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Reverse Mortgage Education
Center

The what, how, and why of reverse mortgage loans

Whether you have a specific question or are just beginning to gather information, our reverse mortgage loan education center is here for you. Feel free to browse our exclusive library to learn more and get the answers you’re looking for. Whenever you are ready to take the next step, one of our reverse mortgage experts will be happy to talk with you.

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A reverse mortgage is a loan available only to senior homeowners* that converts a portion of home equity into usable cash. Borrowers are not required to make monthly mortgage payments, and the loan balance, including any unpaid interest, is not due until a maturity event brings the loan to an end. Though borrowers may forgo mortgage payments for the life of the loan, they do have financial obligations associated with the loan. These obligations include interest that, if unpaid, accrues on the loan balance. The loan terms require that borrowers continue paying property taxes, fees, and hazard insurance. The property must be the borrower’s primary residence, and they must maintain the home. If the homeowner does not meet these loan obligations, then the loan will come due. Learn More

*Age requirements are determined by the type of reverse mortgage. For federally insured reverse mortgage borrowers, the minimum age is 62. For proprietary reverse mortgage borrowers, the minimum age may vary.
Homeowners with a reverse mortgage loan retain the title to their home. This means they remain the owners so long as they comply with the loan terms. These terms include paying property taxes, insurance, and maintenance to avoid defaulting on the loan. Similar to a forward mortgage, the lender will place a mortgage lien on the home as security for the loan. Learn More
Yes and no. Reverse mortgages can be paid off with a refinance like any other mortgage loan. However, it is not generally possible to modify an existing loan. To change the terms of the loan, in most cases, it will need to be refinanced. Refinancing can provide more favorable terms or additional funds if the home's equity has increased. It is also a way to add a new borrower to the loan, for instance, when a non-borrowing spouse reaches the eligibility age. Learn More
When a reverse mortgage borrower passes away, stops living in the home as a primary residence, or sells the home, the loan becomes due and payable. There are several ways to resolve the loan, including selling the home or repaying the outstanding mortgage loan balance through other means. Learn More
The primary advantage of a reverse mortgage is the ability to access a portion of the home’s equity in cash payments or as a line of credit without making monthly loan payments.* Because reverse mortgages offer multiple payout options, borrowers are able to tailor the loan to a variety of financial needs and situations. Learn More

*The borrower must meet all loan obligations, including living in the property as the principal residence, maintaining the home, and paying property charges, including property taxes, fees, hazard insurance. If the homeowner does not meet these loan obligations, then the loan will need to be repaid.

Understanding Reverse Mortgage

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Two people explore the reverse mortgage glossary
Glossary of Reverse Mortgage Terms

Like any financial product, reverse mortgages have their share of specialized terms. Here is a quick and easy reference to the most common ones.

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Two people explore how much money they can get with a reverse mortgage
How much money can you get from a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage loan allows borrowers to tap into a portion of the equity in their homes as a lump sum payout, regular payouts, a line of credit, or a combination of

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A mother and daughter who have a reverse mortgage together.
Can family members get a reverse mortgage together?

There are several compelling reasons for family members to be on a reverse mortgage together. Here is a rundown of what is possible.

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Life of a Reverse Mortgage

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A couple reviewing their reverse mortgage fees
What fees do you pay with a reverse mortgage?

Learn about the fees you can expect from a reverse mortgage from application through the conclusion of the loan.

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two people trying to understand their talc disclosure
Understanding the TALC disclosure

Reverse mortgage borrowers receive a TALC disclosure to help them understand what they can expect to pay over the life of the loan.

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reverse mortgage loan to value ratios
Understanding reverse mortgage loan-to-value ratios

LTV or loan-to-value ratio is one of the factors that lenders consider in deciding how much a reverse mortgage borrower can receive.

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Reputation and Reality

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A couple enjoys their home with a jumbo reverse mortgage
Jumbo reverse mortgages: who are they for?

Borrowers with higher-value homes may find a jumbo reverse mortgage offers them more advantages than a HECM.

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A jury makes a decision about reverse mortgages' bad reputation. Is it fair?
How reverse mortgages got such a bad reputation

The mention of a reverse mortgage tends to elicit a lot of opinions, especially about their reputation, despite the fact they are time tested and well-regulated financial products.

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Woman happy she is controlling her debt with a reverse mortgage
How to take control of debt with a reverse mortgage

Though a reverse mortgage is a kind of debt itself, there are some distinct advantages to using one to pay off or down other debts.

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A man pursuing education about reverse mortgages

Learn what your equity could do for you

Get a general idea of potential payouts based on your age, equity, and home value with our reverse mortgage calculator. From there, one of our licensed specialists can help you get more specific about your options.