19, 2016 – Home Point Financial Corporation (“Home Point Financial”) announced Steven J. Sless has joined as Branch Manager of their Towson, Maryland branch to focus on the continued expansion of their reverse mortgage channel. Steven will manage the day-to-day operations, hold local events and connect with potential borrowers by expanding on his innovative seminar series.

“Steven brings both management and tactical experience to help expand our footprint quickly. With his successful track record and community roots, he adds an important piece to our growing program.” said Josh Shein, Senior Director – Reverse Lending.

Previous to his new position at Home Point Financial, Mr. Sless was a managing partner at Bayshore Reverse Mortgage and an originator with Maverick Funding’s Reverse Mortgage Network. He brings a wealth of knowledge and has built a reputation as a skilled communicator through public workshops, industry publications and national media spotlights.

“I’m excited to build on the foundation that has been started by bringing in talented and passionate reverse mortgage professionals who share the same vision as Home Point,” Steven added about his new role.

 

About Home Point Financial Corporation

Home Point Financial is a nationwide mortgage banking business focused on multi-channel residential mortgage origination and servicing. Home Point Financial is a subsidiary of Home Point Capital LP, a financial services holding company founded in 2014 and owned by members of management and by investment funds managed by Stone Point Capital LLC.  For further information about Home Point Financial, please visit our website www.homepointfinancial.com. 

AAG Unveils New Commercial

American Advisors Group’s Newest Television Commercial Features Noted Academics

Orange, Calif. (February 10, 2016) – American Advisors Group (AAG), the leading reverse mortgage lender in the nation, today announced the launch of its new television commercial. The 120-second spot, depicting reverse mortgage as a viable retirement planning tool, is airing now and scheduled to run over the next quarter.

The spot features noted academics David W. Johnson, Ph.D., associate professor of finance at Maryville University, and Barbara Howard, MBA, finance; MA, gerontology and adjunct professor at University of Bridgeport. The two professors emphasize the importance of a reverse mortgage loan as a flexible financial solution during a time when traditional sources of retirement income may not provide enough financial stability for today’s retirees.

reverse mortgage newsThe commercial debuts as academics garner mainstream media coverage about a national crisis faced by older Americans—about two-thirds of seniors are not financially prepared for retirement. Financial experts are encouraging homeowners age 62 and older to consider converting their home equity as a means to help fund ongoing expenses, including medical costs and long-term care. The spot also highlights a reverse mortgage standby line of credit available for homeowners to use when they need it most.

“The new AAG commercial sheds light on how reverse mortgage loans are becoming widely accepted by academics and experts as a versatile financial solution to help seniors achieve retirement security,” AAG Chief Creative Officer Teague McGrath explains. He continues, “At AAG our mission is to help educate consumers on the advantages of this powerful tool, and the experts’ confidence in the product provides valuable third-party credibility.”

This is the first new commercial to be produced following the death of AAG national spokesperson Fred Thompson in November of 2015. The ad serves as a starting point for the company’s larger, multi-faceted marketing approach that will feature a complete refresh of AAG’s creative materials later in the year.

The ad will run across cable and national networks, including ABC, NBC and CBS. It can also be viewed here.

About American Advisors Group

 

American Advisors Group (AAG) is the nation’s leader in reverse mortgage lending. We are dedicated to helping American seniors convert a portion of their home equity, a largely untapped asset, to help fund their retirement needs.

AAG holds an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, has a 96 percent customer satisfaction rating and is a proud member of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA). To learn more about American Advisors Group and reverse mortgages, please visit the company’s website at www.aag.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AAGreverse and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AAGreverse.

Reverse Focus Adds New Team Member with 
Emphasis on Strategic Growth



In their eighth year as the industry’s leading provider of technology, tools and training Reverse Focus, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Elissa Shaner as Account Manager.

Elissa Shaner: Account Manager
Elissa Shaner: Account Manager

Elissa brings over 15 years of technical training experience, a decade of experience implementing software, and an impressive record of successful business development to Reverse Focus. As a technical trainer, she received accolades from Universities around the country and from companies such as Cengage Learning and HSBC. As an Account Executive, at Turning Technologies, she built some the company’s largest accounts, including the University of Washington, Boise State, CSU Chico and Humboldt State University. She is looking forward to bringing her expertise to the Reverse Mortgage industry.

“In her short time here Elissa has greatly improved level of service and implementation of new clients to Reverse Focus and Sales Engine CRM”, said company president Shannon Hicks.

“I was most impressed with her ‘raving fans’ approach to customer service”, said Eric Hiatt, Reverse Focus CEO.

Elissa is solely dedicated to assisting companies and lenders to implement Reverse Focus technologies into their business practices for growth and improved efficiency.

Elisssa can be contacted at elissa@reversefocus.com or at 1-800-805-9328 X2.

