With 23+ years of experience, Mary Jo helps homeowners 55+ turn home equity into financial freedom
Top-Rated
Mortgage Expert
Helping retirees live comfortably and confidently
Mary Jo Lafaye is a Certified Home Equity Retirement Income Specialist who helps retirees and near-retirees unlock greater financial freedom
Why Mary Jo
Having lived on the West Coast for more than 30 years, Mary Jo is deeply connected to the communities she serves and is committed to helping homeowners make informed financial decisions with confidence.
She works closely with clients to explain reverse mortgage options, including the FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), the Lifestyle Loan Purchase Tool that allows homeowners to downsize and buy a new home, and Secure Equity “Jumbo” reverse mortgages designed for higher- value homes.
These solutions can help older homeowners increase monthly cash flow, eliminate mortgage payments, and create greater financial flexibility throughout retirement.
Trusted resource and educator
Mary Jo Lafaye is widely recognized as a trusted educator and resource for older adults, their families, and the professionals who advise them.
With more than two decades of experience in reverse mortgage lending, Mary Jo focuses on helping homeowners fully understand their options so they can make confident decisions about their retirement future. She has taught reverse mortgage and HomeSafe concepts to real estate finance students at the College of San Mateo and to professionals seeking their Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation.
Mary Jo is also a frequent speaker and educator for financial planning and professional organizations, including the Financial Planning Association, CPA discussion groups, real estate associations, and retirement-focused community groups across Northern California.
Through seminars, panels, and educational presentations, she helps demystify reverse mortgages and explains how home equity can become a powerful tool for retirement planning.
Deep Roots in the Community
Mary Jo has been actively involved in Marin County’s retirement and nonprofit communities for many years. She currently serves on the Board of the Marin Society of CPAs and has contributed to several professional and academic publications on reverse mortgage strategies.
She regularly works with financial advisors, estate planning attorneys, CPAs, and real estate professionals to help homeowners explore solutions such as aging in place, downsizing, and improving retirement cash flow.
Her collaborative approach ensures that clients receive guidance that supports their broader financial and retirement goals.
How Mary Jo can help you
Mary Jo Lafaye is a Home Equity Retirement Specialist helps homeowners, their families, and their advisors understand how home equity can support retirement planning.
Mary Jo brings clarity to life’s biggest financial decisions — whether eliminating monthly mortgage payments, funding in-home care, supporting heirs, or creating liquidity in retirement. She’s especially skilled at using reverse mortgages as a buffer during market downturns and turning home equity into flexibility and peace of mind.
She also specializes in the FHA-insured Lifestyle Loan, which allows homeowner 55+ to purchase a retirement dream home without using all the proceeds from their sale — and without taking on a monthly mortgage payment. For a personalized comparison of your options, call Mary Jo.
Trusted by clients, their families, and advisors
Spirit W.
Fairfax - CA
Kind of amazing from start to finish.....I was recommended to see MaryJo and then 2 weeks later ended up on a plane to Payne airport and MaryJo was sitting next to me which was pretty miraculous so we met for the first time by chance or Karma one could say!!!! Then about 2 years later I was able to qualify for the Reverse Morgage because of debt wiped out due to bankruptcy. I was really impressed by the whole team effort on my behalf. Spoke with MaryJo ,and her assistant Christina was also stellar as well as the TC Stacey Beelhler. They were on it every step of the way, answering questions and just helping me navigate the process. I had hoped to sign in person but truthfully just so much enjoyed the Notary Debra Fox who came to my home. So truthfully a GREAT experience.
May 29, 2026
Scott D.
Marin, CA
Mary Jo is one of the most generous and delightful business people we’ve ever dealt with. She was extremely knowledgeable, patient and personable. She thinks outside the box and if she can’t solve your problem, she’ll put you in touch with someone who can. My wife and I feel very grateful for having Mary Jo as a resource.
March 15, 2026
Carole K.
Corte Madera - CA
This is the third time I have worked with Mary Jo on my reverse mortgage. She is extremely knowledgeable, trusthworth and actually cares about her clients. I tell freinds and family about how she has really helped me achive a sense of security and stability in this imporant chapter in my life. If you are considering this as an option I encourgae you to contact Mary Jo as she willl take excellant care of you.
October 01, 2025
Susan A A.
San Francisco - CA
Mary Jo and her staff were very professional, friendly and always responed to our questions in a tiimely fashion. She went out of her way to make everything easy for us.and we're happy that we chose Mary Jo and Mutual of Omaha.
June 04, 2025
Roger A B.
Novato - CA
Mary Jo Lafaye is personable and efficient—it’s a pleasure working with her. Kellie Seager is a friendly and professional problem solver who effectively addressed an issue related to the Notary. I suggest having the main contact present at closing to ensure a smoother process.
February 27, 2025
Mary J D.
Fairfax - CA
Mary Jo (and her staff) made the whole process very friendly and smooth. They were all very warm and friendly and patient about my questions and confusion. I like the way the whole process was kind of spread out to cover about 4 months so it didn't seem to overwhelming. Also it was really easy to follow the checklist of documents to upload and also the uploader on their website was really fast and easy to use.
June 14, 2024
Invite Mary Jo to speak at your event
Mary Jo is frequently invited to share her expertise. Reach out for speaker availability or to arrange a personal consultation.