Over a decade ago, my mom and dad lost their ability to live independently just a year apart from each other. For both of my parents, the day they were admitted into the hospital was the last day they saw their house. I believed that keeping them at home would cost more than we could afford. A friend of mine tried to introduce the reverse mortgage program as possible solution but I refused to consider it. Like many people I meet today, I was fearful of reverse mortgages and incorrectly believed that the lender would take title to the house. To make a long story short, I sold their property and transitioned them from their respective care facilities directly into a care home.  

If I had to do it all over again, I would have given my dad and mom more years in their home like they had hoped for. My dad built the house in 1976 and got to enjoy almost 30 years there with my mom. He wanted to go home and that could have been possible.  We could have installed a chair lift, widened some doorways, renovated a bathroom and hired in-home nursing care.  A reverse mortgage, along with their income, savings, and long-term care insurance, could have enabled them to stay at home for my dad’s remaining years and most of my mom’s.

Today, it’s that failure to consider the reverse mortgage option that makes me passionate about what I do. For over 10 years, I’ve educated hundreds of people about how reverse mortgage programs work. I listen to the heart of the customer - the stories behind their needs, goals, and dreams. Together, we take the time to explore how a reverse mortgage may help now and also how it may impact them and their family in the future.

If you are in need of reverse mortgage information, I’d be happy to assist you. Please call me at 753-9819.

My heart’s desire is to serve the Lord and be a blessing to others.

Aloha,

Wendy Oshiro