 

Bayshore Reverse Mortgage Celebrates Exceeding 2015 Expectations,

reverse mortgage news

 Announces September Move Into New Timonium, MD, Office Space

While the team behind Bayshore Mortgage Funding DBA Bayshore Reverse Mortgage (BRM) had every confidence 2015 would be a stellar year, the company’s performance completely exceeded expectations. Celebrating the success and preparing for continued growth, BRM recently announced that work has begun on their new spacious Timonium, MD, offices, with a September 2015 move scheduled.

To say there’s interest in Maryland in a company that delivers reverse mortgages in a fair and ethical way would be an understatement. In just under one year, Timonium-based Bayshore Reverse Mortgage has completely smashed all expectations both in the volume of work done and in customer satisfaction levels. The company recently announced their gratitude to all involved for helping them cross this milestone and that work is now underway in a new, efficient office space in Timonium better suited to meet the active company’s needs. BRM is scheduled to move into its new offices in September 2015.

“I strongly believe that our success is owed to two key factors,” commented Managing Partner Steven J. Sless. “The first is the amazing team that we have assembled. Every member of our dedicated team shares our genuine passion for helping seniors achieve peace of mind and a more secure retirement. The second key factor is our commitment to being a true boutique-style company. Our pledge to provide customized service, personal attention, responsiveness, accountability, and accessibility is what our clients say makes us unique.”

reverse mortgage newsBayshore Reverse Mortgage offers not only reverse mortgages but also diverse programs such as innovative seminars led by Mr. Sless and partner Ian Sandler. The goal of these seminars is to help educate customers on the ins and outs of the reverse mortgage option. The company believes that knowledge is power and prefers to establish long-term relationships with satisfied customers rather than see customers rush into a situation they may not fully understand or be comfortable with. This proactive approach has been credited by many clients who are now close friends as being a large positive of working with the Timonium-based company.

Reviews from customers continue to be overwhelmingly positive. Chris C. from Maryland recently said, “Bayshore Reverse Mortgage was really in the right place at the right time for my family. My parents didn’t quite understand a reverse mortgage, but the team at Bayshore took the time to explain it thoroughly. The end result is that they are very happy, and my family will certainly do business with Bayshore Reverse Mortgage again, as well as recommend them to our friends. Five stars.”

The new offices of Bayshore Reverse Mortgage will be located at 1922 Greenspring Drive, Suite 3, Timonium, Maryland 21093.

Bayshore Reverse Mortgage is currently expanding its team of dedicated professionals and is looking for top-producing reverse mortgage loan originators to join the company on the road to success.

For more information, visit bayshorereverse.com or check out the very active Facebook page www.facebook.com/bayshorereverse

 

Retirement Funding Solutions Inks an Exclusive Deal with Shelley Giordano and Longevity View, LLC

Giordano to Provide Training & Support on Financial Advisor Model

San Diego, Calif., June 2, 2015—Retirement Funding Solutions (RFS), a Division of Synergy One Lending, announced today that it has entered into an exclusive engagement with Longevity View, LLC, a consulting firm owned by Shelley Giordano. Giordano will provide comprehensive educational training, sales, coaching and mentoring services to support the Retirement Funding Solutions originators

The firm has been engaged to collaborate with the Retirement Funding Solutions sales force and marketing arm to create a learning community. The result will be a sophisticated professional team able to deliver the powerful message that housing wealth may provide a more secure retirement for millions of Boomer retirees. With this specialized training, Retirement Funding Solutions originators will differentiate themselves. Their proficiency in both product knowledge and relationship sales theory will earn them the trust, and resulting referrals, from the financial services providers in their local markets.

Shelley has distinguished herself as the preeminent thought leader as it relates to home equity wealth and other leading retirement topics. Until recently, Shelley has been focused almost entirely on the HECM product as a viable retirement solution for the mass affluent,”

stated Torrey Larsen, CEO of Synergy One Lending, the parent company of Retirement Funding Solutions.

Longevity View, under Shelley’s direction, will now take a wider view on aging and retirement that impact the Boomer generation. Retirement Funding Solutions will work closely with Shelley in order to identify and address the ever changing needs of this demographic.”

Additionally, Retirement Funding Solutions will help fund other collaborative activities like the Funding Longevity Task Force. RFS will be one of three RM Companies that will have a seat at the table and be able to participate with this elite group of thought leaders. The members include Rita Cheng, CFP ®, Blue Ocean Global Wealth, Washington, DC, Barry Sacks, Ph.D., J.D., former tax and pension lawyer in San Francisco, John Salter, Ph.D., CFP®, Associate Professor of Financial Planning Texas Tech University, Sandra Timmermann, Ed.D., former Director of the Mature Market Institute, Tom Davison, Ph.D., CFP ®, and Wade Pfau, Ph.D., Professor of Retirement Income at the American College.

