A new data set, however, compiles loan data, credit reports, and other financial information on 30,000 seniors who sought counseling for a reverse mortgage between 2006 and 2011. 3 Results of a study using the data show that the three main risks for defaults are lower credit scores, prior defaults on mortgages or property taxes, and large upfront withdrawals. The findings also suggest that the most effective method of limiting defaults without dissuading too many potential applicants is to consider credit scores as part of the underwriting process, and for riskier applicants, set aside funds in an escrow account for property taxes and insurance—both of which HUD is considering as part of its new rules regarding a financial assessment. 4