⭐ 5.0 Google Reviews
✓ BBB A+ Rated
✓ HUD Approved
✓ Licensed in California
NMLS #1229133  |  (800) 405-6000
Effective Date: January 1, 2025

Licensing & Registration

Homeowners Mortgage and Equity, Inc. is a licensed mortgage broker in the State of California. We are registered with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS). Licensing information can be verified at the NMLS Consumer Access website: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

Entity / Individual NMLS # License Type State
Homeowners Mortgage and Equity, Inc. #1229133 Mortgage Broker / Banker California
Kevin Pierce (Loan Originator) #892888 Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator California

Homeowners Mortgage and Equity, Inc. is licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and/or the California Department of Real Estate (DRE), as applicable.

Not a Government Agency

HUD / FHA Disclaimer

This material has not been reviewed, approved, or issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), or any other federal or state government agency. Homeowners Mortgage and Equity, Inc. is not affiliated with, acting on behalf of, or endorsed by HUD, FHA, or any government agency. References to government-insured reverse mortgage programs (HECM) are for informational purposes only.

Independent Counseling Requirement

HUD-approved housing counseling is required for FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) loans. Counseling is conducted by an independent, third-party agency that is not affiliated with Homeowners Mortgage and Equity, Inc. or any lender. The purpose of counseling is to ensure borrowers fully understand the reverse mortgage program, their obligations, and available alternatives. A California state grant may be available to cover the cost of counseling for qualifying borrowers.

Reverse Mortgage Program Disclosures

General Reverse Mortgage Disclosure

A reverse mortgage is a loan secured by your home. Unlike a traditional mortgage, no monthly mortgage payment is required. Interest and fees accrue over time and the loan balance grows. The loan becomes due and payable when the last borrower permanently leaves the home, sells the property, or passes away. Borrowers must continue to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees (if applicable), and must maintain the property in good condition. Failure to meet these obligations may result in default and potential foreclosure.

Non-Recourse Feature

FHA HECM reverse mortgages are non-recourse loans. This means that the borrower and their heirs will never owe more than the appraised value of the home at the time the loan becomes due, provided the home is sold to repay the loan. If the home sells for less than the loan balance, FHA mortgage insurance covers the shortfall — protecting borrowers and heirs from personal liability beyond the home's value.

Proprietary & Jumbo Reverse Mortgage Programs

Proprietary (non-FHA) reverse mortgage programs, including jumbo and 55+ programs, are private loan products offered by individual lenders. These products are not insured by FHA or HUD and do not carry the same FHA non-recourse protections. Terms, eligibility requirements, loan limits, and features vary by lender and program. Not all programs are available in all areas.

Reverse Mortgage Second Lien Program

The reverse mortgage second lien (2nd lien) program allows qualifying borrowers to access equity in a subordinate lien position while retaining an existing first mortgage. This product is a proprietary program and is not FHA-insured. A monthly payment may or may not be required on the first lien; no monthly payment is required on the reverse second lien portion. Availability and terms are subject to lender approval.

HECM for Purchase (H4P)

The HECM for Purchase program allows eligible borrowers age 62 or older to purchase a new primary residence using a reverse mortgage. A significant down payment is required, and borrowers must meet standard HECM eligibility requirements. The home purchased must be the borrower's primary residence. HUD counseling is required prior to application.

Growing Line of Credit

For HECM reverse mortgages with an adjustable interest rate, unused line of credit funds grow at the same rate as the loan's interest rate plus the FHA mortgage insurance premium rate. This growth applies to the available credit line only and does not represent earnings, income, or investment returns. Actual available credit depends on current interest rates and loan terms at the time of application.

Tax Disclosure

Reverse mortgage loan proceeds are generally considered loan advances, not income, and are therefore typically not subject to federal or state income tax. However, tax treatment may vary depending on individual circumstances. Homeowners Mortgage and Equity, Inc. does not provide tax advice. Please consult a qualified tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation before making any decisions based on tax assumptions.

No Commitment to Lend

Nothing on this website, in any marketing material, or in any preliminary conversation with our staff constitutes a commitment, promise, or guarantee to provide financing. All loan applications are subject to credit approval, income verification, property appraisal, title review, and final underwriting by the funding lender. Loan terms, interest rates, and available proceeds are subject to change until a loan is locked and final disclosures are issued.

Estimated proceeds shown in our online calculator are approximations only. Actual proceeds will vary based on current interest rates, the appraised value of the property, borrower age, loan program selected, existing liens, closing costs, and other factors.

Equal Housing Lender

Homeowners Mortgage and Equity, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender. We conduct business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), and all applicable California fair lending laws. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, age, marital status, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you believe you have been the subject of lending discrimination, you may contact:

RESPA & Affiliated Business Arrangements

Homeowners Mortgage and Equity, Inc. complies with the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). We may refer borrowers to settlement service providers — including title companies, escrow companies, appraisers, and attorneys — in connection with a mortgage transaction. Where required by law, we will provide an Affiliated Business Arrangement Disclosure at the time of any referral. You are not required to use any referred provider; you are free to shop for these services independently.

Advertising Disclosures

This website and any associated marketing materials are advertisements for mortgage loan services. Any testimonials featured on this website are from actual clients and reflect their individual experiences. Results may vary. Testimonials are not indicative of future performance or typical outcomes.

Star ratings and review references reflect self-reported or third-party platform ratings at the time of publication and may not reflect current standing. Claims such as "5.0 Google Reviews" or "BBB A+ Rated" are based on ratings current at the time this content was last updated and are subject to change.

Questions About Our Disclosures?

For questions about any disclosure, your loan, or to request additional information:

Homeowners Mortgage and Equity, Inc.
Kevin Pierce, NMLS #892888
(800) 405-6000
NMLS #1229133 — Licensed in California

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