Best Reverse Mortgage Companies in Chicago, IL

Best Reverse Mortgage Companies in Chicago, IL

Reverse Mortgage Costs in Chicago, IL

Homeowners in Chicago can borrow up to $970,800 for a reverse mortgage, the 2023 HECM maximum nationwide claim amount. When budgeting for your reverse mortgage costs, remember to account for interest, lender servicing fees, the annual mortgage insurance premium, and other housing expenses like flood insurance or property taxes. Reverse mortgage origination fees cannot exceed $6,000. Several factors impact the cost of a reverse mortgage in Illinois:

• Age of borrower
• Home equity
• Lender fees
• Market interest rates
• Credit history
• Type of loan

The most common type of reverse mortgage is a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM, which is backed by the FHA. Many lenders also offer a HECM for purchase option, which allows the borrower to take a reverse mortgage to purchase a new home.

How a Reverse Mortgage Works

You can take out a reverse mortgage on single-family homes, condos, townhomes, certain manufactured homes, and two- to four-unit multi-family homes in which the borrower occupies one unit. Vacation homes, rental homes, and investment properties do not qualify. HECMs also have a lending limit that adjusts annually, but homes over the FHA limit might qualify for a proprietary reverse mortgage from a private lender. A reverse mortgage allows borrowers to leverage their home equity for cash. Then, they’ll use the money to supplement retirement income, make necessary aging-in-place improvements or home repairs, or reduce their monthly housing expenses. Reverse mortgage holders don’t make monthly payments. Instead, the lender pays the borrower via a monthly disbursement, lump sum payment upfront, a line of credit, or a combination of these payouts. You can decide how to spend the funds from a reverse mortgage, but if you cannot keep up with property taxes, homeowners insurance, and home maintenance costs, the lender will require you to set aside funds from the loan to cover those expenses.

Chicago, IL, Reverse Mortgage Eligibility Requirements

A reverse mortgage is a good financial tool for Chicago retirees who meet these requirements:

• Are 62 years or older
• Own their home and have enough equity to qualify
• Occupy the home as primary residence
• Receive counseling by an approved HUD/FHA counselor
• The home must be in reasonably good repair

About 45% of Chicago residents own their homes, according to the U.S. Census. Proceeds from a reverse mortgage can supplement retirement savings or help bridge the gap between early retirement and the onset of social security payments should you need to make home repairs or modifications. A reverse mortgage does not make sense for homeowners who plan to sell their homes or move to a retirement community, as the loan becomes due when the home is no longer the borrower’s primary residence. Homeowners who qualify for another type of home equity loan or line of credit won’t need a reverse mortgage. Before you can apply for a reverse mortgage, you must meet with a reverse mortgage counselor to discuss how the loan works, your qualifications, and the responsibilities you incur when taking out a reverse mortgage.

---

Chicago, IL, Reverse Mortgage Company Reviews

Senior Reverse Mortgage Group, Inc.

Senior Reverse Mortgage Group specializes in reverse mortgages. It can qualify borrowers below the national threshold of 65—as young as 55. They also have reverse mortgages available for non-FHA-approved condos. Call for a free in-home consultation. Reviewers appreciate the company’s tenacity in completing their loans, and said agents were incredibly responsive and knowledgeable. Others liked that representatives came to their homes and made the process easy.

• Younger applicants qualify
• Can select offers from multiple lenders

Senior Reverse Mortgage Group, Inc.
Address	161 N Clark St Ste 1600, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone Number	(312) 588-7140

---

Smooth Mortgage Company, LLC

Smooth Mortgage Company partners with multiple lenders to bring you the best rate on a full suite of home loans. The company focuses on making the loan process easy, with one point of contact from beginning to end. Expedite the reverse mortgage process by uploading documents, signing electronically, and completing closing from the comfort of your home. This company has a five-star reputation with its reviewers. Clients said loan officers worked hard to obtain a great rate and communicated every step of the way.

• Extended office hours
• Can compare rates from multiple lenders

Smooth Mortgage Company, LLC
Address	4001 W Devon Ave #321, Chicago, IL 60646
Phone Number	(708) 669-7458

---

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation is a direct lender offering a variety of home loan financing, including HECMs, jumbo reverse mortgages, and HECMs for purchase. Bridge the Medicare gap, live without monthly mortgage payments, increase your purchasing power or move into a new home for retirement or to be closer to the grandkids. Reviewers gave this company five stars for professionalism, quality and responsiveness, with many saying agents go the extra mile to answer questions.

• Bilingual agents
• 36 office locations around the state

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
Address	3942 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
Phone Number	(773) 392-8940

---

Townstone Financial Inc

Townstone Financial Inc is a broker providing a full suite of home loans from multiple lenders, including reverse mortgage HECMs. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and they prioritize customer education. Clients said the Townstone team was fantastic and service was exceptional. Reviewers mentioned that agents were very thorough and kept in touch every step of the way.

• Free mortgage consultation
• Company runs podcast and comprehensive educational blog

Townstone Financial Inc
Address	329 W 18th St #305a, Chicago, IL 60616
Phone Number	(312) 896-2110

---

Elite Rate LLC

Ricky Vazquez – Elite Rate LLC offers a variety of home loan programs, including reverse mortgages for seniors looking to increase their monthly incomes. The company acts as a broker, meaning you’ll get to compare loan options from multiple lenders and find the best rate. Ricky Vazquez earned a five-star rating from all reviewers. Clients said he was diligent in finding the best loans and deals, and his service was exceptional.

• Boutique broker offering 1:1 consultations
• Top-rated mortgage expert on Google and Zillow

Elite Rate LLC
Address	1016 W Jackson Blvd Ste 202, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone Number	(708) 557-8401

---

Lenderment

Lenderment has a free reverse mortgage evaluator tool on its website to help you decide if this type of loan could work for you, along with a pre-approval tool. The company offers a variety of loan options with highly competitive rates, including HECMs and HECMs for purchase. Clients said the process was smooth, stressless, and fast—with a competitive rate, too. One reviewer mentioned that the online portal was easy to navigate.

• Online calculator and pre-approval tool available
• 100% close rate

Lenderment
Address	1500 N Halsted St #200, Chicago, IL 60642
Phone Number	(866) 691-0100

---

Command Financial Group LLC

DCommand Financial Group LLC is a veteran-owned mortgage broker with access to dozens of lenders and options, including FHA-approved lenders offering HECMs. Loan officers work with you through every step of the process. The company provides a no-pressure quote with no credit pull. Customers gave Command Financial Group five stars for quick pre-approvals, fast closings and helpful loan officers. Clients liked that their loan officers took the time to explain everything and were available to answer questions.

• Simple online calculator and application portal
• Licensed in eight states

Command Financial Group LLC
Address	2150 S Canalport Ave #2C7, Chicago, IL 60608
Phone Number	(877) 800-1077