Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You? with Cheryl Scheidell

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

Guest: Seth Leibsohn
Host: Cheryl Scheidell, Reverse Mortgage Specialist, Barrett Financial Group

Reverse mortgages are one of the most misunderstood financial tools available to seniors today. In this episode, Cheryl Scheidell is joined by Seth Leibsohn for a candid, thoughtful discussion that cuts through fear, myths, and outdated information.

This episode focuses on education, consumer protection, and personal responsibility.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why reverse mortgages developed a negative reputation

• How today’s FHA-insured reverse mortgages have changed

• The real obligations homeowners must meet

• Common myths vs. real risks

• Who should consider a reverse mortgage—and who shouldn’t

• Why informed decision-making matters more than ever

Important Disclosure:

Reverse mortgages are federally insured loans subject to eligibility requirements, financial assessment, and mandatory HUD-approved counseling. Borrowers must continue to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintain the home. This program is not suitable for everyone.

Have questions or want personalized information?

📞 Phone: 480-817-4324
🌐 Website: ReverseMortgageAndBeyond.com
📧 Email: [email protected]

Education first. Pressure never.

🎙️ Episode Overview

Estate planning doesn’t have to be intimidating—and it’s not just for the wealthy. In Part 1 of this two-part series, host Cheryl Scheidell sits down with her longtime friend of over 30 years, financial advisor and estate planning specialist Jayson Walker of Netvest Financial, to break estate planning down in simple, real-world terms.

This episode focuses on the foundational pieces of estate planning, common misconceptions, and the costly mistakes families often make when planning is delayed or incomplete. Cheryl and Jayson explain why estate planning is about protecting your family and your home while you’re living, not just what happens after you pass away.

🧠 Topics Covered in Part 1

• What estate planning really is (and what it is not)
• Who needs an estate plan (hint: more people than you think)
• Why estate planning often feels overwhelming
• The biggest and most common estate planning mistakes
• Additional mistakes families make that create confusion later
• The difference between Wills and Trusts
• What probate is and why families try to avoid it
• How poor planning can lead to stress, delays, and unnecessary costs

🎧 Why This Episode Matters

Many families don’t realize the problems they’ve created until it’s too late—often during a health crisis or after the loss of a loved one. This episode helps listeners understand why proactive planning matters and sets the stage for Part 2, where solutions and strategies are discussed in greater detail.

📞 Have Questions About Your Own Situation?

If you’re wondering how estate planning, housing decisions, and retirement strategies work together—or if a reverse mortgage might fit into your plan—help is just a phone call away.

📱 Call Cheryl Scheidell: 480-817-4324
🌐 Website: reversemortgageandbeyond.com
📧 Email: [email protected]

Jayson Walker, Netvest Financial
📱 602-230-8222
🏢 9059 E. Bahia Drive, Suite 100
  Scottsdale, AZ 85260

🍷 UPCOMING EDUCATIONAL EVENT – LUNCH & LEARN

📍 Total Wine
🕦 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
🍽️ Complimentary Lunch
🎟️ Limited Seating – RSVP Required

Join Cheryl Scheidell, Jayson Walker, and Lydia Wietsma, Probate Realtor with Next Home Power Realty, for an educational Lunch & Learn focused on estate planning, probate, real estate, and retirement strategies.

📞 RSVP to 480-817-4324
📧 [email protected]

▶️ Coming Up Next

📻 Part 2 of this conversation dives deeper into:

• How trusts help avoid probate
• Planning for incapacity
• Preventing family conflict and sibling disputes
• First steps to creating or updating your estate plan

Be sure to tune in in two weeks for Part 2 with Jayson Walker.

Episode Title: Avoiding the Senior Care Crisis: What Families Need to Know Before It’s Too Late

Host: Cheryl Scheidell
Guest: Greg Sarlo, Founder & CEO of EverCare

Many families don’t realize they’re in a crisis until a parent is suddenly hospitalized—and they’re told decisions must be made immediately.

In this powerful episode of Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?, Cheryl is joined by senior care expert Greg Sarlo, who pulls back the curtain on what really happens during hospital discharges, why families feel blindsided, and how better planning can protect both loved ones and finances.

🧠 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why hospital and rehab discharges often happen faster than families expect
• What families can say if they feel a discharge isn’t safe
• The biggest mistakes made during senior care emergencies
• How to recognize when it’s time for assisted living, memory care, or added support
• Why pre-planning before a crisis is critical
• What a senior placement advisor actually does—and how they help at no cost
• How EverCare is raising the standard for senior care navigation in Arizona
• How housing wealth and reverse mortgages can be part of a care strategy

This conversation is essential listening for seniors, adult children, caregivers, real estate professionals, and anyone who wants to avoid rushed decisions during emotional moments.

