Walter Investment Management Corp. Responds To FHA's Actions In Its Reverse Mortgage Program

TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Walter Investment Management Corp. (NYSE MKT: WAC) ("Walter Investment" or the "Company") today responded to the FHA's announced moratorium on its Full-draw HECM Reverse Mortgage product.

Mark J. O'Brien, Chairman and CEO of Walter Investment said, "We had anticipated this week's announced moratorium on the Full-draw HECM Reverse Mortgage product and have already begun moving customers towards other FHA HECM products. We applaud Commissioner Galante and the FHA for taking actions to reduce risk to both the FHA and borrowers and believe these actions will, in fact, help improve and sustain what is a very important mortgage product. We believe the reverse mortgage sector remains a very attractive growth opportunity for Walter Investment."

The Company indicated that while approximately 90% of 2012 originations at its Reverse Mortgage Solutions subsidiary were in the Full-draw HECM Reverse Mortgage product, it expects to be able to redirect most of the expected demand for that product into other reverse mortgage products after the Full-draw product is discontinued. While the Company expects the transition of borrowers to the HECM Variable Rate Standard and HECM Fixed Rate and Variable Saver products will likely result in a reduction to the average size of the initial draws for these borrowers, it anticipates that the impact to Reverse Mortgage Solutions' overall origination volume will not be significant, as demand for the reverse mortgage product is largely needs-based and less driven by the product's interest features.

The Company also strongly supports other changes being considered by FHA for the program, including establishing formal guidelines for conducting financial assessments of borrowers and the creation of set-asides for the payment of taxes and insurance, which the Company believes will enhance the long-term attractiveness and viability of the reverse mortgage product.  

About Walter Investment Management Corp.

Walter Investment Management Corp. is an asset manager, mortgage servicer and originator focused on finding solutions for consumers and credit owners. Based in Tampa, Fla., the Company has over 2,600 employees and services a diverse loan portfolio. For more information about Walter Investment Management Corp., please visit the Company's website at www.walterinvestment.com.

Disclaimer and Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning Walter Investment's plans, beliefs, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements are based on Walter Investment's current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Walter Investment's results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the Company's ability to shift potential customers to other HECM reverse mortgage products, continued support of the reverse mortgage sector from GSEs, other changes, of which we are not aware, that FHA and the other GSEs may make to the reverse mortgage product; and other factors relating to our business in general as detailed in Walter Investment's 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, these statements are based on a number of assumptions that are subject to change. Accordingly, actual results may be materially higher or lower than those projected. The inclusion of such projections herein should not be regarded as a representation by Walter Investment that the projections will prove to be correct. This press release speaks only as of this date. Walter Investment disclaims any duty to update the information herein.

SOURCE Walter Investment Management Corp.