• HUD Handbook 4235.1 REV-1 is the basic program handbook for the HECM program. However, it was published in 1994, and some of the key program rules have changed since then, as explained in later HUD mortgagee letters, HECM regulations, and amendments to the HECM statute. The original 1994 Handbook can be downloaded from http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/handbooks/hsgh/4235.1/index.cfm

• HECM Mortgagee Letters are issued by HUD to make official changes in the HECM program.

• HECM Regulations are issued by HUD to implement amendments to the HECM statute enacted by Congress. (This document is in 'PDF' format. Click here if you need to download Acrobat Reader.)

• HECM Statute is the basic federal law that governs the HECM program. (This document is in 'PDF' format. Click here if you need to download Acrobat Reader.)

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• Training Manual This is the training manual used in the AARP Foundation's 2-day, HUD-sponsored HECM counselor training. It's been updated to May of 2006, and includes a wealth of information and references. The handouts with the answers to several training exercises are on a separate Handouts/Answers page. (These documents are in 'PDF' format. Click here if you need to download Acrobat Reader.)

• HECM Counselor Basic Training ONLINE - An online audio-visual version of the AARP Foundation's 2-day, HUD-sponsored HECM counselor training. This 19-session course includes downloadable training materials and has a total run time of 3.2 hours, not including time for trainees to complete homework assignments. For tips on viewing the online training and all the URLs (web addresses) for accessing the 19 sessions, click here.
  
• Technical Topics These specialized briefings provide detailed information for HECM counselors on these key topics.
• • HECM Interest Rates
  • TALC Disclosures
  • Proprietary Loans
  • Cash Account
  • Home Keeper
  • HECM Property Repairs o Housing Options
  • Texas Variations
    
• HECM Software If you are not familiar with the software provided by HUD for the HECM program, you should get a copy and learn how to use it. To download it, click here.
  
• AARP provides comprehensive consumer information on HECMs, other reverse mortgages, and alternatives to reverse mortgages. Includes two interactive calculators. Also available in hard copy via the website, but the booklet ("Home Made Money") is not as up-to-date as the website.

To make sure you see all the pages on the site, click on each of the menu items under "Reverse Mortgages" on the left side of the page: Basics, Federally-Insured Loans, Other Choices, and Key Decisions. And then click on each of the pages listed under each of these headings.  

 

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