👤 About the Guest

Greg Sarlo is the Founder and CEO of EverCare, a statewide concierge senior placement and resource organization serving families throughout Arizona at no cost.

EverCare was recognized as Best of East Valley and is known for its hands-on, high-touch approach to senior care navigation. Their team includes a Registered Nurse, Master Social Worker, and ALM-licensed professional—bringing clinical insight and advocacy to complex care transitions.

🌐 Learn more:
goevercare.com

🎧 About the Host

Cheryl Scheidell educates seniors and families on housing, aging-in-place, and reverse mortgage strategies—before decisions become urgent.

📞 Phone: 480-817-4324
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website:
ReverseMortgageAndBeyond.com

🎙️ Show Notes Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

Host: Cheryl Scheidell
Guests:

• Lydia Wiestma
• Sheryl Keeme

Aging, housing, and financial planning are colliding faster than most families realize. In this powerful episode, host Cheryl Scheidell is joined by probate real estate expert Lydia Wiestma and housing data specialist Sheryl Keeme for a timely conversation about planning before crisis hits.

Together, they explore how legal preparation, housing decisions, and reverse mortgages can work together to support seniors, adult children, and families navigating longevity.

🏡 Reverse Mortgages as a Planning Tool

Cheryl opens the show by breaking down reverse mortgages in plain language, including:

• Reverse Mortgage Basics — how they work and who they’re designed for
• Reverse for Purchase — buying a home without a monthly mortgage payment
• 2nd Lien Reverse Mortgages — accessing equity while keeping a first mortgage

She explains why reverse mortgages are not a last resort, but rather a strategic planning option when used correctly and early.

⚖️ Legal Planning, Probate & Real Estate

Lydia Wiestma shares what she sees daily when families come to her office:

• Missing or outdated powers of attorney
• No trust or estate plan in place
• Real estate tied up in probate delays
• Heirs forced into rushed housing decisions

Lydia explains how proactive legal planning protects families, preserves assets, and prevents unnecessary court involvement.

📊 The Silver Tsunami: Aging by the Numbers

Sheryl Keeme brings perspective to the conversation with statistics that stop people in their tracks:

• Today, there are roughly 930,000 to 950,000 Americans age 86
• By 2031, that number jumps to nearly 9 million
• By 2035—just four years later—it could reach 23 million

Sheryl explains what this means for housing availability, caregiving, social services, and why families must plan earlier than previous generations.

🎯 Key Takeaways for Listeners

• Aging is predictable — crises are not
• Legal, housing, and financial planning must work together
• The family home can be part of the solution, not the problem
• Education creates options; options create peace of mind

📞 Contact Information Cheryl Scheidell — Host

Reverse Mortgage Specialist
Phone: 480-817-4324
Email: [email protected]
Website: ReverseMortgageAndBeyond.com

Lydia Wiestma — Guest

Probate & Trust Real Estate Specialist
Phone: (602) 363-1720
Email: [email protected]
Website: ProbateRealtyHelp.com

Sheryl Keeme — Guest

Housing & Demographic Data Expert
📘 You can find Sheryl Keeme on Facebook by searching her name.

🎙️ Final Thought

This episode is a reminder that the Silver Tsunami isn’t coming someday — it’s already here. Families who plan early retain control, dignity, and choice.

If today’s conversation raised questions about housing, legal planning, or reverse mortgages, the best next step is to start the conversation — before a crisis forces one.

🎙️ Show Notes Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

Host: Cheryl Scheidell
Guest: Sheryl Keeme

Many homeowners approaching—or already in—retirement find themselves house-rich but cash-poor. In this episode, host Cheryl Scheidell sits down with housing and demographic expert Sheryl Keeme to discuss reverse mortgages, the realities of aging in America, and why planning conversations can no longer be postponed.

What You’ll Learn:

• The basics of reverse mortgages—and the most common myths
• How reverse mortgages can be used for income, flexibility, and long-term planning
• Why demographic shifts are reshaping housing and retirement decisions
• How education leads to better choices for seniors and families

Aging America: The Numbers Everyone Should Know

Here’s a statistic that stops people in their tracks:

• Today, there are roughly 930,000 to 950,000 Americans age 86
• By 2031, that number jumps to nearly 9 million
• By 2035—just four years later—it could reach 23 million

These numbers make one thing clear: housing, income, and planning conversations must start earlier—before families are forced into crisis decisions.

