To help our members get to know one another, NRMLA publishes periodic Member Spotlights featuring professionals from across the reverse mortgage ecosystem.
Meet Theresa Valinotti, President/Owner of Truest Mortgage Lending, based in Jupiter, FL. Theresa has over 25 years of experience originating mortgages and now focuses exclusively on reverse mortgages.
Theresa served as President of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) South Florida chapter and President of the FPA State Council. She is a proud member of the Palm Beach County Estate Planning Council and was recently featured in the cover story for the Journal of Financial Planning issue on Reverse Mortgages.
What reverse mortgage issues/topics are you most focused on now?
I’m most focused on partnering with Financial Professionals in offering the reverse mortgage as a power tool in retirement. As an approved educator for Certified Financial Planners, I provide CE-credit presentations to expand their understanding of this often-overlooked strategy. My goal is to engage with as many financial planners and professionals as possible, helping them recognize the value of incorporating home wealth into retirement planning. The most rewarding moments come when I see their eyes light up in realization, saying, “I had no idea!” Knowing that I’m making a difference by increasing awareness and broadening financial strategies is both fulfilling and inspiring.
What has been your biggest professional challenge/obstacle thus far? How did you overcome/handle it?
With over 25 years as a mortgage professional, one of my biggest professional challenges was making the commitment to launch another mortgage firm and dedicate it to exclusively to originating reverse mortgages. After selling my forward mortgage company in California, my husband and I decided to relocate to Florida to be closer to my parents. It was here in Florida where I learned the true value and potential of reverse mortgages in retirement planning. As I deepened my knowledge, I grew excited about how this financial tool could transform retirement strategies. Given my longstanding partnerships with financial advisors, attorneys, and CPAs, shifting my focus to reverse mortgages felt like a natural fit.
What do you consider to be your greatest career accomplishment to date?
I am honored to have served as President for the Financial Planning Association of South Florida and as President for the FPA Florida State Council. I was also pleased to represent our industry as a featured expert in the cover story on reverse mortgages for The Journal of Financial Planning. My intention in joining the local FPA chapter was to add value and support a fantastic organization and its members. I also wanted to immerse myself in the industry to gain a better understanding of the needs and challenges financial planners face, so I can speak intelligently on how home equity can play a strategic role in their planning process.
Why did you become a NRMLA member?
I am proud to be a member of such a prestigious organization as NRMLA! The association sets the high standards our industry needs, and I am grateful for its leadership in best practices and advocacy.
What’s one item you can’t live without?
My high heels and signature blazers… okay, that’s two things, but they’re a perfect pair!. Fashion is my passion outside the gratifying work I do in the reverse mortgage industry.
