Reverse Mortgages Demystified: Retirement Planning, Equity, and Real-Life Impact with Genie McGee

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In this episode of Closing Market Weekly, Phillip Hogan sits down with Genie McGee, a retirement mortgage specialist with over 23 years of experience in the reverse mortgage industry. Currently with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, Genie has dedicated her career to helping homeowners aged 62 and older use housing wealth strategically to create more secure, flexible, and dignified retirements.

Phillip and Genie unpack how reverse mortgages actually work—cutting through decades of myths, fear, and misinformation. Genie explains why a reverse mortgage is simply a mortgage with a delayed payment, how it differs from traditional financing, and why it can be a powerful planning tool when used proactively instead of as a last resort.

The conversation goes deeper into real-world scenarios: widows facing income loss, families struggling with long-term care costs, heirs worried about losing the family home, and retirees who want to downsize or relocate without taking on monthly mortgage payments. Genie shares emotional client stories, including a powerful example of an 80-year-old homeowner who used a reverse mortgage to finally choose a home she loved and reclaim her independence.

They also cover the four core qualifications for reverse mortgages, estate planning considerations, how heirs are protected, and why education—not urgency—is the key to making the right decision. Throughout the episode, Genie emphasizes empathy, long-term planning, and aligning financial tools with real human needs.

Tune in to gain a clear, honest understanding of reverse mortgages—and why, when used correctly, they can transform retirement outcomes for homeowners and their families.

Highlights of the episode:
01:15 – Guest intro: Genie McGee
05:30 – Purpose-driven work & retirement impact
06:10 – Who is (and isn’t) a good fit
07:25 – What a reverse mortgage really is
08:45 – Reverse vs traditional mortgage
11:15 – Education over urgency
12:45 – Widows & income loss realities
13:25 – What happens to heirs
15:05 – Estate planning importance
17:10 – Family involvement decisions
18:30 – Long-term care cost realities
20:20 – Reverse mortgage qualifications
22:00 – Success story: choosing freedom at 80
25:35 – When reverse mortgages aren’t ideal
27:40 – Ongoing client support
28:15 – Tough client conversations
29:35 – How to contact Genie
31:15 – Closing remarks

Connect with Guest:
Website: ⁠https://www.fairway.com/⁠
Linkedin: ⁠  / ⁠  

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