Don Graves discusses the benefits of reverse mortgages.

Listen to the interview on the Business Innovators Radio Network: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-don-graves-president-of-the-housing-wealth-institute-discussing-serving-financial-advisors-with-reverse-mortgages/ 

Don Graves has a long history of serving and helping people, which ultimately led him to the reverse mortgage industry. Before becoming the CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Philadelphia, he dedicated his time to ministry and mission work, demonstrating his commitment to serving others and providing value to those in need. It was during his tenure at Habitat for Humanity that he discovered the potential of reverse mortgages, sparking his interest in the industry.

This background in serving and giving value aligns perfectly with his current role as the president of the Housing Wealth Institute, where he continues to assist and support individuals in need of financial assistance and security.

Under the leadership of Don Graves, the Housing Wealth Institute is dedicated to protecting and securing wealth building. With 24 years of experience in the industry, Don Graves initially started in ministry and missions work before transitioning to the nonprofit sector as the CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Philadelphia. It was during this time that he discovered the potential of reverse mortgages as a way to serve and help people.

The Housing Wealth Institute recognizes the dichotomy in the use of reverse mortgages. On one hand, some individuals are house-rich but cash-poor, relying on reverse mortgages to provide them with a monthly cash flow. On the other hand, some affluent individuals want to maximize their home equity and utilize it for other investments

Jamie Hopkins, Director of Retirement Research at Carson Wealth shared about Don Graves: “While reverse mortgages are not for every client, they can be a beneficial tool when used correctly. Don Graves knows reverse mortgages inside and out. He also knows how they fit into a retirement plan. As such, there is no better person to learn more about reverse mortgages from than Don Graves.”

The institute primarily works with financial advisors who counsel clients approaching or in retirement. This is crucial as approximately 87% of retirees own a home. With retirement becoming longer, more expensive, and less predictable, it is essential to consider every available asset, including Housing Wealth, in retirement planning. The Housing Wealth Institute aims to expand the conversation financial advisors have with their clients to incorporate and integrate housing wealth into their retirement strategies.

Housing Wealth is seen as the fourth “bucket” in retirement planning; alongside income, insurance, and investment. It is not a standalone element but should be integrated into a comprehensive retirement plan to provide the best opportunity for a successful and enjoyable retirement. The goal is to ensure that retirees have the financial security and peace of mind to sleep well at night.

Ed Slott, CPA Retirement Expert, and Founder of America’s IRA Experts also shared: “I’ve included information about the Retiree’s Guide to Housing Wealth in my PBS program materials because I want the audience to be exposed to the new, updated, and accurate information found in it. I recommend you read it. Ultimately, it’s about educating yourself and learning the questions to ask when considering this strategy.”

Don explained: “A reverse mortgage is a federally insured loan for retired homeowners or for homeowners age 62 or better that allows them to convert a portion of their home’s value turned into tax-free dollars without having to make a monthly payment, without giving up ownership or coming off title to the home and without owing more than the home is worth in the future.”

About Don Graves 

Don Graves is the president of the Housing Wealth Institute and an Adjunct Instructor at the American College of Financial Services. He is one of the nation’s leading educators on incorporating reverse mortgages into retirement income planning. Don has been quoted in Forbes Magazine, featured on PBS, and is a sought-after professional speaker whose workshops are helping advisors and their clients determine if a reverse mortgage is right for them.

Learn more: https://www.housingwealth.net/  | https://hecmadvisorsgroup.com/