Online reverse mortgage academy
Credit.org’s Reverse Mortgage Academy is designed to give you the knowledge to confidently understand the benefits and risks of a reverse mortgage, enabling you to make informed decisions about your financial future,” the organization stated about its program.
To gain insight into the company’s objectives, HousingWire‘s Reverse Mortgage Daily (RMD) interviewed chief innovation officer Robin Hillary.
Hillary explained that while nonprofit counseling organizations typically come at the end of the reverse mortgage process, the new academy aims to change that by providing unbiased information at the beginning of a homeowner’s journey.
” data-medium-file=”https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/robinhillary_creditorg.jpg?w=265″ data-large-file=”https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/robinhillary_creditorg.jpg?w=267″ alt=”Robin Hillary, chief innovation officer at Credit.org.” class=”wp-image-516253″ style=”width:200px” srcset=”https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/robinhillary_creditorg.jpg 267w, https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/robinhillary_creditorg.jpg?resize=133,150 133w, https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/robinhillary_creditorg.jpg?resize=265,300 265w” sizes=”(max-width: 267px) 100vw, 267px”>
“Reverse Mortgage Academy places our services at the beginning of a homeowner’s journey to understand, from an unbiased source, what a reverse mortgage is, if it’s right for them, and the pros and cons,” Hillary explained. “This helps them become more educated about the product before engaging with a lender.”
For lenders, this approach can lead to warmer leads. Prospective borrowers who complete the course have a better understanding of the loan’s requirements, obligations, and benefits, according to Hillary.
“At this stage, their understanding of the product is more comprehensive, and it’s time to delve into the specifics,” she said. “This new approach addresses the current low conversion rate of only 2% of homeowners considering or converting to a reverse mortgage.”
Credit.org believes that an educated consumer of qualifying age who is open to learning about reverse mortgage products represents a significant market, especially in today’s economy affecting senior citizens, Hillary added.
Being a nonprofit, Credit.org is uniquely positioned to increase reverse mortgage adoption by providing objective information about loan products and guiding prospective borrowers without any pressure, Hillary noted.
Benefits of nonprofit product educator
After completing the e-learning course, participants can opt for a fee-based counseling session where they are encouraged to bring along friends, family, or trusted advisers.
“Being a nonprofit offers a fresh perspective on educating about reverse mortgages, starting at the beginning of the journey and continuing through to the end,” Hillary said. “Credit.org, along with other nonprofits, is there to provide HUD-certified counseling if the individual decides to proceed with a lender and take out a reverse mortgage.”
The course is available online in English and Spanish, focusing on interactivity to engage users and address any technical challenges older clients may encounter.
In conclusion, Hillary emphasized that increasing understanding of reverse mortgages can help bridge the gap between reverse and traditional mortgages, benefiting the industry as a whole by educating consumers and potentially leading to higher conversion rates.