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VA Reverse Mortgage — Does It Exist? What Veterans Need to Know in 2026

February 25, 2024 17 comments

Question from our reader: "We have a reverse mortgage, but we were never told there was a reverse mortgage for veterans. We have quite a bit of equity in our home. Can we refinance our current reverse mortgage to a VA reverse mortgage?" [arlo_toc] Understanding Reverse Mortgage Options for Veterans in 2026 When exploring reverse mortgage options, it's crucial to...
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Why Reverse Mortgages Have 2 Notes & 2 Trust Deeds — The 150% Rule Explained

February 19, 2024 59 comments

Borrowers often experience confusion as they approach the final step of signing their reverse mortgage documents. They are introduced to a First and Second Trust Deed Note and Two Deeds of Trust (or mortgages, depending on the applicable state laws for the property). Complicating matters, the amounts specified in the Note and Deed of Trust can be substantially higher than...
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Reverse Mortgage Closing Costs & Fees Explained

February 18, 2024 8 comments

When considering a reverse mortgage, it's important to understand the various costs involved. These expenses can vary significantly, not just between lenders but also by your home's location. To ensure you're getting the best possible deal, it's smart to shop around and compare lenders. Among the costs, the origination fees (which cover the setup of your loan) and the lender's...
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Can You Make Payments on a Reverse Mortgage? Yes — Here’s How It Works

February 15, 2024 40 comments

A reverse mortgage lets you tap into your home equity without the burden of monthly payments. But here's a lesser-known perk: you can make payments on a reverse mortgage if it suits your goals — turning it into an interest-only loan or paying down the principal penalty-free. Why would you want to? Let's explore three key advantages and how this...
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Why Appraisers Use the Sales Comparison Approach, Not Zillow — Reverse Mortgage Appraisal Rules

February 5, 2024 2 comments

Here is where Appraisals are not updated and correct. Zillow and others use sales per sq ft for cookie-cutter homes. They omit custom built homes in comparable homes because of lack of construction knowledge and insurance coverage? Costs of replacement coverage and appraisals would place a 5000 sq ft total home cost at $800,000-min w/o lot? Go Figure how you...
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6 Questions to Ask Your Reverse Mortgage Loan Officer

February 5, 2024 6 comments

You've decided to pursue a reverse mortgage, and now you're meeting with a loan officer for the first time. Although you may understand the basics of a reverse mortgage, it's a good idea to bring certain questions to your first meeting to clarify any details that could potentially catch you off guard in the future. [arlo_toc] Here are 6 questions...
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Reverse Mortgage Occupancy Fraud — How Property Neglect & Misuse Threaten the HECM Program

February 3, 2024 28 comments

Because of health issues, I've moved my Mom in with me, and at some point, I will most likely have to move her to a nursing home. Her granddaughter lived there until a couple of weeks ago. She has wrecked the house. The monthly statement has the house at way more than I could ever sell the place for to...
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Reverse Mortgage Credit Requirements 2026 — No Minimum Score, HUD Payment History Rules

January 31, 2024 70 comments

Updated: 12/24/2025 Qualifying for a reverse mortgage involves more than just your home's equity — it also includes a review of your credit history. In 2026, lenders will focus on factors like payment history and satisfactory credit to determine eligibility. In this guide, we'll walk you through the credit qualifications for a reverse mortgage, highlighting the criteria underwriters evaluate during...
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What Happens to a Reverse Mortgage After Death? — Heir & Family Guide

January 27, 2024 288 comments

It seems that one of the most popular questions we get is: What happens with my reverse mortgage and my home after death? When considering a reverse mortgage, an important question many borrowers and their heirs face is what happens to the reverse mortgage and the family home after the borrower's death. This concern is particularly significant given that reverse...
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Reverse Mortgage & Bankruptcy — What Happens to Your Loan If You File Chapter 7 or 13?

January 25, 2024 58 comments

We recently had several borrowers who had previously obtained a reverse mortgage call and asked us what the effect would be on those reverse mortgages if they had to begin a bankruptcy proceeding. While we are not attorneys and would always advise you to seek competent legal advice from an attorney in your state, we wanted to contact an expert...
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