Financial Literacy Tip of the Week: Understanding Alternative Mortgage Products

The Idaho Department of Finance is encouraging homeowners to carefully evaluate alternative mortgage and home‑equity products following a rise in complaints. Recent complaints include companies charging consumers, predominately seniors, for reverse‑mortgage counseling that should have been free and was not HUD-approved, high‑pressure “retirement mortgage” seminars pushing expensive products and discouraging lawyer review or family involvement, and fraudulent callers impersonating government mortgage‑relief programs and demanding upfront fees. Many Idaho homeowners, particularly long‑time residents have built substantial equity, which has led to increased marketing activity from lenders, investors, and, in some cases, scammers.

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