Kevin's Corner

Get a Second Opinion

If you went to the doctor and were told that you needed surgery would you check with another doctor for a second opinion? Even though the first doctor has 20 years of education and probably years of experience, she cannot possibly know everything. A second opinion is simply a way to avoid a simple mistake or error in judgment before taking action. It is not an insult to the first doctor, but a second opinion gives you peace of mind that all options have been considered.

The same thing is true before considering any major financial decision. All of us have trusted advisors such as friends, family, attorneys, financial planners but isn’t it more comforting to have a confirmation that you are making the best decisions with the appropriate products? Wouldn’t a second opinion be just as important in a financial decision as it is with a medical one?

When seeking a second opinion, it is extremely important to find a specialist or expert in the product or service that you considering. Sometimes that is more difficult than getting general information about a product or service. I always look for experts that “put themselves out there” and whose success depends on his or her ability to earn a living selling that product or service. I would call these professionals “specialists”. I avoid the people who do not advertise themselves or hope no one will check their credentials. Also, I avoid “generalists”, the guys that sell everything under the sun. How can they be expertised? Or expertised in the right field. You wouldn’t go to an eye doctor with a broken arm, right?

After you have found the right specialist, a second opinion begins with learning a little about how this person works. Let them build my trust and see if they understand my problem and then let them see if I have found the right solution. I also make sure whether there are some other products or service that could be a whole lot better than my initial understanding of my problem. Financial services like the medical business are built on experience. The more you see and experience, the more wisdom you can provide in your solution.

Obtaining a reverse mortgage is a big decision. Whether you are trying to improve your quality of life or meet the basic necessities of life, a reverse mortgage can be the biggest financial transaction in your retirement years. The process always begins with educating yourself about the product and possibly working with a lender to obtain this information. But, like the rest of life, a second opinion way be the best way to insure that you have all the information and whether the first party you spoke with really knows what they are doing.

At Kastle Mortgage, we pride ourselves on our expertise in reverse mortgages. Our reverse mortgage division offers the level of knowledge and experience that would make our second opinion a valuable part of your decision about whether a reverse mortgage is right for you or whether you are looking at the right product. Don’t be fooled by some lenders come-ons about lowest cost or best rates.

I have put myself “out there” for over four years. My career is dedicated to providing the highest quality and ethical service to reverse mortgage consumers. I serve on two national boards dedicated to the industry and I also serve on an advisory panel to the largest wholesale lender in the industry. I have been educating potential reverse mortgage borrowers by writing Kevin’s Korner for over three years. This is what I do for a living. Before you commit yourself to any lender or bank, take advantage of my experience and let me give you a second opinion that counts. I am here to help.