Description

Love Where You Live. Plan For What's Next

Reverse Mortgages: What They Are — and What They Aren’t: A Community Conversation About Home Equity, Aging in Place & Estate Planning

Reverse mortgages are often misunderstood, and many homeowners and their families have questions about how they work, what they cost, how they affect home equity, and what happens to the property in the future.

This program is intended to be a straightforward, educational community conversation — not a sales presentation. We’ll talk about how reverse mortgages work, common misconceptions, homeowner responsibilities, alternatives, and the estate-planning considerations families should understand before making any decisions.

The discussion will also address questions such as:

• Does the bank own your home?
• Who qualifies for a reverse mortgage?
• How can the proceeds be used?
• What happens to the loan balance over time?
• What happens when the homeowner sells the property or passes away?
• Can children or other heirs still inherit the home?
• What responsibilities does the homeowner continue to have?
• What alternatives should homeowners consider?
• When might a reverse mortgage make sense — and when might it not?

About the Panel:

Amy Connors — Moderator / Real Estate Attorney

Amy Connors is a Massachusetts real estate attorney whose practice focuses on residential real estate transactions and helping clients navigate the legal and practical issues surrounding homeownership. She regularly works with homeowners, buyers, sellers, lenders, and real estate professionals throughout the North Shore and Cape Ann. Amy has a particular interest in helping homeowners understand their options as housing costs, retirement planning, and long-term family considerations intersect.

Joe Long — Movement Mortgage

Joe Long is a mortgage professional with Movement Mortgage who works with homeowners and buyers throughout the North Shore. He has experience helping clients understand a range of home-financing options, including reverse mortgages, and will provide an overview of how these loans work, eligibility requirements, costs, homeowner responsibilities, and circumstances homeowners should consider when evaluating whether a reverse mortgage may be appropriate.

Annalei M. Babson, Esq. — Founder & Principal Attorney | Babson Law Office, Gloucester, MA

Annalei Babson is the founder and principal attorney of Babson Law Office in Gloucester, Massachusetts, where she focuses on estate planning, trusts, probate, and elder law. Recognized by Boston Magazine as a Top Lawyer in Trusts and Estates, Annalei is dedicated to helping individuals and families protect their assets, plan for the future, and preserve their legacies.

She serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Forum of Estate Planning Attorneys and is an active member of the Cape Ann legal and business community. Known for her thoughtful, approachable style, Annalei helps clients navigate complex legal decisions with clarity and confidence. 

Registration is encouraged but not required and will be postponed if there is not enough community interest. If interest exceeds our space registration will become required.