California Reverse Mortgage Considerations

California-specific review points for counseling, licensing, notices, protections, and advisor questions.

California Reverse Mortgage Considerations
Direct Answer
California homeowners considering a reverse mortgage should review both federal reverse mortgage rules and California-specific protections, including counseling-related notices and limits around linked financial-product sales.
California Review Checklist
- Confirm the loan originator and company are properly licensed or exempt.
- Review the required California reverse mortgage notice and worksheet workflow.
- Complete required counseling before application milestones.
- Review whether annuity, insurance, or investment sales are being improperly tied to the loan.
- Discuss the loan with family, advisors, or counsel when appropriate.
- Compare alternatives before applying.
Advisor Questions
Attorneys, CPAs, fiduciaries, and financial planners may want to ask:
- Is the client trying to solve income, care, debt, housing, or estate-planning pressure?
- Is the client likely to remain in the home?
- Could taxes, insurance, repairs, or HOA dues become a problem?
- How would this affect heirs or a non-borrowing spouse?
- Is there pressure from a contractor, caregiver, investor, or salesperson?
Source Notes

Reviewed by Nick Cunningham, NMLS #907393. Educational content only, not personal financial, legal, tax, or benefits advice.