Reverse Mortgage Counseling · Connecticut
Thinking about a reverse mortgage? Start with someone on your side.
Whether it's for you or for a parent, Building Neighborhoods Together gives you clear, independent answers from a certified, HUD-approved counselor — before any decision is made.
Where do you fit?
Two paths to the same clear answer
A reverse mortgage decision usually involves the whole family. Wherever you're starting from, we'll meet you there.
Understand your options with confidence
You've built equity in your home. Before you tap into it, sit down with a counselor who works for you — not a lender — and get a plain-English look at whether a reverse mortgage fits your life and your goals.
Fill out ApplicationHelp them decide — and protect them
You want your parent to make a safe, informed choice and avoid the scams that target older homeowners. Come to the session together and get the real pros, cons, and responsibilities from an independent expert.
Learn about our family eventThe basics
What is a reverse mortgage?
A reverse mortgage lets homeowners 62 and older turn part of their home equity into cash — as a lump sum, monthly payments, or a line of credit — without selling or moving out. You stay the owner; instead of paying the lender, the lender pays you, and the loan is typically repaid when the last borrower sells, moves out, or passes away. The most common type is the FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). It isn't free money, though — interest and fees grow the balance over time, so it works best as part of a broader plan.
Why counseling comes first
Required by HUD — and genuinely useful
Before anyone can get a HECM reverse mortgage, federal rules require a session with an independent, HUD-approved counselor. No lender can process the application without your counseling certificate.
Free in-person event
Reverse Mortgage Information Session
Join us in person for a friendly, no-pressure overview built for homeowners 62+ and their families. Bring your questions — and a family member if you'd like.
What you'll learn
- FHA (government-insured) vs. private “proprietary” reverse mortgages
- Who's eligible
- What happens to your reverse mortgage when you pass away
- Whether the lender owns your home
- When you pay it back
- The costs involved
Who you'll hear from
- A certified HUD counselor from Building Neighborhoods Together, walking through how reverse mortgages work and what to weigh.
- Robert Filippone, a reverse mortgage specialist, on hand for the lender's perspective and your questions about the loan side.
- Time to sign up for a one-on-one counseling session if you'd like to go further.
The event is educational only. Your formal counseling session is always private, independent, and separate.
What to expect
How counseling works, step by step
Sessions run about 60–90 minutes and can be done in person or by phone. Here's the path from first call to certificate.
Schedule your session
You reach out to us directly — your lender can't schedule it for you. We'll find a time that works.
We send your prep packet
You'll get materials to review beforehand so you can get the most out of your time with the counselor.
Talk it through
Your counselor reviews your needs, how a reverse mortgage would work for you, your responsibilities, the impact on your heirs, and any alternatives.
Get your certificate
Once you both feel you understand the essentials, we issue the completion certificate your lender requires.
We follow up
We check back to see how things went and whether you need anything else — and you can always call us with more questions.
Straight talk on cost
What it costs
We keep this simple and upfront. The educational event is free. The formal one-on-one counseling session has a set fee, with help available if paying it is a hardship.
- Open to homeowners 62+ and their families
- No obligation, no sign-up fee
- Register to reserve your seat
- Certified, HUD-approved counseling
- Completion certificate included
- Household income below a set level or a documented hardship? You may be able to defer payment until closing — just ask.
Know before you go
Responsibilities & red flags
A reverse mortgage comes with ongoing responsibilities and a few warning signs worth knowing before you sign anything. We've put the full rundown in a short, printable guide.
Download the guide (PDF)Common questions
Good to know
Do I have to get a reverse mortgage if I attend?
Can my adult children or a trusted person join me?
Will you recommend a specific lender?
How long does a session take?
What if I can't afford the counseling fee?
Take the first step
Ready to talk it through?
Reserve your seat at the free information event, or book a private counseling session whenever you're ready. No pressure — just clear answers.
203.290.4255