Larry Berlfein

My story and why I do what I do… family values and client experience carried into my business practices.

Born and raised in Woodland Hills California, I have seen firsthand the broad changes and transformation of our Valley landscape and demographics. The 101 freeway was a 2‐lane highway and what is now hills peppered with homes used to be grazing land for sheep. What is now Warner Center was home to the award‐winning dairy farm family and Guido Giacopuzzi, which became my first job at the drive‐up window at his dairy market, handing out half gallon glass bottles of milk! A true “valley boy” going out Friday nights after our high school football games to Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor and weekends with friends at the Valley Ice Rink. I truly appreciate the history that spawned our current dense landscape. And as a young kid, I also learned firsthand the scope of hard work and moral character in business through my Dad and Grandfather in the 45 year family legacy Philips Draperies and Carpet in Santa Monica. My Grandfather constantly reminded me that “the success of our business relies solely on the success our customers experience with us.” As I matured to understand that edict, I appreciated how something that should be so obvious were mere “mission statements” that were rarely followed by the business channels I had exposure to. It frustrated me and I knew I could take advantage of that as I grew my business staying true to my upbringing. I chose a different career path in business over 35 years ago but always carried with me the business character from my family as I learned and grew into the mortgage industry. That path unveiled many rewarding opportunities and growth throughout my mortgage career, all which fortunately led me exclusively specializing in reverse mortgages.

I have been fortunate in raising my family and building my mortgage career all in the San Fernando Valley as well as expanding throughout all outlying areas in North Los Angeles, Orange County and Ventura County. We now represent many areas throughout California and continue to grow.

Married to my amazingly supportive wife Judi, we are blessed with a combined family of 5 incredible children and our 6th “child” Jadyn, our loving golden retriever border collie mix we adopted from a rescue/foster family. We enjoy a full life together, with the reminder of how important “balance” is in life and work. We thrive on both the gift in watching our family grow and the privilege in doing what we love through our careers.

20+ years in the mortgage industry, my journey leads me to reverse mortgages…

Through my mortgage radio show in 2004, I was approached by Wells Fargo reverse mortgage as they were looking to build and grow their reverse mortgage division. At the time, I was a partner in a local mortgage brokerage and found myself gradually becoming disillusioned with the direction of the traditional mortgage industry. It was becoming more apparent that the industry was headed for the unfortunate doom of the infamous “mortgage meltdown” of 2007. I was ready for a change and the timing of Wells Fargo’s offer was fortunate. I will always recall my first reverse mortgage transaction in 2005 and it became the genesis of my future career exclusively in the reverse mortgage arena. It was this transaction that quickly made me a believer and an advocate in this unique and powerful mortgage product… I have never looked back.


My very first reverse mortgage transaction… 2005

I received a phone call from one of my Wells Fargo bankers regarding a long-time customer. This gentleman had an excellent banking history and established comfortable financial savings. However, this customer had now expressed concerns about his finances and his mortgage and asked for any assistance that may be available. This was an amazing couple that had raised a family in their West Hills home for over 35 years. This home had warmth and family history and unbeknownst to the husband, their home was now in foreclosure. When he invited me into his home, we walked into his office where there were pictures of my client with a long history of respected and recognizable business and civic leaders. His large desk was literally covered with unorganized and scattered papers and unopened mail. Buried in the pile were lender foreclosure notices. The other side of this story is his wife of 48 years had fallen ill months ago and had been admitted repeatedly in and out of the hospital, all the time while her husband was by her side and ignoring all other personal matters. As her health further declined, she was admitted to Kaiser where her husband was spending a majority of his time. This was quite exhaustive for him and upon his evenings coming home, ignoring mail and calls which included the ominous foreclosure notifications.

Once we dissected the mail together, I spent the time needed to contact the lender and explain his situation along with the solution of the reverse mortgage to pay off the foreclosing lender. Although the husband had the resources to resume the monthly mortgage payments, it would have eventually exhausted funds which he wanted to set aside for his wife’s in‐home care. Unfortunately, there was no long term care insurance.

As a direct result of the reverse mortgage, we were able to pay off his existing mortgage hence eliminating his foreclosure, as well as his monthly mortgage payment. This created substantial additional monthly cash flow. Just as important, the reverse mortgage calculations provided a generous additional amount which they were able to set up in the reverse mortgage line of credit. This line of credit would substantially assist in providing the means to bring his wife home to a comfortable in‐home care environment. This transition literally assisted in her recovery at home and a much less challenging schedule for her husband. I was sincerely moved when invited back months later to see her recovery and the emotional gratitude of their family. This single transaction showed me how powerful and tangible the reverse mortgage product can be when used and structured appropriately. I am always grateful I was presented the opportunity to work with such incredible circumstances and individuals as my introduction to the reverse mortgage program.

I sincerely appreciate how unsettling it may be in meeting a stranger and then trusting it will be a safe and honest relationship in representing you and your objectives. At the forefront of every client introduction are questions I adhere to in conversation that I feel best lays out the foundation of a successful relationship and make the most of the time in satisfying client goals and strategies. I truly appreciate the sensitivity in evaluating such a huge decision directly affecting your home and your financial future.

“How can I best serve you?” “What are you hoping to accomplish, your goals?” “What are your fears or concerns?” “What have you heard about reverse mortgages?” “What are your expectations of me in working with you and your family?”


Over my many years in reverse mortgage educating and informing, I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with amazing individuals who have been not only my clients but my mentors and teachers as well. It is to them that I dedicate this guide, for allowing me to discover that life is full of possibilities and that every memory counts. My hope is always that “misconceptions” and “misinformation” are diminished through transparent and knowledgeable information that may otherwise prevent perhaps the most deserved segment of our society the financial freedom they deserve and may enjoy for many years to come.

Thank you for your interest in the FHA HECM reverse mortgage program, as well as the JUMBO reverse mortgage program. I always appreciate the opportunity to share information to assist in the evaluation of this very unique mortgage product, towards a more prosperous and secure retirement. “EVERY client matters!”

Licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act; Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license. For California consumers: For information about our privacy practices, please visit https://www.longbridge-financial.com/privacy. Branch Address: 336-340 S. Citrus, Covina, CA 91723; Branch NMLS #: 2369412; Phone #: 949-409-6689