When researching the correct equity release scheme for a person's retirement, it is often best to look at comparable features to see what works best for each product. There are a handful of notable features that most equity release schemes have. It is worth comparing to see how they stack up.
Many people find that taking a base scheme as a comparable is the best ways to start. So take a more commonly used scheme, such as the Prudential equity release scheme, and see how the others compare to it. What features do they have?
The other thing to do when comparing the schemes is to look at some important components of the scheme. Ask what happens with early repayment. What happens if there are temporary financial difficulties and a month or two payment must be missed?
Ensure there are people to discuss the plan with, and speak to them. If you are not comfortable with the level of service, then you are likely to be unhappy with the equity release plan.
Often the sales team is different from the normal team, so it is worth calling up their customer services team, instead of the sales team, and seeing what they have to say about the plan. Even if it is a 2 minute call, you'll get a better idea of what you will be working with.