Business Partner Update

Rhett Laufenburger

BUYorREFI Financial

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

A Note From Rhett Laufenburger

Cash Is King and HECM is a great option

What is a Government Insured HECM program?
HECM stands for Home Equity Conversion Mortgage. It is a federally insured and guaranteed program. The HECM is a safe way for you to access the equity in your home without ever making a mortgage payment.

How is this Program “safe” for Senior Homeowners?
No matter what happens in the economy, how much money you receive, or how long you live in your home you will never be required to make a mortgage payment. In addition, no matter what happens to your lender or your home’s value you have guaranteed access to your money.

Who owns the home if I take a Reverse Mortgage?
You own the home. However, you pledge the home as collateral.

What happens if, in the future, the Loan exceeds the Value of the Home?
Your Reverse Mortgage will continue - thanks to the federal insurance. The line of credit will still be available and monthly disbursements you may have set up, will still be sent to you.

How are Reverse Mortgages different today?
Today’s reverse mortgages are highly regulated by State and Federal laws to make them safe and to protect you. Among others, the following regulations apply:
- You retain title of the home.
- No equity share is allowed, meaning the lender does not slowly take over your home.
- Fees and costs are federally regulated.

How does a Reverse Mortgage compare to a Conventional Mortgage?
In a conventional forward mortgage, you make monthly payments to the bank eventually paying off the mortgage over time. With a reverse mortgage you receive cash from your lender, as lump sum upfront, as monthly installments or as a line of credit that grows over time. As long as you live in your home you never have to pay off a single dollar of the loan.

What restrictions apply to the cash I receive from a Reverse Mortgage?
It is your money and you can use it the way you want. It’s non-taxable and does not affect Social Security payments. We do recom mend that you talk to a competent financial advisor to determine the effect on any other benefits you may be receiving.

When does a Reverse Mortgage become due and what happens then?
When you no longer live in your home or when you pass away, the reverse mortgage becomes due. You or your heirs have two options:

1.) Pay off the reverse mortgage including the accrued interest and retain ownership.

2.) Give up ownership of the home and receive the difference between the net sales proceeds and the loan balance. You will not be liable for any shortfall if the sales proceeds do not cover the loan.

Your loan may also become due and payable if you do not continue meeting the
terms of the loan (For example, paying taxes and insurance owed on the property.)



RSVP NOW to Andrea.Gondorf@ltic.com

These are national mortgage index rates as of October 20, 2026, plus our pricing adjustment. The 30-year fixed is at 7.45% — down 0.04% from last week, FHA at 7.26%, and VA at 7.08%. For exact rates tailored to your buyers, reach out to your loan officer directly.

Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED · Includes our pricing adjustment

From Your Lending Partner

VA Loans Are the Most Powerful Buying Tool Your Veteran Clients Have

If you're working with a veteran or active-duty service member and they're not using their VA benefit, stop everything. The VA loan is the most powerful mortgage product available — zero down, no PMI, competitive rates, and flexible qualifying. A veteran buying a $450K home saves roughly $200/month in PMI alone compared to a conventional loan at 5% down. Over seven years, that's over $16,000 — and they went in with no down payment. I work with VA loans regularly and know how to structure the offer so sellers understand it's not a burden. I provide a custom VA pre-approval letter that educates the listing agent on the process. I've closed VA loans in competitive multiple-offer situations. The stigma is outdated. If you have a buyer with a DD-214 or who's currently serving, send them my way for a no-obligation call. It will likely be the most important financial conversation they have this year.

Know a veteran who hasn't used their VA benefit? Let's get them pre-approved this week.

Did You Know?

Asset Depletion Loans

High net-worth buyers can qualify on liquid assets alone.

Buyers with significant liquid assets but limited verifiable income — retirees, investors, the independently wealthy — can qualify using asset depletion methodology. No employment, no W-2 required.

Share With Your Buyers

Understanding Your Credit Score

Tip of the Week

Your loan officer can run a credit simulator to show exactly which actions will move your score the most.

Your Mortgage Advisor