Real Estate Meets Retirement

Sheryl Keeme shares insight into how these demographic shifts affect housing inventory, senior living choices, and the growing importance of aging safely at home. Together, Cheryl and Sheryl explain how home equity—when used responsibly—can be part of a thoughtful retirement strategy.

About the Guest

Sheryl Keeme is known for translating housing and population data into real-world insight families can understand.
👉 You can find Sheryl Keeme on Facebook by searching her name.

Final Thought

A reverse mortgage isn’t for everyone—but for the right homeowner, at the right time, it can offer flexibility, stability, and peace of mind. The key is education, not pressure.

📞 Contact the Host

Cheryl Scheidell
Phone: 480-817-4324
Email: [email protected]
Website: ReverseMortgageAndBeyond.com

SHOW NOTES Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

Many homeowners reach retirement owning a valuable home — yet still feel financial pressure month to month. In this episode of Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?, Cheryl Scheidell breaks down the facts, clears up common myths, and explains how reverse mortgages can be used strategically — or why they may not be right for everyone.

This episode is not about selling. It’s about education, clarity, and confidence.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What a reverse mortgage is — and what it is not
• Who a reverse mortgage may be right for (and who it isn’t)
• How home equity can be used to improve cash flow and peace of mind
• Why fear and misinformation stop many homeowners from exploring real options
• The most important questions to ask before making a decision

Cheryl shares real-world insights from years of experience working with homeowners who want to age in place, reduce financial stress, and make informed retirement choices.

🎙️ UPCOMING EVENT: Lunch & Learn Invitation

Cheryl also invites listeners to attend an upcoming Lunch & Learn she is co-hosting with Lydia Wietsma, Probate Realtor.

🗓 Wednesday, May 20th
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Total Wine & More at Scottsdale & Shea
🍽 Complimentary lunch included
👥 Limited seating – RSVP required

This is a relaxed, pressure-free educational event where you can ask questions and learn more about reverse mortgages and probate real estate.

📞 Call or text Cheryl: 480-817-4324
📧 RSVP by email: [email protected]

About Your Host

Cheryl Scheidell specializes in reverse mortgages and retirement-focused lending strategies. Her mission is to help homeowners make informed decisions using education — not pressure.

📞 480-817-4324
📧 [email protected]
🌐 reversemortgageandbeyond.com

🎙️ SHOW NOTES Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

Host: Cheryl Scheidell, Reverse Mortgage Specialist – Barrett Financial Group
Special Guest: Leia Ryan, President of Safe Air Today

🏡 Episode Overview

Your home is more than where you live — it’s where you age, heal, and build peace of mind.

In this episode of Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?, host Cheryl Scheidell sits down with wellness expert Leia Ryan of Safe Air Today to explore how financial wellness and physical wellness work together to support aging in place.

With over 36 years in the health and wellness industry, Leia shares powerful insight into how the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the chemicals in our homes directly impact our immune systems and overall quality of life — especially as we age.

Cheryl also explains how a reverse mortgage can help homeowners 62 and older:

• Eliminate monthly mortgage payments
• Free up cash flow in retirement
• Pay for home and health improvements
• Stay in the home they love longer

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why indoor air quality matters more than most people realize
• Hidden dangers in everyday home environments
• What makes ActivePure air purification technology different
• Why water quality and hydration are critical to overall health
• What “chemical-free living” really means
• How LaundryPure 2.0 helps eliminate harsh detergents
• The first step to improving your home environment
• How reverse mortgages support aging in place

🌿 About Today’s Guest

Leia Ryan is President of Safe Air Today, one of the largest independent sales forces in the U.S., offering cutting-edge wellness technology developed alongside Certified Space Technologies. Leia is an international speaker, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for healthier homes and stronger immune systems.

Contact Leia Ryan:
📞 651-380-1761
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.safeairtoday.com

📅 Upcoming Event – Lunch & Learn

Join Cheryl in person for an educational, pressure-free conversation about reverse mortgages.

🗓 Wednesday, May 20th
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Total Wine & More (Scottsdale & Shea)
🍽 Lunch included
👥 Limited seating – RSVP required

📞 Call 480-817-4324
📧 RSVP: [email protected]

📞 Contact the Host

Cheryl Scheidell
Reverse Mortgage Specialist | Barrett Financial Group
📞 480-817-4324
🌐 ReverseMortgageAndBeyond.com

Education is always complimentary.

