Hawaii Realtors® - Help Your Senior Clients Purchase Their Next Home with Equity


Five gold stars in a row.

"Wendy has been great in every way excellent advice and counsel very thoughtful and clearly understood our needs and desires"

~ Charles

 HECM for Purchase


A powerful financing option that opens new possibilities for your clients — and your business.


As a real estate professional, you’ve likely worked with kupuna who want to downsize, relocate closer to family, or transition into a home that’s easier to maintain. But even when the desire to move is strong, financing can be a major roadblock.


Many seniors in Hawaii are retired, living on fixed incomes, and prefer not to take on new monthly obligations — making it difficult to qualify for a traditional mortgage or feel comfortable with the payment that comes with it.


This is where the HECM for Purchase can transform the conversation.


A HECM for Purchase (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage for Purchase) allows buyers aged 62+ to purchase a new home using a reverse mortgage — without the burden of monthly mortgage payments. It’s an underutilized tool that can help seniors move into the right home for their lifestyle while helping Realtors unlock more listings, more buyers, and smoother transactions.



What is a HECM for Purchase?


A HECM for Purchase is a government-insured reverse mortgage that allows seniors to use proceeds from selling their current home (or other assets) to buy a new primary residence — without taking on required monthly mortgage payments.

How It Works

  • The borrower makes a down payment, usually 40%–60% of the home’s purchase price (based on age, interest rates, and market conditions).
  • The reverse mortgage finances the remaining portion.
  • The homeowner is never required to make monthly mortgage payments.
    Instead, they maintain the home and stay current on property taxes, insurance, and HOA dues if applicable.
  • The loan becomes due when the borrower sells the home, moves out permanently, or passes away.

This gives seniors the freedom to choose a home that fits their changing needs — without draining their retirement savings or taking on new debt.

Why This Matters for Your Senior Clients


Many seniors want to move but feel stuck because they:


  • Can’t qualify for a traditional mortgage on a fixed income
  • Don’t want to take on the financial burden of monthly mortgage payments
  • Are hesitant to drain their retirement savings to buy a new home outright


A HECM for Purchase solves these problems by allowing seniors to:


  • Buy a home that better fits their current needs (e.g., single-story, closer to family, lower maintenance)
  • Avoid monthly mortgage payments, freeing up cash for other expenses
  • Preserve their retirement savings by using home equity instead of cash to fund the purchase
  • Increase their financial security and quality of life in retirement


Example: How a HECM for Purchase Could Work


Let’s say your senior client wants to downsize from a $600,000 home to a $400,000 single-story home in a 55+ community.


  • They could sell their current home and use part of the proceeds as a down payment on the new home.
  • If they put down $200,000, the reverse mortgage would cover the remaining $200,000.
  • They would never have to make a monthly mortgage payment—they just need to maintain the home and keep up with property taxes and insurance.


This option allows them to keep more cash from the sale of their original home in their retirement portfolio while securing a home that better fits their lifestyle and needs.


HECM for Purchase Benefits

for Realtors


Helping your senior clients secure a HECM for Purchase can give you a serious edge in the real estate market. Here’s why:


Unlock More Listings – Seniors who thought they couldn’t afford to move may now be able to sell and buy a new home.


Increase Your Pool of Buyers – Many seniors who assumed they were stuck in their current homes might reconsider once they understand how a reverse mortgage works.


Close Deals Faster  – Since HECMs don’t require the same credit and income qualifications as traditional mortgages, the approval process is often smoother and faster.


Create Repeat and Referral Business – Seniors who have a positive experience with you and their reverse mortgage expert will likely refer you to friends and family.

Why Work with Wendy

Wendy sitting in a chair with a light blue shirt

Reverse mortgages—and especially HECM for Purchase loans—are highly specialized products. Not every lender has the experience and expertise to guide clients through the process successfully. That’s where Wendy comes in.


  • Wendy has more than 18 years in the reverse mortgage industry in Hawaii.


  • She understands your job as a Realtor and the challenges that could come up. She's equipped to help you help your clients.


  • As a Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional (CRMP), Wendy holds the highest level of training and experience available in her industry.


  • She’ll work directly with you and your clients to structure the loan, coordinate with the title company, and make sure the process is smooth from start to finish.




Overcoming Common Objections from Seniors


Many kupuna hesitate when they hear the words “reverse mortgage,” often because of outdated information or misunderstandings. As a trusted real estate professional, you can help bring clarity and reassurance.

Here are a few simple, effective ways to address common concerns:


You don’t lose ownership of your home. A reverse mortgage is simply a lien on the property — just like any traditional mortgage. Your client remains the legal owner, keeps the title, and maintains full control of the home.


You can still leave the home to your family. When the loan comes due, heirs can either sell the home to pay off the loan, refinance it, or simply walk away if the home value is less than the loan balance.


You'll never owe more than the home is worth. HECMs are non-recourse loans, which means the loan is repaid from the sale of the home—and any shortfall is covered by the FHA insurance.



Partner with Wendy to Better Serve Your Clients


As a real estate agent, you’re in a unique position to help seniors achieve their homeownership goals without the stress of a traditional mortgage. A HECM for Purchase could be the key to helping your clients unlock new opportunities and greater financial freedom.


Wendy is here to help. With her deep knowledge of reverse mortgages and experience working with real estate agents, she can walk you and your clients through the process with confidence and clarity.


Want to learn more about how a HECM for Purchase can help your clients—and grow your business? Reach out to Wendy today and start unlocking new opportunities for your senior clients.