“IT’S ALL ABOUT TRUST…AND TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE.”

Skating legend Kurt Browning reflects on his four-year relationship with HomeEquity Bank, provider of the CHIP Reverse Mortgage – and the exciting future

“The fact that a company like HomeEquity Bank is going above and beyond supporting older Canadians really shows how much they care, and is another reason why I’m proud to be their spokesperson”

When Kurt Browning was approached by HomeEquity Bank to be their spokesperson four years ago, he researched the company with the same kind of diligence that won him four world figure skating championships. He wasn’t prepared to be just a face and a name – he had to believe in what he was endorsing. “I had to be convinced,” he said. “It was all about trust – and knowing I was associating with a company that really cares about Canadians.”

So, why did Kurt ultimately decide to partner with Canada’s leading reverse mortgage provider?

“I could see the benefits of a CHIP Reverse Mortgage right away. Here’s is an opportunity to tap into 55%* of your home’s equity with tax-free cash and no monthly payments.” he says. For those of you wondering how you access your money, it can be delivered in two ways. “You can receive the funds as a lump sum or as regular deposits to help supplement income. You continue to own your home. There are no restrictions on how you use the cash*. You’ll also never owe more than the house is worth.” When it comes to affordability, Kurt said the CHIP Reverse Mortgage can be a more cost-effective solution. “It’s not nearly as expensive as most people think, especially when you compare it to moving, downsizing or other loans.”

CARP recently had the opportunity to catch up with Kurt to discuss why he’s a bigger believer than ever in the benefits of the CHIP Reverse Mortgage. HomeEquity Bank is an important CARP Benefits partner, so we're always eager to learn more about the companies and people we work with. Especially when one of them is a world-famous sports legend!

“It’s been a privilege working with an amazing company that is empowering older Canadians to live their retirement dreams to the fullest,” Kurt tells CARP. “The work the Bank has done to support older Canadians, particularly during this pandemic, has inspired me anew to continue to champion their hard work.”

Reverse mortgages have been growing in popularity in Canada in recent months, and HomeEquity Bank continues to be the largest provider in the country.

“The global pandemic has unfortunately caused many Canadian homeowners 55+ to see their savings shrink, or has saddled them with unexpected bills, putting their home ownership at risk, which is really unfair,” Kurt explains. “With the CHIP Reverse Mortgage, that tax-free cash can act as a much-needed lifeline to bridge the gap and pay the bills so they don’t have to sell their home, or they can use the money to help their children or grandchildren.”

HomeEquity Bank has taken extraordinary steps to help these Canadian homeowners during COVID-19, which is why Kurt is so pleased to be working with the Bank.

“It’s been heartbreaking to see how this pandemic has caused so much pain for Canadian families across the country who have lost loved ones,” he tells CARP. “We really need to find a sensible solution that helps older Canadians age in place comfortably at home. We know nine in 10 Canadian homeowners want to grow old in the home they love, and they should have the resources to do that.”

Kurt is particularly impressed by HomeEquity Bank’s recent launch of CHIP Health, which provides older Canadians with the tools and resources they need to make their homes more accessible.

The Bank has also made significant strides in supporting communities across Canada.

“They go beyond delivering a great product,” he says. “They really try to understand and help their customers.” HomeEquity Bank launched a special campaign called Operation Warm Hug in which the company’s CEO and employees called customers to proactively check on them, helping ease feelings of isolation that have affected many seniors due to physical distancing measures. They also made significant donations to the Canadian Red Cross, the YMCA of Greater Toronto and other charities across the country.

“The charity component is important for me,” Kurt said.

“I want to be associated with a company that gives back to the community. In addition to what they’re doing during the pandemic, HomeEquity Bank is a partner of the Royal Canadian Legion and supports their Digital Poppy initiative. In fact, last year I dedicated my Digital Poppy to my uncle, Flying Officer Robert Boyden.”

Kurt’s ties to the Bank appeal to both the head and the heart. He notes the CHIP Reverse Mortgage stands up to the most tough-minded financial analysis, and the company is also sensitive and responsive to its customers’ needs while taking its responsibilities to the wider community seriously. “Our relationship became very natural very quickly,” Kurt said. “I’m incredibly happy – and we have some very exciting plans for the future.”

Those plans include a new series of commercials, plus testing an innovative new program that will enable customers to call Kurt and chat one-on-one. It may be unusual for a celebrity spokesperson to be so accessible, but that’s the whole point. HomeEquity Bank and Kurt Browning are clearly blazing new trails together, and older Canadian homeowners will continue to benefit.