Released on: April 9, 2008, 7:45 am

Press Release Author: Bluetrain Inc.

Industry: Financial

Press Release Summary: Edmonton, AB, Canada April 9, 2008 -- First Foundation Inc.,
a residential-focused Edmonton Mortgage Company, is proud to announce that they have
partnered with CHIP Home Income Plan to offer easy home equity access for Canadian
Seniors.

Press Release Body: For over 20 years, CHIP has been the industry leader in home
equity lending to seniors, enabling access of up to 40 per cent of a home's value in
tax-free cash with no income, credit or medical qualifications. With a CHIP Home
Income Plan, funds are never taxed as income and seniors gain long-term financial
security while still maintaining ownership of their home with no regular or monthly
payments required until the home is sold or if the homeowners move out.

"First Foundation is proud to offer our customers a great solution to some of the
cash flow challenges of retirement", said Gordon McCallum, President of First
Foundation Residential Mortgages. "The CHIP Reverse Mortgage gives our customers an
easy, safe, and effective way to access the equity in their homes without the hassle
of selling the home, paying tax on the cash, or having to make mortgage payments.
On top of all these benefits, CHIP has a great reputation and that makes them the
type of lending partner that we want to work with."

"Seniors are the fastest growing segment of the Canadian population," said Greg
Bandler, Senior Vice President of Canadian Home Income Plan. "It is our expectation
that most Canadians will have a growing need for a sensible financial solution as
they approach retirement and accessing home equity will be increasingly viewed as an
attractive option to Canadian seniors."

"This new agreement with First Foundation further strengthens our already
comprehensive referral network," added Bandler. "We recognize the value of this
partnership given the dynamic growth in the marketplace."

If you\'re interested to see if you or a loved one can qualify for a CHIP Home Income
Plan, please contact First Foundation's home mortgage experts today!

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For further information contact:
Gordon McCallum
President & CEO
First Foundation Inc.
10043 81 Ave.
Edmonton, Alberta
T6E 1W7
Phone: (866) 702-7678

Arthur Krzycki
Director, Marketing
CHIP Canadian Home Income Plan
Tel: 416-413-5182
akrzycki@chip.ca

About First Foundation Inc.
First Foundation Residential Mortgages was founded in 2002 in Edmonton, Alberta as a
response to growing consumer demand for more competitive mortgage options. The
Edmonton mortgage company originates mortgages for many of the largest financial
institutions in Canada, including several chartered banks, trust companies,
mortgage-backed securities lenders, and credit unions. First Foundation specializes
in reducing the overall cost of home mortgages for its clients with highly
competitive rates and mortgage strategies, such as the popular CHIP Reverse
Mortgage. www.firstfoundation.ca


About CHIP
Canadian Home Income Plan is an established and leading provider of simple and
sensible financial solutions for seniors over 60 years of age. Founded in 1986,
CHIP has helped thousands of Canadians access the equity in their homes to improve
cash flow. Recognized as the industry leader in home equity lending to seniors,
CHIP has a well-established distribution network, including national chartered
banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers, and investment and financial planning firms.
CHIP is a wholly owned subsidiary of Home Equity Income Trust (HOMEQ). HOMEQ is
listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol HEQ.UN.

Web Site: http://www.firstfoundation.ca/reverse-mortgages/

Contact Details: Gordon McCallum
President & CEO
First Foundation Inc.
10043 81 Ave.
Edmonton, Alberta
T6E 1W7
Phone: (866) 702-7678
www.firstfoundation.ca