Liberty Reverse Mortgage may not have the name recognition of Finance of America or the product innovation of Finance of America Reverse. Still, it’s quietly one of the largest reverse mortgage lenders in the United States. With a history spanning over 15 years and a reputation for straightforward service, Liberty appeals to families seeking stability and clear guidance, rather than flashy marketing.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Long-standing presence in the reverse mortgage industry
- Backed by PHH Mortgage, adding financial stability
- Clear explanations from loan officers
Weaknesses:
- Service quality can vary depending on the representative
- The process can feel slower if communication lags.
- Fees are average, not standout.
Compare Reverse Mortgage Companies
Company Background
Founded in 2003 as Genworth Financial Home Equity Access and later rebranded as Liberty Reverse Mortgage, the company has built a long track record in the reverse mortgage industry. Liberty is part of PHH Mortgage/Ocwen Financial, providing it with the backing of a larger mortgage servicing organization.
This connection to a bigger parent company provides stability, but also means Liberty operates more like a traditional lender than a boutique firm. Families often see Liberty as a dependable choice — not necessarily the cheapest or fastest, but one that gets the job done.
The Process with Liberty
Like other lenders, Liberty requires borrowers to complete HUD counseling before beginning the application process. The standard steps — application, appraisal, underwriting, and closing — generally run four to six weeks. Borrowers describe the process as clear, with Liberty’s loan officers explaining terms and next steps in plain language.
However, Liberty’s scale also means service quality can vary depending on which representative a family works with. Some reviews highlight smooth, stress-free closings, while others mention periods of unresponsiveness that made the process drag on longer than expected.
Costs and Fees
Liberty’s fees fall within industry norms. Origination charges, closing costs, and FHA insurance are standard, and the company doesn’t stand out as either the most expensive or the most affordable. For families, Liberty is more about predictability than aggressively low pricing.
Customer Experience
Liberty maintains strong ratings with the Better Business Bureau and has a relatively low number of complaints compared to its loan volume. Many borrowers praise the company for its professionalism and for helping seniors feel at ease with a complex financial decision.
That said, some negative feedback points to communication lapses during underwriting, where families felt updates were slower than they should have been. The overall picture is of a lender that delivers steady service most of the time, but occasionally stumbles on follow-through.
How Liberty Compares
Compared to Finance of America, Liberty is quieter and less sales-driven, which some families find refreshing. Against Longbridge, Liberty feels larger and more traditional, while Longbridge leans more on patient, personalized care. Liberty’s real advantage is its stability and experience — it’s not flashy, but it’s consistent.
Rating Scale
We compared Liberty reverse mortgages against the best reverse mortgage companies across four core categories. Here’s how it stacked up.
- Customer Experience: (4/5)
- Fees & Costs: (4/5)
- Product Options: (4/5)
- Speed of Process: (3.5/5)
- Overall Score: (4.0/5)
AssistedKin’s Top 5 Reverse Mortgage Companies
Recommended For | Lender | Key Strength | Editor's Rating | Next Steps |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best for Customer Support | Longbridge Financial | Patient, detailed guidance with no monthly servicing fees | 4.2 | Explore Loan Options |
Best for Transparency | All Reverse Mortgage (ARLO) | Online calculator and consistently strong customer reviews | 4.4 | Explore Loan Options |
Best for Trust Factor | Mutual of Omaha | Backed by a century-old brand trusted by millions of households | 4.0 | Explore Loan Options |
Best for Community Lending | Guild Mortgage | Long history and local branch presence for in-person service | 3.9 | Explore Loan Options |
Best for Product Options | Finance of America Reverse | Wide range of loans, including jumbo/proprietary reverse mortgages | 4.3 | Explore Loan Options |
Final Thoughts
Liberty Reverse Mortgage is best described as steady and reliable. Families seeking a lender with a long-standing track record and the backing of a larger mortgage company will find reassurance here. While not the fastest or cheapest option, Liberty stands out for stability and clear communication, making it a solid choice for seniors who value predictability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Liberty reverse mortgages.
Yes. Liberty is a division of PHH Mortgage, which Ocwen Financial owns.
Their fees are average compared to other national lenders. They don’t advertise unusually low costs but stay within industry norms.
Typically four to six weeks, though some borrowers report slower communication at times.
Seniors who prefer an established, steady lender backed by a major mortgage company.