Reverse Mortgage Wholesale Lender Directory: HECM & Proprietary Products (2026)
The reverse mortgage market continues evolving with HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) products from FHA and growing proprietary alternatives. This directory helps mortgage professionals find wholesale partners for serving seniors seeking to access home equity.
2026 HECM Lending Limit
The maximum claim amount for HECM loans increased to $1,249,125 for 2026, allowing seniors to access more home equity than ever before through federally-insured reverse mortgages.
Top Reverse Mortgage Wholesale Lenders
| Lender | Products | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Finance of America Reverse | HECM, HomeSafe (proprietary jumbo) | Nation’s top wholesale reverse lender; acquired AAG; competitive pricing; extensive broker support |
| Liberty Reverse Mortgage | HECM, proprietary | Division of PHH Mortgage; one of the most tenured and largest reverse lenders and servicers |
| Longbridge Financial | HECM, Platinum (jumbo) | Leading national wholesale lender and servicer; Platinum proprietary product for high-value homes |
| The Money House | HECM | Top 10 wholesale reverse lender; specializes in helping partners grow HECM business |
| HighTechLending | HECM, proprietary | Expanding wholesale, retail, and call center operations; based in Irvine, CA |
| Land Home Financial Services | HECM | Turnkey reverse mortgage services including pricing, processing, and communication support |
| Smartfi Home Loans | HECM | National wholesale lender with 110+ years collective reverse experience |
| Plaza Home Mortgage | HECM | Full-service mortgage lender founded 2001; offers wholesale reverse |
HECM vs. Proprietary Reverse Mortgages
| Feature | HECM (FHA-Insured) | Proprietary |
|---|---|---|
| Max loan amount | $1,249,125 (2026) | $4M+ available |
| Insurance | FHA mortgage insurance required | No government insurance |
| Interest rates | 3-5% | Up to 7% |
| Upfront costs | Higher (MIP, origination fees) | Often lower fees |
| Counseling required | Yes (HUD-approved counselor) | Varies by lender |
| Best for | Standard home values | High-value homes over HECM limits |
Market Trends (2025-2026)
- Proprietary market share growing: Reached 45% of reverse mortgage market by end of 2025 ($2.5B for the year)
- Lower rates expected: Federal Reserve rate cuts mean higher principal limits for HECM borrowers
- HUD reform discussions: Industry recommending lower upfront mortgage insurance premiums and streamlined options
Key Requirements for Wholesale Partners
- FHA Direct Lender approval
- Ginnie Mae issuer approval (for HMBS securitization)
- State licensing in target markets
- HUD compliance infrastructure
- Borrower counseling coordination with HUD-approved counselors
Industry Resources
- NRMLA (National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association)
- Reverse Market Insight monthly Top 100 lender reports
- HUD Single Family Housing Handbook 4000.1 HECM regulations
- HECMWorld.com industry news and analysis
