The CFPB’s Office for Older Americans released a report this month reviewing mortgage debt held by older consumers—individuals age 65 and older. The report found that older consumers are carrying more mortgage debt into retirement, and fewer older homeowners own their home outright than in the past two decades. In addition to mortgage debt, the report found that older Americans are also carrying more credit card and student loan debt into retirement than they were during the same period.
From July 2011 through December 2013, approximately 15,500 complaints were submitted to the CFPB by older consumers. Approximately one third of these complaints concerned the consumer’s mortgages. The most common complaint related to the refusal by mortgage servicers to allow consumers to modify their loans. After the resolution, 28% of consumers disputed the company’s response.
Through this report, the CFPB continues to stress that financial institutions should provide a heightened level of care and review when assisting older consumers.