How to Buy a Home With a Reverse Mortgage in 2026 – HECM Purchase Guide

October 22, 2025     16 comments

If you’re thinking about moving, downsizing, or getting closer to family, a reverse mortgage can help you buy your next home without taking on a monthly mortgage payment. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that you can use a reverse mortgage to purchase a home in one simple transaction.  You bring a down payment, the reverse mortgage covers the rest, and you live in the home as your primary residence. This 2026 guide walks you through how a reverse mortgage purchase works, who qualifies, the typical down payment required, and... Read Full Article

Reverse Mortgage Qualifications & Requirements (2025 Guide) – See If You Qualify

October 19, 2025     18 comments

If you're a homeowner age 62 or older and want access to a portion of your home equity without selling or taking on new required monthly payments, a reverse mortgage may be an option.  But you must meet HUD’s 2025 eligibility criteria for income, property, equity, and now citizenship status. This guide explains every qualification you need to know for 2025, including new HUD policy changes and how lenders evaluate applicants. Quick Eligibility Checklist (2025) To qualify for an FHA-insured HECM reverse mortgage in 2025, you must: Be 62... Read Full Article

Best Reverse Mortgage Lenders of 2026 – Rates, Reviews & How to Choose

October 13, 2025     2 comments

Looking for the best reverse mortgage lender in 2026?  Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or comparing interest rates and closing costs, this guide breaks down the top reverse mortgage companies based on verified reviews, BBB ratings, complaint history, and lender transparency.  How We Chose the Best Reverse Mortgage Lenders in 2026 Choosing a reverse mortgage lender is a major financial decision, one that can impact your retirement security for years to come.  That’s why this list isn’t based on sponsored links or paid placements.  Our rankings are... Read Full Article

Return of Non-FHA Reverse Mortgages are Here!

October 4, 2025     32 comments

If you're in the market for a loan that can convert your home equity into cash flow or a line of credit in retirement, chances are you have explored the option of a reverse mortgage. However, the reverse mortgage is not a one-size-fits-all solution.  Many people are unaware that there are several products to choose from, including both Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) and private loan options. Quick Takeaway: If your home is worth more than the FHA limit of or you’re younger than 62, a Non-FHA reverse... Read Full Article

Dave Ramsey Offering Bad Advice on Reverse Mortgages

October 1, 2025     14 comments

Does Dave Ramsey know much about reverse mortgages?  Dave does a hit piece on reverse mortgages, pointing out some of the less popular aspects of the loan.  However, he is either OK with exaggerating the truth or reveals his ignorance about how reverse mortgages work. Is Dave right about Reverse Mortgages? Firstly, let’s give Dave his due when he tells the truth.  He is right when he says a reverse mortgage operates in reverse of a standard or forward loan. Instead of a... Read Full Article

How Government Shutdowns Affect Reverse Mortgages

September 29, 2025     2 comments

FHA & HECM Operations During a Federal Government Shutdown When the U.S. government shuts down because Congress hasn’t approved funding, many HUD and FHA offices run with limited staff and services.  For the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program, here’s what matters: What Stays Open Loan Servicing & Payments — If you already have a HECM, your monthly draws and scheduled payments from HUD-held loans will continue. Payoff Requests — You or your heirs can still request payoff statements or subordinations for Secretary-held HECM liens, though processing may take longer.... Read Full Article

Reverse Mortgage Age Requirements for 2026 with Chart/Examples

September 27, 2025     22 comments

If you’re exploring a reverse mortgage, the first question is simple: how old do you need to be? For the federally insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), you must be at least 62 when the loan closes.  That requirement remains the same for 2026.  Your age also plays a direct role in how much you qualify for, since older borrowers receive a higher percentage of their home’s value. Some private or jumbo reverse mortgages start as early as age 55, though these loans are not FHA-insured and follow different rules. ... Read Full Article

Reverse Mortgage Property Requirements – New for 2025/2026

September 26, 2025     132 comments

I would like to know the exact reverse mortgage property requirements, such as central heating, water wells, septic systems, etc.  To hear these reverse mortgages advertised, one might get the impression that getting one is very simple.  However, after some preliminary inquiries, it's beginning to look like everything else involving the government can become incredibly complicated. Updated September 2025 with the latest HUD 4000.1 rules on ADUs, manufactured homes, and PACE liens Understanding HUD’s Property Standards When applying for a reverse mortgage, your home must meet specific property standards... Read Full Article

Pros and Cons of a Reverse Mortgage in 2026 | Costs, Risks, Benefits Explained

September 20, 2025     15 comments

Reverse Mortgage Pros and Cons at a Glance Most homeowners who come to us want one thing: a clear, honest look at whether a reverse mortgage will strengthen their retirement or create risks they don’t need.  Below you’ll find a quick summary of the most important pros and cons, including a side-by-side comparison table, followed by a deeper explanation of how reverse mortgages work in real life.  Our goal is to give you the facts in plain English so you can decide what’s right for your long-term plans. Pros... Read Full Article

Shocking Truth About Condominiums and Reverse Mortgages

September 16, 2025     82 comments

Many senior borrowers eligible for reverse mortgages or about to become qualified and live in condominium projects have yet to learn of the surprises that may be waiting for them.  You may know neighbors who live in your project, currently have reverse mortgage financing, and have heard about how easy it was. Unfortunately, changes in condominiums and HUD programs in the past few years have changed much of this.  If you live in a condominium, before you start making plans that include a reverse mortgage, you should know about the... Read Full Article