Your home is your castle. Whether you built it yourself or worked 9-5 for twenty years to afford your dream home, every homeowner in California knows they have a slice of paradise. I live in Santa Cruz, CA and work with homeowners throughout Santa Cruz County as well as San Jose and the Greater Bay Area.
With a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, you're not obligated to make a monthly mortgage payment, you're just required to maintain the home and pay insurance premiums, property taxes and any applicable HOA fees. This means the keys (and title) to your castle stay in your hands - not the banks. Designed by HUD for folks 62+, the loan proceeds go towards paying off any existing mortgage or HELOC.
With a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, you're not obligated to make a monthly mortgage payment, you're just required to maintain the home and pay insurance premiums, property taxes and any applicable HOA fees. This means the keys (and title) to your castle stay in your hands - not the banks. Designed by HUD for folks 62+, the loan proceeds go towards paying off any existing mortgage or HELOC.
Services
Marina brings patience, listening skills, honesty, and integrity to all of her customers. She is dedicated to educating people through regular community workshops to help people understand the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program as well as jumbo reverse mortgage options. Prior to her work as a reverse mortgage consultant, Marina worked in the solar industry, helping homeowners in Santa Cruz County.
2. Be contacted about a mortgage at my phone number even if my phone number appears on a State or National Do Not Call Registry, or any other Do Not Contact List. This material is not provided by, nor was it approved by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) or by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is the formal name of the federally-administered loan that many commonly refer to as the 'reverse mortgage' loan. The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage is administered by H.U.D. (The Department of Housing & Urban Development) and may help qualified homeowners 62 and older enhance their cash flow during retirement.
Do I have the financial resources to help my parents with their medical and living expenses?. What are my parents' wishes as to staying home if medical care is needed for an extended time? Will Mom and Dad use up my inheritance? While tapping into their home's value, your parents' home may appreciate in value, which could allow for some equity to be left at the end of the loan, but not always.
A reverse mortgage loan is not for everyone. We can provide detailed loan scenarios to you (with your client's permission) to help reach a decision that is aligned with the interest of all parties. We are upfront with all our clients about the advantages and disadvantages of a reverse mortgage. Proceeds received from a reverse mortgage typically do not affect Social Security or Medicare.
Reviews (10)
Jim Short
Oct 25, 2021
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A friend had referred me to Marina for a reverse mortgage which I knew virtually nothing about. After meeting with her, my mind was set to ease and I felt ready to embark on the process. Respectively, Marina was patient and a true pro all the way through to the end. I have already referred her to one friend who was also very happy with her experience and highly recommend her to others.
Barbara Ann Adamski
May 21, 2021
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Lesli Min
Mar 28, 2021
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A reverse mortgage is a big financial decision and an involved process, so it's important to have a trusted partner on the journey, and you couldn't ask for more than Marina. I just completed my loan with her and it actually closed SOONER than anticipated, largely due to Marina's efforts. She is very hardworking, knowlegeable, patient, accessible and committed to guiding you to the best product for your needs. Absolutely no pressure, and you clearly feel she is on your side. Last, but not least, she's a lovely, kind person.
Melita Cowie
Sep 25, 2020
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The experience of working with Marina Watts on a reverse mortgage was everything such an experience should be. She was excellent in communicating with us -always responded promptly -and really knew her material. We also felt her to be generous and kind and totally professional. What more can one ask for? We received a great loan in a reasonable amount of time. We recommend her highly. Chris Tedesco and Melita Cowie
Joanna Rottke
Jul 19, 2020
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It was great working with Marina. She stayed in close contact and explained the many details every step of the way. We had some complications and some pleasant surprises and we worked through everything and got to the finish line. I would recommend Marina to anyone interested in reverse mortgages. She's trustworthy and knowledgeable and will find the best product for your situation.
Ann Thryft
Jul 14, 2020
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Marina is a terrific pro, a super communicator, and an upstanding & honest person. She found the right reverse mortgage for us, and stayed with us every step of the way in what became a five-month odyssey. After getting to what we thought was the finish line and signing the first set of papers, the CZU Lightning Complex fire in Santa Cruz put the whole process on hold when we had to evacuate. Marina guided us through every step and found solutions to all problems that arose until we signed the second set of papers two months later. We are so happy we did this, our finances are in such better shape
Sam Burkhardt
Jun 16, 2020
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Marina Watts worked very hard to help me get a reverse mortgage. She communicated well and responded quickly to my questions. We had a lot challenges along the way, but she was always on top of the situation and found a solution. In the end, everything worked out to my satisfaction. She is honest and trustworthy.
Melanie Useldinger
May 30, 2020
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As a Notary Public / Loan Singing Agent in Santa Cruz county, I was very impressed with Marina Watts' professionalism and dedication to a smooth reverse mortgage process all the way to closing for her clients. It is not often that I attend a reverse mortgage signing where the clients have been guided with so much care and communication from start to finish of such a complicated process! I highly recommend Marina Watts if you are considering a reverse mortgage professional.
Janelle Secondo
Nov 22, 2019
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My husband and I found Marina to be extremely amicable and patient. She was very thorough and researched anything there may have been a question about. We found her to be transparent and trustworthy. We have just started out in our reverse mortgage journey and she has been informative and supportive all the way. We look forward to our ongoing relationship with her assisting us further along. We definitely recommend her!
Rshnrvrrbrt
Sep 15, 2019
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Getting a reverse mortgage is a serious and complicated process, and Marina Watts is a pro! she communicates well, and makes things clear and understandable...we really felt she was looking out for us. knowledgeable, professional and lovely human being to boot...a perfect guide for anyone who's thinking about making this big life decision. we feel very grateful and fortunate to have stumbled upon Marina (by chance)...she's the very best!
