HOMEQ Corporation announced its subsidiary HomEquity Bank reverse mortgage origination volume set a new record during Q2 2010. Driven by encouraging deman across Canada, the company originated $59 million of reverse mortgages during the quarter, exceeding its Q2 2009 volume by 160%.
According to the company, the growth affirms the ongoing transition of reverse mortgages from a niche product to a mainstream solution in Canada. “The volume of inquiries and applications continues to grow and the sales cycle is shortening, indicating the strong motivation of new customers to acquire a reverse mortgage,” said the company in a statement.
“We are in the midst of a significant business transformation and are adapting well to the new environment”, said President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Steven Ranson. “We are experiencing strong growth coupled with encouraging improvements in efficiency throughout the business. It is estimated that the number of Canadian seniors will grow by 20% in the next six years and increasingly they will rely on HomEquity Bank for flexible and innovative solutions to meet their retirement needs.”
Origination volume was more than two and a half times that of Q2 2009. A combination of the strong originations and the effect of compound interest is resulting in the portfolio growing at an accelerated rate. The portfolio grew by 13.6% on a year-on-year basis.
Reverse mortgage professional Gabe Bodner offers tips for originators to keep in mind during tough market conditions.