Reverse Mortgage 101
Last update:
04/21/2026
Completed
2. Who Qualifies?
1019 Views •5. Costs & Fees
856 Views •7. Property, Taxes & Insurance
826 Views •3. HUD-Approved Counseling
821 Views •9. Red Flags
794 Views •6. Protecting Your Heirs
759 Views •8. Common Myths Busted
753 Views •1. What Is a Reverse Mortgage?
735 Views •10. Next Steps
736 Views •4. Payout Options
687 Views •1. What Is a Reverse Mortgage?
What Is a Reverse Mortgage?
A reverse mortgage (also called a HECM, Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) is a federally-insured loan that lets homeowners 62+ convert home equity into cash without selling the home.
How It Works
- You borrow against your home equity
- No monthly payments required
- The loan is repaid when you sell, move permanently, or pass away
HECM vs. HELOC
Unlike a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), a reverse mortgage:
- Requires NO monthly payments
- Is federally insured by FHA
- Has a non-recourse feature — you never owe more than the home is worth
Compliance Notice: Borrowers must be 62 years of age or older. HUD-approved counseling is required. A reverse mortgage is not a government benefit. The loan becomes due and payable when the last surviving borrower no longer occupies the home as their primary residence or fails to meet the obligations of the mortgage.