Consumer complaint received 2024-09-25 00:00:00
Product: Mortgage — Reverse mortgage
Issue: Struggling to pay mortgage — Trying to communicate with the company to fix an issue related to modification, forbearance, short sale, deed-in-lieu, bankruptcy, or foreclosure
Company: CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
I am XXXX widow facing an imminent foreclosure on my home. I am reaching out to request assistance and resolution regarding my situation as a non-borrowing spouse under the reverse mortgage tied to the home I shared with my late husband. 
I was married for over XXXX years, and after selling my home in XXXXXXXX XXXX, I relocated to XXXXXXXX XXXX to begin my life with my husband. A year into our marriage, I learned that our home was under a reverse mortgage and the taxes had fallen behind. At that time, my husband assured me that he was handling the financial obligations related to the taxes and insurance. To help, I used the proceeds from the sale of my XXXX home and an inheritance from my late mother to pay off these debts and make necessary repairs, including replacing the air conditioner, water heater, etc. 
My husband was a proud man and kept many of his financial difficulties hidden from me. It was only after his passing earlier this year that I discovered the extent of the financial issues. I also learned that the property taxes were again past due and that there had been insurance complications, despite my husband claim that these matters were being handled. The lender had placed their own insurance on the property, adding to the financial strain. As my husband became too ill to manage household responsibilities due to his battle with XXXX, I assumed those duties. 

On top of these challenges, I have my own medical issues. I had to undergo XXXX XXXX just a month after my husband passing, following a fall that occurred while I was caring for him. I was exhausted from the XXXX  and lack of sleep during that time. Since the XXXX, I have been managing ongoing medical appointments, and my sons and daughter-in-law have been helping me deal with the financial situation my husband left behind. 

Given XXXX 's passing and the financial obligations tied to the home, I contacted Carrington Mortgage to request consideration as a successor in interest and non-borrowing spouse under the terms of the reverse mortgage. Despite being XXXX 's legally married spouse and residing in the home as my primary residence, I was informed that I do not qualify for relief. 

I have reached out to Carrington Mortgage to inquire about my status as a successor in interest and a non-borrowing spouse. Unfortunately, I was told that I do not qualify under their programs. However, after consulting an attorney, I have learned that I do qualify as a non-borrowing eligible spouse. I have attached our marriage certificate as proof. Under reverse mortgage guidelines, I should be allowed to continue living in the home as my primary residence after my husbands passing, who was the co-borrower on the loan that Carrington Mortgage holds. As proof of my legal standing as my husband spouse, I have attached copies of our marriage certificate and his death certificate. Line XXXX of the death certificate clearly lists me, as his wife and the informant. Based on my understanding of reverse mortgage guidelines, I believe I should qualify as an eligible non-borrowing spouse and be allowed to remain in the home as my primary residence. 

Despite this, I am now facing foreclosure, with the sale date scheduled for XX/XX/year>. As a XXXX widow living alone, I do not have the means to pay off the mortgage. My only wish is to remain in my home for the rest of my life without the constant fear of losing it. The situation has become overwhelming, with frequent calls and people visiting the house, causing me significant stress. 

am kindly requesting your help and understanding in this matter. I want nothing more than to live out my life in the home that holds so many memories of my husband.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation