Written by Jessica Guerin, as originally published in The Reverse Review.

For this month’s cover story, we spoke with a number of HECM advisors working for different lenders around the country about the work they do.

While some outside the industry might assume that the job of a reverse mortgage advisor is similar to that of a traditional loan officer, we found this to be categorically untrue.

In our conversations, we were struck by the overwhelming compassion each person expressed for their work and the people they strive to help. We heard about a weekend spent assisting a client with home repairs; about research done to find subsidies and relief programs that would ease a client’s financial burden; about late nights spent educating skeptical family members. Many talked of the lasting relationships they’ve built with clients who have now turned into lifelong friends.

These stories highlight the fact that the job of a reverse mortgage advisor involves much, much more than the basic completion of a financial transaction. It involves a relationship, one that begins with trust and is nurtured by empathy. It is deeply personal and fueled by a passionate dedication to the powerful solution a HECM can provide many seniors seeking financial security. As one advisor aptly put it, for many, it’s more than just a job—it’s a calling.