“The selection of Retirement Funding Solutions was both strategic and relational for me, as I have worked closely with their Leadership Team for the past several years. Even more significantly Torrey Larsen and I together co-founded the Task Force in late 2012. When we started, the objective was simple: develop an advisory board that could influence how the use of housing wealth was viewed by the Financial Advisor community by using quantitative analysis as the basis of our research,” explained Shelley Giordano. “I believe the TEAM has made great progress to date and the tide of acceptance has begun to turn. There is still work to be done, but I am seeing a significant opportunity ahead for the industry.”

About RFS

Retirement Funding Solutions is an operating Division of Synergy One Lending and currently lends in 21 states with license applications pending in 17 additional states. The firm offers a diversified mix of reverse and forward products through a variety of distribution channels, including retail, consumer direct, and wholesale to support its lending efforts. Synergy One Lending is a FHA and VA Approved Lender and is based in San Diego, Calif.

For more information on Synergy One Lending, visit www.s1lending.com. For more information on Retirement Funding Solutions, visit at www.rfslends.com

Retirement Funding Solutions Hires Alex Pistone as President

Top Industry Executive Accepts Leadership Role

Retirement Funding Solutions, the Reverse Mortgage Division of Synergy One Lending, Inc., has secured a top industry executive in Alex Pistone. Pistone has been brought on as a partner of RFS and will lead the organization as its President. Most recently, Pistone was Senior Vice President at S1L/RMS, where he was responsible for the firm’s national retail sales force.

“Alex has consistently demonstrated servant leadership throughout his career and he embodies our organizational core values. I am very thankful for the commitment Alex has made to RFS and look forward to seeing him reach his potential as a leader of a large, national firm,” explained Torrey Larsen, CEO of Synergy One Lending. “Retirement Funding Solutions will expand the right way under Alex, and the reputation of this Company will be built by Alex and a great TEAM of individuals who will contribute in unique and meaningful ways.”

reverse mortgage news, retirement funding solutionsRetirement Funding Solutions will be positioned as a unique option for Originators who wish to focus on the future of the industry. While at S1L, both Larsen and Pistone had a role in the formation of the Funding Longevity Task Force, which Shelley Giordano Co-founded and leads to this day. Additionally, the Emerging Markets Division was organized in 2011, which focused on the future of the HECM space; the Builder, Realtor and Financial Advisor segments of the market. Today, those segments are the focal point of every firm in a post FA environment. RFS has established a Strategic Initiatives Division, which will focus on the next phase of initiatives that can shape the future of the Firm and the Industry.

“I am thrilled to be working with a proven and experienced management team with whom I share the same principles and business objectives”, explained Pistone. “I look forward to operating a customer-centric company with a culture of teamwork, integrity, and respect; which will result in high levels of service to our customers as well as a rewarding career path for our associates.”

RFS is hiring now. For Employment Opportunities: Click here to learn more.

 

Fidelity Homestead Associates Receives BBB Accreditation

reverse mortgage news

FHA-BBB

CLEVELAND — The Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland (BBB) has awarded its prestigious accreditation status to Fidelity Homestead Associates, a contractor management group that specializes in home repair and restoration for the mortgage industry.

“We are proud to be a BBB Accredited Business,” said David A. Michael, Jr., President of Fidelity Homestead Associates. “It signifies our commitment to customer service, reliability and trust. Our acknowledgment by the BBB aligns with and supports our efforts of providing superior service in the marketplace.”

Fidelity Homestead Associates offers a wide variety of inspection, repair and renovation services. A BBB member since 2012, this is the first year Fidelity Homestead Associates has received accreditation status.

“Accreditation is an honor as many businesses are not eligible,” said Sue McConnell, BBB President. “Businesses that meet our high standards are invited to apply for accreditation.  Applicants undergo a review process and ultimate approval by our Board of Directors.”

Businesses seeking BBB accreditation must commit to the BBB Code of Business Practices. The Code is a comprehensive set of policies, procedures and best practices on how businesses treat consumers. These standards call for building trust, embodying integrity, advertising honestly and telling the truth, being transparent, honoring promises, being responsive and safeguarding privacy.

About Fidelity Homestead Associates

Fidelity Homestead Associates is a contractor management group that specializes in home repair and restoration for the mortgage industry, with a particular focus on FHA Reverse Mortgage pre-closing inspections and repairs. Fidelity provides a turnkey service with fast results, regardless of the location of the home or the size of the project. Processors and Loan Officers often need to assist their clients by helping them to obtain an estimate from licensed/insured contractors to meet current FHA standards for loan approval.

About the Better Business Bureau

BBB was founded in 1912 with a mission of fostering a fair marketplace and continues to be a resource for the public, providing objective, unbiased information about businesses. Reports on over three million businesses and charities are available at bbb.org/cleveland. A key piece of information that helps consumers make informed decisions is whether a company is BBB accredited. According to BBB, seven of 10 consumers say they are more likely to buy from a company designated as a BBB Accredited Business.