Episode Overview

Estate planning is about far more than just a will. It’s about protecting your wishes, your assets, and your loved ones—especially if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself.

In this episode of Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?, host Cheryl Scheidell, Reverse Mortgage Specialist with Barrett Financial Group, is joined by Stephanie A. Bivens, a Certified Elder Law Attorney through the National Elder Law Foundation.

Together, they discuss what a complete estate plan truly includes, why Powers of Attorney are essential, and how elder law planning helps families avoid stress, delays, and court involvement during difficult times.

This episode is especially valuable for seniors, caregivers, adult children, and anyone planning to age in place.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• What a solid estate plan includes beyond just a will
• Trusts, beneficiary designations, and incapacity planning
• When to create—or update—an estate plan
• Life events that should trigger a review (retirement, health changes, remarriage, grandchildren)
• Common estate planning mistakes families make
• Risks of DIY or outdated legal documents
• Why financial Powers of Attorney are critical
• The importance of healthcare Powers of Attorney
• What happens when Powers of Attorney are missing
• The difference between an Estate Planning Attorney and an Elder Law Attorney
• Long-term care planning, asset protection, guardianship, and conservatorship
• How housing decisions and reverse mortgages should align with estate planning

Why This Episode Matters

Without proper estate planning and Powers of Attorney:

• Families may be unable to manage finances or make medical decisions
• Court involvement may be required
• Housing and financial plans can be delayed or disrupted
• Stress and conflict can arise during already emotional situations

With the right planning in place, families gain clarity, control, and peace of mind.

About the Guest

Stephanie A. Bivens, Esq.
Certified Elder Law Attorney
National Elder Law Foundation

📍 8283 N. Hayden Rd., Suite 195
Scottsdale, AZ 85258

📞 480-922-1010
📠 480-498-7455
📧 [email protected]
🌐 bivenslaw.com

Stephanie focuses on elder law, long-term care planning, asset protection, and helping families navigate aging-related legal decisions with clarity and compassion.

About the Host

Cheryl Scheidell
Reverse Mortgage Specialist
Barrett Financial Group

📞 480-817-4324
📧 [email protected]
🌐 ReverseMortgageAndBeyond.com

Cheryl helps homeowners understand how to strategically use home equity as part of a coordinated retirement and estate plan.

Call to Action

If you’re unsure whether your estate plan, Powers of Attorney, and housing strategy all work together, now is the time to ask questions.

📞 Call or text 480-817-4324
📧 Email [email protected]
🌐 Visit ReverseMortgageAndBeyond.com

Education is always the first step—no pressure, just clarity.

Is A Reverse Mortgage Right For You?

Host: Cheryl Scheidell
Guest: Nicole Porter, Founder of Your Parent Porter

🧰 Start with the SAFE Toolkit

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to step in or start planning, Nicole recommends beginning with the SAFE Toolkit, a practical resource designed to help families identify early warning signs, safety concerns, and next steps before a crisis occurs.
You can access it at yourparentporter.com/safe-toolkit.

Many families don’t realize there’s a problem until an emergency forces difficult decisions. In this episode of Is A Reverse Mortgage Right For You?, host Cheryl Scheidell sits down with Nicole Porter, founder of Your Parent Porter, to discuss the silent warning signs families often miss as parents age — and how proactive planning can make all the difference.

Nicole shares real-world insight into the problems families face when aging parents want to remain independent, yet subtle changes in safety, behavior, or mobility begin to appear. Together, Cheryl and Nicole explore how home assessments and walkthroughs can uncover risks early and help families create a thoughtful, supportive plan before urgent decisions are required.

🏡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The most common challenges families face as parents age
• What silent warning signs look like inside the home
• Why “everything seems fine” can be misleading
• How home walkthroughs and assessments identify safety risks
• How early planning preserves independence and peace of mind
• How a reverse mortgage, when used correctly, can help fund:
  • Home modifications
  • In-home care and support
  • Aging-in-place solutions
  • Without a required monthly mortgage payment

💡 Why This Conversation Matters:

Waiting for a crisis limits options. Planning ahead creates clarity, flexibility, and better outcomes for both seniors and their families. This episode encourages listeners to recognize early signs, ask better questions, and build a trusted support team before stress takes over.

