Reverse mortgages are a versatile financial tool and have been used by over one million homeowners to enhance financial security in retirement. Like any financial product, reverse mortgages should be carefully considered before deciding whether to obtain one.
When selecting a loan officer, you should consider working with a professional who has earned the Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional (CRMP) designation, the highest designation in the industry, from the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA).
You can recognize a Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional by the lapel pin they proudly wear, the CRMP logo on their business card and the certificate of achievement hanging in their office. You can also find a state-by-state list of CRMPs on ReverseMortgage.org.
What is a CRMP?
CRMP stands for Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional. A CRMP is a mortgage professional who has made a long-term commitment to use his or her experience and knowledge to serve older homeowners. Equipped with up-to-date education and a high level of connectivity with other top reverse industry professionals, a CRMP is ready to provide you with quality information and options that are appropriate for your goals and your current situation. NRMLA commits to the highest ethical standards and the placement of the client’s needs above any personal gain, recognition or achievement. You can expect the following from a CRMP:
- Experience: A CRMP candidate must have a minimum of three years’ experience originating reverse mortgages or must have personally closed 50 or more reverse mortgages.
- Commitment to ongoing education: In addition to 12 hours of pre-exam education, a CRMP candidate must pass arigorous knowledge and ethics examination. Also, CRMPs must annually complete 8 hours of continuing education courses to maintain the designation.
- Integrity: CRMP candidates must pass an initial comprehensive background check (which is repeated every 3 years),
and submit a letter of recommendation from a senior manager attesting to their character and qualifications.
- Ethics: A CRMP commits to, and must practice, the Values in the NRMLA Code of Ethics which include Fairness, Confidentiality, Integrity, Competence, Diligence and Professionalism.
- Quality: A CRMP is someone who carefully listens to you, can reliably answer your questions in a way that’s easily understandable, does not rush you through the decision making process, and helps you identify options that are sustainable solutions for aging in place.
- Customer service: A CRMP commits to client satisfaction, emphasizes outstanding service from every member of their team, maintains a professional approach in every interaction, and responds to your inquiries in a timely manner
Why choose a Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional?
When looking into a reverse mortgage it’s important that you have someone who will listen carefully to your needs and understand your goals, and who can assist you in your decision about whether a reverse mortgage is right for you. A Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional (CRMP) has the experience and knowledge that you deserve as you consider a reverse mortgage. CRMPs agree to follow ethical standards to ensure that their reverse mortgage advice and program options meet your goals. While any properly licensed or registered mortgage originator can legally originate a reverse mortgage, a CRMP must have three years of experience working with reverse mortgages and must pass a comprehensive CRMP certification exam before they can call themselves a CRMP.
Experience, Commitment, and Achievement
The CRMP is the highest designation from the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association. If you have questions about the CRMP designation, or need help locating a designee near you, please contact the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association at 202-939-1760, or send an email to info@nrmlaonline.org. You can find a state-by-state list of CRMPs on ReverseMortgage.org
Only experienced and committed loan officers are Certified Reverse Mortgage Professionals (CRMP). To achieve this designation, a loan originator candidate must:
- Have closed 50 or more loans or have 3+ years of experience originating reverse mortgages
- Pass the comprehensive CRMP exam
- Pass a background check
- Earn 12 CRMP education credits
- Submit a letter of recommendation from a senior manager attesting to their character and qualifications
- Complete training on ethics
- Complete training on recognizing elder abuse CRMP Commitment
- Every year, a CRMP must:Complete 8 hours of continuing education
- Attest that they are properly licensed
- Attest to abide by the NRMLA Code of Ethics
- Every three years, a CRMP must:
- Complete a new background check
- Complete comprehensive ethics training
Reverse mortgages can be powerful, if somewhat complex, tools. Working with a CRMP can give you the confidence to know you’re making the right decisions with the help of someone committed to providing you with the highest standard of reverse mortgage origination services.
For many older homeowners, their biggest asset is their home equity. CRMPs have the experience and training to consult and advise older homeowners and their trusted advisors on the most prudent plan to utilize home equity for a sustainable retirement.
Oversight of the CRMP Program
An Independent Certification Committee was formed by the Board of Directors of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association to provide independent oversight of the development and administration of the CRMP designation.
The ICC ensures that the credential, and those who have earned it, continually meet high standards of ethical and professional practice for the reverse mortgage industry.
We hope you found this information helpful. If you have questions about the CRMP designation, or need help locating a designee near you, please contact the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association at 202-939-1760, send an email to info@nrmlaonline.org, or visit our consumer web site at www.reversemortgage.org.
