Jack Fennell

🏡 A Reverse Mortgage Isn’t Necessarily Bad… But It Is Something Families Should Understand.

Years ago, when I worked for SunTrust, our bank briefly offered reverse mortgages. During that time, I learned something that’s still true today:

A reverse mortgage isn’t inherently good or bad—it simply serves a specific purpose for certain homeowners.

For some retirees, it can:
✔ Help supplement retirement income.
✔ Allow them to remain in their home.
✔ Provide access to home equity without making monthly mortgage payments.*

But it also comes with important considerations.

If a loved one has a reverse mortgage, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either.

Here are a few things you should do:

📋 Find the loan documents.
Understanding the type of reverse mortgage and its terms is the first step.

📞 Contact the loan servicer.
Ask what happens now, what deadlines apply, and what options are available to the estate or heirs.

🏡 Determine the home’s current value.
Knowing the market value can help you evaluate whether selling, refinancing, or keeping the home makes the most financial sense.

⚖️ Talk with the right professionals.
An estate attorney, tax professional, and knowledgeable real estate professional can help you understand your options and avoid unnecessary mistakes.

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is:

“The bank automatically gets the house.”

In reality, heirs often have options. Depending on the loan terms and circumstances, they may be able to sell the property, pay off or refinance the loan and keep the home, or choose another path that makes sense for the family.

The key is understanding your choices before making a decision.

If your family discovers that a loved one had a reverse mortgage and you’re not sure what to do next, I’d be happy to help you understand the process and connect you with the right professionals.

Educational information only. This is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Reverse mortgage rules vary depending on the loan program and individual circumstances.

🚨 Could Someone You Love Be Experiencing Elder Abuse or Financial Coercion?

Not all elder abuse leaves visible bruises.

Sometimes it looks like:
• A sudden change to a will or estate plan.
• Someone new insisting on attending every appointment.
• Isolation from family and longtime friends.
• Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts.
• Pressure to sign legal or financial documents.
• Fear, anxiety, or hesitation when discussing money.
• A caregiver or family member speaking for them and refusing to let them answer questions.

Unfortunately, financial exploitation of older adults is more common than many people realize.

If something doesn’t seem right, don’t ignore it.
Start by having a respectful conversation with your loved one. If you’re concerned about their safety or believe they’re being exploited, consider reaching out to trusted family members, an attorney, or the appropriate protective authorities for guidance.

Estate planning decisions should always reflect the wishes of the person making them—not the pressure of someone around them.

As a Real Estate and Property Transition Specialist, I’ve learned that protecting a family’s legacy isn’t just about real estate. It’s about helping ensure that decisions are made freely, with dignity and respect.
If your family has questions about navigating an estate transition or protecting an aging loved one’s property interests, I’m always happy to be a resource and help connect you with the appropriate professionals.

This post is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. If you believe an older adult is in immediate danger or is the victim of abuse or exploitation, contact local law enforcement or the appropriate adult protective services agency.

💵 One phone call could cost a family thousands of dollars.
After someone passes away, it’s not uncommon for relatives to start receiving letters, postcards, text messages, or phone calls from people offering to buy the inherited house—sometimes within days.
Some of those buyers are reputable.
Some are simply looking for an opportunity to purchase a property well below market value.
When you’re grieving, it’s easy to feel pressure to make a quick decision just to move forward.
But in most cases, you don’t have to decide immediately.
Take time to understand what the home is worth, learn what options are available, and talk with professionals you trust before signing anything.
A little patience today can help you make a more informed decision tomorrow.
❤️ If someone you know is navigating an inherited property, feel free to share this post with them.
This post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. Every estate is unique.

✍️ A handwritten will can create more questions than answers.

Many families are surprised to find a handwritten document tucked away in a desk drawer or safe after a loved one passes away.

The first reaction is often:

“Well, this must be the will.”

Maybe.

Maybe not.

Even if a handwritten will meets Tennessee’s legal requirements, it may still need to be authenticated during probate, and disagreements over handwriting, intent, or missing information can complicate the process.

That’s why it’s important not to distribute property or make major decisions based solely on finding a handwritten document.

Have it reviewed by a qualified probate attorney before taking action.

A little patience and professional guidance today can prevent costly mistakes and family conflict tomorrow.

This post is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every estate is unique and should be reviewed by a qualified Tennessee attorney.