📞 Contact Nicole Porter – Your Parent Porter

For guidance, resources, and support for aging parents and family caregivers:

🌐 Website: YourParentPorter.com
🧰 SAFE Toolkit: yourparentporter.com/safe-toolkit

📞 Contact Cheryl Scheidell

If you have questions for yourself, a spouse, or aging parents — or want to explore whether a reverse mortgage fits into a larger aging-in-place plan:

📞 Call or Text: 480-817-4324
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: ReverseMortgageAndBeyond.com

🎧 Tune in weekly to Is A Reverse Mortgage Right For You? for expert conversations, education, and real-life solutions to help you age safely, confidently, and on your own terms.

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

Guest: Seth Leibsohn
Host: Cheryl Scheidell, Reverse Mortgage Specialist, Barrett Financial Group

Reverse mortgages are one of the most misunderstood financial tools available to seniors today. In this episode, Cheryl Scheidell is joined by Seth Leibsohn for a candid, thoughtful discussion that cuts through fear, myths, and outdated information.

This episode focuses on education, consumer protection, and personal responsibility.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why reverse mortgages developed a negative reputation

• How today’s FHA-insured reverse mortgages have changed

• The real obligations homeowners must meet

• Common myths vs. real risks

• Who should consider a reverse mortgage—and who shouldn’t

• Why informed decision-making matters more than ever

Important Disclosure:

Reverse mortgages are federally insured loans subject to eligibility requirements, financial assessment, and mandatory HUD-approved counseling. Borrowers must continue to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintain the home. This program is not suitable for everyone.

Have questions or want personalized information?

📞 Phone: 480-817-4324
🌐 Website: ReverseMortgageAndBeyond.com
📧 Email: [email protected]

Education first. Pressure never.

Episode Title: A Conversation with Seth Leibsohn
Host: Cheryl Scheidell
Guest: Seth Leibsohn

In this special episode of Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?, Cheryl Scheidell sits down with talk show host, author, and commentator Seth Leibsohn for an in-depth conversation about his career in radio, media, and public life.

Rather than discussing mortgages, this episode focuses on ideas, leadership, media responsibility, and civic engagement.

Topics Covered:

• Seth’s journey into talk radio

• Producing national radio programs

• Hosting The Seth Leibsohn Show

• His work at the Claremont Institute

• Lessons from running for public office

• Media literacy and thoughtful discourse

Host Contact Information:

📞 480-817-4324
🌐 ReverseMortgageAndBeyond.com
📧 [email protected]

Title: Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You? – Unlock Your Home’s Equity

Description:
Join Cheryl Scheidell, reverse mortgage specialist, as she walks through:

• Reverse mortgage basics

• Benefits and myths

• Second lien and purchase options

• Eligible properties and program types (HECM, fixed vs ARM, proprietary jumbo up to $4M+)

• How your home can supplement retirement income without taxes

• Stories showing the “house as a piggy bank”

🎙️ Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

Episode Title:

Healthcare, Housing & Aging Well: Helping Seniors Navigate Care with Stephanie Russell

Host: Cheryl Scheidell
Guest: Stephanie Russell, BSN

In this episode of Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?, Cheryl Scheidell speaks with nurse and senior advocate Stephanie Russell, founder of Concierge Senior Care Management.

Stephanie shares how her experience as a nurse led her to create a concierge-style care management service that helps seniors and families navigate healthcare, coordinate care, and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations. She also introduces her proprietary web app, SARAH.Healthcare, designed to help families stay organized, manage important medical information, and communicate more effectively with healthcare providers.

Together, Cheryl and Stephanie discuss how healthcare planning and housing decisions often go hand-in-hand, and why education and proactive planning are essential for helping seniors age safely and confidently.

🎧 In This Episode

• Stephanie’s background as a nurse and senior advocate
• Why she created Concierge Senior Care Management
• How the SARAH web app will support seniors and families
• Ways proactive care coordination can help prevent hospitalizations
• The connection between healthcare planning and housing options for seniors

📞 Contact Information Cheryl Scheidell

Reverse Mortgage Specialist
Barrett Financial Group

📞 480-817-4324
📧 [email protected]
🌐 reversemortgageandbeyond.com

Stephanie Russell, BSN

Owner – Concierge Senior Care Management, LLC
Concierge Senior Care Management

📧 [email protected]
📞 Office: 480-679-4219
🌐 Concierge Senior Care Management Website

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

Special Episode: Cheryl Scheidell on Spotlight on Arizona with Mark Durkin

In this special episode of Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You, host Cheryl Scheidell shares a conversation originally recorded on the radio program Spotlight on Arizona, where Mark Durkin, Station Manager, interviews Cheryl about reverse mortgages and how they can play a role in retirement planning.

