Why Homeowners Trust The Svelling Group to Help Them Move with Confidence

If you're a homeowner in Jamul, Alpine, La Mesa, or Rancho San Diego, and you’re thinking about selling a home with a reverse mortgage, you probably have questions. Can I sell? Will I keep any equity? What’s the process like?

You’re not alone — and yes, you absolutely can sell a home with a reverse mortgage.

We’re Zachary and Rochelle Svelling of The Svelling Group at Fathom Realty, and we’ve helped homeowners throughout East San Diego County make smart, stress-free transitions — including many who had reverse mortgages. We specialize in helping people just like you walk away with more clarity, more equity, and less stress.

Let’s walk you through what you need to know — and why so many homeowners trust us as their go-to real estate professionals.

✅ What Is a Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage allows homeowners aged 62+ to tap into their home equity without selling or making monthly payments. The loan is repaid only when you move out, sell, or pass away.

For many in Jamul, Alpine, La Mesa, and Rancho San Diego, this has been a useful way to supplement retirement income. But what happens when it’s time to move?

That’s where expert guidance becomes essential.

💡 Yes, You Can Sell a Home with a Reverse Mortgage

When you sell a home with a reverse mortgage, the process is very similar to a traditional home sale — with just a few extra steps. The loan balance is paid off at closing, and the remaining equity is yours to keep.

And if you owe more than the home is worth? The lender — not you — absorbs the difference. That’s because reverse mortgages are non-recourse loans, offering powerful protections for you and your heirs.

We've helped sellers in Jamul, Alpine, and La Mesa navigate this process with confidence — and many walk away with significant equity, even after years of borrowing.

📋 What to Do Before Listing

Here’s how we help you prepare for a successful sale:

• Request your reverse mortgage payoff from the lender

• Review loan terms to avoid surprises

• Conduct a local market analysis tailored to your community

• Strategically prep your home to increase appeal and value

• Create a custom move-out timeline that supports your goals

From the hills of Jamul to the neighborhoods of Rancho San Diego, we’ve guided sellers through every step — calmly and efficiently.

🧠 Why Experience Matters — Especially in East County

Not every agent understands how to sell a home with a reverse mortgage — but we do.

We live and work in the communities we serve. We know how reverse mortgage lenders operate. And we’ve built custom systems to navigate the unique challenges these sales present.

Whether you’re in a gated Alpine community, a custom-built Jamul estate, or a cozy La Mesa bungalow, we know how to price, market, and sell your home for maximum return — while handling your reverse mortgage details behind the scenes.

💰 Smart Pricing Protects Your Equity

Reverse mortgages accrue interest over time, which means that equity can shrink. That’s why your sales price matters — a lot.

We analyze:

• Local comps in Jamul, Alpine, La Mesa, and Rancho San Diego

• Buyer demand trends for single-story and accessible homes

• Unique features that raise your home’s value (lot size, views, upgrades)

Whether you’re selling a horse property in Jamul or a downsizer’s dream in Rancho San Diego, we create a pricing strategy designed to help you walk away with more.

📣 Marketing that Moves Homes

We don’t just list your property. We showcase it — using a 50-point marketing plan that drives serious buyer interest.

We include:

• High-end photography and drone video

• Paid social media ads targeting buyers in La Mesa, Rancho San Diego, and beyond

• MLS and syndication on Zillow, Realtor.com, and 100+ platforms

• Custom flyers, open houses, and buyer follow-up campaigns

• Outreach to our database of buyers looking in East San Diego County

We know how to speak to buyers looking for senior-friendly homes, downsizing options, and peaceful East County neighborhoods — because we’ve helped those buyers, too.

📝 Escrow with a Reverse Mortgage: What to Expect

Once your home is in escrow, we handle:

• Communication with your reverse mortgage lender

• Buyer inspections and negotiations

• Coordinating disclosures, timelines, and title

• Ensuring a smooth closing so you can access your proceeds

Our Jamul and Rancho San Diego clients love that we do the “heavy lifting.” You stay informed — but never overwhelmed.

⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid When Selling with a Reverse Mortgage

Here are common mistakes we help clients avoid:

• Overpricing the home and watching it sit

• Delaying too long, which allows interest to eat into equity

• Working with an agent unfamiliar with reverse mortgages

• Mismanaging the lender payoff timeline

• Trying to go it alone without support

We’ve seen it all — and we’re here to make sure your experience is different: calm, clear, and profitable.

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I still sell if I owe more than my home is worth?
Yes. Reverse mortgages are non-recourse. You will never owe more than the market value.

Q: How long does the sale process take?
Most sales in Jamul, Alpine, and La Mesa close within 30–45 days. We’ll give you a clear timeline.

Q: Will I have money left over after paying off the loan?
In most cases, yes — especially in East County where home values have remained strong. We’ll calculate your projected net proceeds.

Q: Do I need to tell buyers it’s a reverse mortgage?
No. From the buyer’s perspective, this is a standard home sale. We handle the reverse mortgage details privately through escrow.

🤝 Let’s Talk About Your Next Move

Your home has served you well. Now, it’s time for your next chapter — and you deserve a team that understands the emotional and financial sides of this transition.

Whether you're selling a view home in Jamul, a single-story in Alpine, a cottage in La Mesa, or a family home in Rancho San Diego, we bring experience, empathy, and results to your side of the table.

📞 Let’s schedule your complimentary strategy session today. No pressure — just answers, options, and a roadmap that makes sense for you.

We’re Zachary and Rochelle Svelling — and we’re honored to help you move forward.