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Meet YourRetirement Mortgage SpecialistDerek Helms
- NMLS# 1494137
- derek.helms@fairwaymc.com
- 148 East Charles Street, Suite D, Matthews, NC, 28105
- 704-459-7424
Born and raised in Unionville near Monroe, NC, Derek has lived in the Charlotte area most of his life. He and his wife, Laura, are blessed with two beautiful daughters, Katherine and Caroline. Derek earned two bachelor degrees, Nutrition & Dietetics and Hospitality Management, while attending and playing football at East Carolina University. He then completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at East Carolina University. Prior to joining Fairway, Derek began his career in healthcare, working in physical therapy and physician relations. After an outstanding personal residential loan experience with Fairway, he decided to join the team as a Reverse Mortgage Planner, incorporating his passions for delivering outstanding customer service and helping others. Derek focuses on educating financial advisors, real estate agents, attorneys and accountants to the benefits of the reverse mortgage loan. In addition to spending time with his family, Derek loves working in the yard and vacationing at the lake and beach.
Reverse mortgages in North Carolina and the greater Charlotte area could potentially be a good fit for someone under certain circumstances. A reverse mortgage is a financial product designed for homeowners who are at least 62 years old, allowing you to convert a portion of your home equity into cash without having to sell their home or make monthly mortgage payments.
A reverse mortgage in Charlotte can provide supplemental retirement income, allow you to age in place at and stay in your home, provide flexible payout options, and eliminate monthly mortgage payments--among other things.
To be eligible for a reverse mortgage, the primary borrower must be at least 62 years old, you must own the home outright or have a significant amount of equity in it, the home must be your primary residence, and you will still be expected to pay for property-related expenses like taxes, insurance, and maintenance. All borrowers must go through counseling, as well.
There are additional requirements that can be covered in greater detail with Derek and his team.
There are three types of reverse mortgage loans that Derek originates in Charlotte and surrounding areas - Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), HECM for Purchase (H4P), and Jumbo Reverse Mortgage Loans. Depending on your situation, Derek will recommend the product that best meets your needs.
When consulting his reverse mortgage customers in Charlotte, the rest of North Carolina, and even in other states, Derek takes a holistic approach of reviewing your overall financial well-being and seeing if a reverse mortgage makes sense with consideration to several different variables.
Derek is based in Charlotte but works with clients all around the Carolinas, including reverse mortgages in Asheville, Charlotte, and other areas.
Derek is licensed to do reverse mortgages in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Based in Matthews, NC
What Fairway customers are saying *
Our reverse mortgage allows us to retain money to invest and use for other projects. Derek was helpful and worked hard to complete the mortgage process.”
Keith and Julie F.
“A reverse mortgage is a good way to get money for expenses you cannot afford. It helped me to pay my health insurance until I could get Medicare. It helped with unexpected expenses.”
August W.
“Derek is a person of integrity and will help to make the process as straightforward as possible.”
Deborah P.
“Derek was so helpful and made the process easy to understand and educational and gave me peace of mind . . . He helped me to find the right reverse mortgage plan — for me."
Sharon S.
“Derek was recommended to me by my real estate agent. He did an outstanding job of guiding me through the loan process.”
James W.
“A reverse mortgage can free up money for home improvement and we have been able to put mortgage money aside. I would recommend your firm and personnel to anyone.”
Stephen and Sandra M.
“. . . I like the Fairway story and approach. Derek did a really professional job of guiding us through each step of the loan process. Reverse mortgages can be an effective tool as part of your overall retirement plan . . . Get all of your questions answered. Fairway reps are well informed and patient.”
Michael and Sharon J.
Derek and Neil have been a pleasure to work with. Every interaction has been friendly, professional and personal. Always ready to answer any questions, and take whatever time is needed to make sure the client is well taken care of. Patient, conscientious, with great communication skills. Derek and his team went above and beyond in meeting expectations for my client. The loan process was very smooth. Derek and his team will go the extra mile by following up to make sure the job goes well.
Linda Slokenbergs, Broker/Realtor
What is a Reverse Mortgage Loan?
A reverse mortgage is a unique loan that allows those 62 years of age and older to convert a portion of the equity they have built up in their homes into cash and defer repayment until they pass away or move out. The loan can provide you with cash that you can use now, help you develop a line of credit, and more, giving you more financial flexibility in retirement.
Benefits of A Reverse Mortgage
There are many incredible benefits to this unique loan, and it can be a great way way for you to feel secure in your retirement and provide you with the financial freedom you are looking for.
Benefits
- No monthly mortgage payments except for taxes, insurance, and maintenance
- Growing line of credit (applies to unused funds)
- Increased discretionary cash flow
- Can sell YOUR home at any time
- Does not require payment until last living borrower permanently leaves the home
- Bridge the medicare gap
- Increase your purchasing power
Benefits of working with a Fairway loan officer in Matthews, NC
We Deliver On Customer Service
Our customers experience some of the fastest turn times in the industry. The Fairway reverse mortgage loan process is designed to exceed expectations, provide satisfaction and earn your trust.
Specialized Training
Each Fairway loan officer is required to attend live training classes before he or she can originate a reverse mortgage loan. Our Reverse mortgage planners have access to a dedicated support staff and ongoing weekly educational training calls.
National In-Person Appointments
Fairway has offices located nationwide with trained reverse mortgage planners, giving us the ability to meet with you in a face-to-face setting.