During the discussion, Cheryl explains the basics of reverse mortgages, addresses common misconceptions, and shares how today’s reverse mortgage programs have evolved to better protect homeowners. Listeners will learn how homeowners age 62 and older may be able to use the equity in their home to support financial flexibility in retirement.

Topics Covered

• What a reverse mortgage is and how it works

• How reverse mortgages have changed over the years

• Common myths and misconceptions

• Who may benefit from a reverse mortgage

• How reverse mortgages can help support retirement income planning

Reverse mortgages are not the right solution for everyone, but for the right homeowner they can be a valuable financial tool when properly understood and structured.

About Cheryl Scheidell

Cheryl Scheidell is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist with Barrett Financial Group, helping seniors and their families understand housing wealth and retirement options. Her goal is to provide clear education so homeowners can make informed decisions about their future.

Contact Cheryl

Cheryl Scheidell
Barrett Financial Group

📞 Phone: 480-817-4324
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: Reversemortgageandbeyond.com

If you have questions about reverse mortgages or would like to explore whether one might be right for you or a loved one, Cheryl welcomes the opportunity to talk and provide guidance.

Wire Fraud & Real Estate: Protecting Seniors, Homeowners, and Their Life Savings

Show: Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?
Host: Cheryl Scheidell, Reverse Mortgage Specialist – Barrett Financial Group

Wire fraud is one of the fastest-growing crimes in real estate today—and seniors are often the primary target.

In this critical and educational episode, Cheryl Scheidell welcomes her trusted title and escrow partners from Stewart Title for an in-depth conversation about how wire fraud happens, why it’s increasing, and—most importantly—how homeowners can protect themselves before it’s too late.

Joining Cheryl in the studio:

• Dana McDonald – Account Representative and long-time trusted partner
• Brianna Blodgett – Escrow Officer and wire fraud front-line expert
• Leslie Banes – Educator and Consumer Advocate

Dana and Cheryl have worked together for over a decade, including seven years with Stewart Title, and this episode reflects real-world experience—not theory.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• What wire fraud is and how criminals impersonate title companies, lenders, and realtors
• Why real estate and reverse mortgage transactions are prime targets
• FBI and ALTA statistics showing how often fraud attempts occur
• Why seniors (60+) are the most targeted age group nationwide
• Common red flags every homeowner must recognize
• What to do immediately if you believe you’ve been targeted
• How working with experienced professionals and modern verification tools protects your funds

🚨 Why This Matters—Especially for Seniors

Real estate transactions often involve tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars moving quickly under tight deadlines. Fraudsters exploit:

• Stress and urgency around closings
• Heavy reliance on email and text communication
• Multiple parties involved in a transaction
• The assumption that seniors may be less familiar with digital threats

Education and verification are the strongest defenses.

✅ Wire Fraud Safety Checklist

Save this. Share this. Use it every time.

BEFORE You Wire Any Money:

• ❌ Never trust wiring instructions sent by email or text
• ☎️ Always call a known, trusted phone number (not one in the email)
• 🔍 Verbally verify:
  • Bank name
  • Routing number
  • Account number
  • Dollar amount
• 🚩 Be suspicious of urgency, pressure, or last-minute changes
• 🔐 Do not click links or download attachments related to wiring instructions
• 🤝 Confirm with your Loan Officer and title company before sending funds

RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR:

• “Updated” wiring instructions right before closing
• Requests for secrecy or “confidential” action
• Messages that sound different, rushed, or slightly off
• Requests to wire to a new bank, use gift cards, cryptocurrency, or apps

IF YOU’VE BEEN TARGETED:

• 📞 Call your bank immediately and request a wire recall
• 🌐 Report the incident at gov
• 🚔 Contact local law enforcement and the FBI
• 📄 Call your title company right away—time matters

🏢 Stewart Title – Contact Information

For questions about wiring instructions, escrow procedures, or wire fraud prevention:

Stewart Title
📞 Contact your local Stewart Title office directly
🔒 Always verify wiring instructions by phone using a trusted number you already have

📞 Cheryl Scheidell – Contact Information

If you have questions about:

• Reverse mortgages
• Refinancing
• Protecting your home equity
• Or whether a reverse mortgage is right for you

Cheryl Scheidell
Reverse Mortgage Specialist | Barrett Financial Group

📱 480-817-4324
📧 [email protected]
🌐 ReverseMortgageAndBeyond.com