Transamerica Leaves Reverse-Mortgage Market

Transamerica says it has stopped accepting applications for reverse mortgages and plans to leave the business.

A spokesman said the San Francisco insurance company wants to focus its business on life insurance and commercial lending.

"We haven't written any new loans since July," said spokesman Bill McClave. "It's basically because consumer lending is no longer an area of focus for us."

Transamerica sold its consumer mortgage division to Household Finance last year.

McClave said the company, which began offering reverse mortgages in 1993, will keep existing loans until they mature.

A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows seniors to borrow against home equity without repaying until they sell, move or die.

Transamerica, which offered jumbo reverse loans up to $750,000, was one of only a few sources for reverse mortgages. Those remaining include the Federal Housing Administration, Fannie Mae and Financial Freedom Senior Funding, which serves about four states.

Seattle seeks tree-program volunteers

The Seattle Transportation Department is seeking volunteers for its Tree Steward Program, which plants and maintains trees throughout the city.

Tree stewards attend urban forestry classes to learn tree biology, identification, planting and maintenance. Volunteers are expected to contribute at least 60 hours of community service, including planting new trees and caring for existing trees.

The next class is Sept. 26. For applications or information, contact Liz Ellis at 206-684-5008 or by e-mail at: liz.ellis@ci.seattle.wa.us

History and your old house

Historic Seattle plans a fall reprise of its lecture series on researching and preserving old houses.

In "Researching Your Old House," on Oct. 14, librarian Jodee Fenton and historian Greg Lange will share tips on collecting the history of an older home.

Architect and historian Tim Andersen will review good and bad old-house remodeling jobs in a talk called "Remodel or Remuddle" on Oct. 21.

A panel of experts from the Seattle Department of Construction and Land Use will talk Oct. 28 about obtaining building permits for home remodeling and repair.

All programs are from 7 to 9 p.m. in Room 202 of the Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. Single tickets are $7 for Historic Seattle members, $10 for the general public. Advance registration is required: 206-622-6952