Fifth Record Year for Top Reverse Mortgage Lender

Financial Freedom, a subsidiary of IndyMac Bank F.S.B. (Indymac Bank), the nation's largest lender of reverse mortgages, announced that 2005 was its fifth consecutive year for a record number of reverse mortgage loan fundings and applications. Last year, Financial Freedom closed 30,991 loans, representing a 56 percent increase over 19,817 in 2004.

"The number of loans closed this year clearly demonstrates the increasing consumer understanding and appreciation of reverse mortgages as an answer to a wide range of seniors' financial needs," said Jim Mahoney, CEO of Financial Freedom.

Even more impressive then the increase in the number of reverse mortgages funded, was the most dramatic increase in volume dollars. In 2005, Financial Freedom closed $2.9 billion in loans, compared with $1.6 billion in the same period ending December 31, 2004. This represents an 81 percent increase, which indicates that in addition to closing more loans, the average home value per loan has increased as well.

Financial Freedom's loan volume is comprised mainly of two types of loans: FHA's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or (HECM), the predominant reverse mortgage product in the marketplace; and the Financial Freedom Cash Account, which is the only jumbo reverse mortgage available and designed for homes in excess of $450,000 in value.

ABOUT FINANCIAL FREEDOM: Financial Freedom is a founding member of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association. NRMLA is a nonprofit trade association, based in Washington, DC, whose mission is to support the continued evolution of reverse mortgages as an important financial option for senior homeowners while educating both its members and consumers about the varied applications of this unique loan. For more information, visit the Financial Freedom Web site at www.financialfreedom.com.

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Dealer Group Count Takes Stock of Reverse Mortgages

The Dealer Group Count has added reverse mortgages to its recommended product list. Speaking at the groups annual conference held in New Zealand this week, chief operating officer, Marianne Perkovic, discussed why reverse mortgages were added to the recommended product list.

According to Perkovic, the aging population and changing retirement landscape were the main drivers behind adding Reverse Mortgages to its recommented product list. "Due to strong consumer interest and a changing marketplace, we have chosen a panel of lenders with quality and cost-effective products. Count advisers will initially have access to ABN AMRO, Bluestone Equity Release and Macquarie Mortgages products. All of whom hold SEQUAL membership", she said.

For more information about Count visit their website at http://www.count.com.au/

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