2 minute read
From her most memorable vacation and her favorite book to her thoughts about the reverse mortgage market, we get the facts from Maria Fregosi, head of strategy at Home Point Financial.
Something nobody knows about me is I am a recipe tester for Cook’s Illustrated magazine.
My favorite vacation was to the Galápagos Islands.
If I were a professional athlete, I would be a figure skater.
My first car was a Nissan Pulsar.
The craziest thing I’ve ever done was scuba dive with sharks.
My favorite movie is Gone With the Wind.
My favorite website is wsj.com.
I never miss an episode of Scandal.
When I was younger I wanted to be a veterinarian.
Every morning I walk.
I can’t go without coffee.
When I was a kid I was an avid reader and read hundreds of books over the summer.
My first job was babysitting and then as a cashier at a gas station.
My parents taught me how to dream big and work hard.
My favorite time of day is dawn. I’m a morning person.
My iPod go-to is the podcast Serial.
I’ve never skydived, but would like to.
I always make time for dinner with my family when I’m home.
The best purchase I’ve ever made was my cat. He gives me a tremendous amount of joy.
My favorite book is Anna Karenina.
The biggest challenge in the reverse mortgage industry is gaining trust. There is still a negative perception of the product and all the legislative and industry changes need to continue to be publicized.
People should seek a career in the reverse mortgage industry because you get to help people in what may be a difficult time in their lives.
Industry growth is dependent upon the education of financial planners and the general public through all forms of media. The more scenario analysis and personal stories are presented, the less negative perception the product will have.
The ideal characteristics of leaders in the industry are honorable, straightforward, intelligent and innovative.
I would encourage a family member to consider a reverse mortgage because it can help when there are very few options. My father went into an assisted living facility and my mother was trying to stay in the family home. The cost of the facility was draining her savings and getting to the point that she would lose the home. A reverse mortgage can be a lifesaver in a situation like this.
