| Clear, Easy to Understand Prices | Yes, lenders post complete (no surprises) pricing on this site. | No, lenders generally keep their prices under wraps |
| Guidance on Options | Best, based on state-of-the-art calculator and guidance from disinterested experts. | Hit or miss, seniors consult loan officers selected primarily for their sales skills. |
| Equity Remaining | Calculator shows the best possible estimate of home equity remaining for the senior’s estate. | Not generally available. |
| Price Competition | Yes, seniors can select the best price on their desired HECM option from those offered by competing lenders. | No, almost all seniors accept the prices of the one loan provider they contact. |
| Price Lock Protection | Yes, locked prices must be identical to current prices, which seniors can check. | No, lenders can cheat with impunity when they lock. |
| Availability of Low-Cost Loans | Yes, lenders compete with regard to origination fees as well as interest rates. | Maybe, depending on the lender. |
| Availability of Shopping Guide | Yes, seniors who go through the kosher process end up with the data needed to shop the mainstream market. | No. |
| Availability of Ombudsman | Yes, the professor and his colleagues will act as ombudsmen if issues arise between the senior and the lender. | No. |
