IS A REVERSE MORTGAGE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea? 4 Smart Reasons to Consider in 2025

March 5, 2025     27 comments

Thinking about your finances can feel overwhelming, but a reverse mortgage can provide financial relief and peace of mind when used wisely. It’s a loan designed to help homeowners aged 62 and older turn their home equity into cash—without selling or making monthly mortgage payments.  But is it a good idea for you? This guide explores four scenarios where a reverse mortgage makes sense and situations where it may not be the best choice. 4 Smart Reasons to Get a Reverse Mortgage 1.  You Need to Improve Cash Flow in... Read Full Article

Debunking the Top 10 Reverse Mortgage Downsides

February 23, 2025     17 comments

Reverse mortgages have long been surrounded by misconceptions, leading many to believe they come with significant downsides.  In reality, many of these concerns are based on myths.  In this guide, we will debunk the top 10 common claims about the downsides of reverse mortgages, providing you with the clarity you need. Whether you're exploring reverse mortgage options for yourself or assisting a loved one, understanding the facts behind these so-called 'downsides' will help you make a confident and informed decision. Claim #1: Reverse Mortgages Have Growing Interest and... Read Full Article

Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit & Growth Rate Explained

February 17, 2025     118 comments

Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit: Why It's the Most Popular Option The reverse mortgage line of credit remains the most popular choice among homeowners today—and for good reason.  According to a report by AARP, 66% of borrowers chose the line of credit as the best way to access their reverse mortgage funds. Why So Many Homeowners Choose the Line of Credit The reverse mortgage line of credit gives you flexibility and control.  When your loan closes, you can access up to the maximum amount allowed by HUD during the... Read Full Article

HomeSafe Second Reverse Mortgage: Access Equity Without Refinancing

February 6, 2025     12 comments

Unlock Your Home’s Equity Without Refinancing At All Reverse Mortgage, Inc. (ARLO™), we know that many homeowners want to access their home equity without losing their low-rate first mortgage. That’s why we offer HomeSafe Second—a reverse mortgage second lien that lets you tap into your home’s equity without monthly mortgage payments while keeping your first mortgage intact. What Is HomeSafe Second? HomeSafe Second is a proprietary reverse mortgage designed specifically for homeowners who: ✅ Have a low-interest first mortgage they want to keep ✅ Need extra... Read Full Article

Enhanced Platinum Jumbo Reverse Mortgage Program: A New Era in Reverse Mortgages

January 8, 2025     2 comments

The reverse mortgage market has evolved significantly, especially in the jumbo and proprietary reverse mortgage segment. Before the 2009/2010 market crash, several jumbo reverse mortgage programs were available, but they disappeared following the downturn. Over time, the market has made a cautious yet pivotal recovery, with innovative products like the Platinum Jumbo Reverse Mortgage leading the way. The Platinum Jumbo Reverse Mortgage Program The Platinum Jumbo Reverse Mortgage is a proprietary loan designed for borrowers with high-value properties. It offers much higher loan limits than the HUD Home Equity... Read Full Article

Here’s the Truth About Reverse Mortgages (No BS)

December 28, 2024     25 comments

A reader recently shared their skepticism about reverse mortgages, saying: "I've read a lot about reverse mortgages, and it seems they're more for the bank's benefit than yours.  They make it sound like they're helping, but in reality, you're giving away your home for a low price.  If you get a reverse mortgage and pass away soon after, your home could be lost, and your family won't be able to keep it, even with a will." We agree with one point: reverse mortgages aren't for everyone.  But it's important to... Read Full Article

Reverse Mortgages and Medicaid/SSI Benefits: Key Considerations for 2025

December 27, 2024     50 comments

Reverse mortgage proceeds can provide valuable financial support, but they may also influence your eligibility for Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Understanding these potential effects is essential for making informed decisions. If you’re 62 or older and considering a reverse mortgage to supplement your retirement income, it’s important to evaluate how this choice could impact your access to needs-based programs.  Careful planning can help you make the most of this financial tool while preserving your benefits. Understanding Means-Tested Benefits Means-tested benefits are based... Read Full Article

Non-Recourse Reverse Mortgage Protections Explained

December 27, 2024     31 comments

The non-recourse feature of reverse mortgages is a powerful safeguard, yet it’s often misunderstood. It’s even sparked debates—like the AARP lawsuit against HUD—over its scope. Simply put, a non-recourse reverse mortgage ensures you’ll never owe more than your home’s value when the loan matures. But how does this protect you and your heirs? Let’s break it down. How Non-Recourse Protection Works Picture this: A 66-year-old homeowner with a $500,000 home secures a $321,000 fixed-rate reverse mortgage. After 20 years of no payments, interest pushes the balance to $1,000,000. The... Read Full Article

2025 HECM Reverse Mortgage Limits Surge to $1,209,750

November 27, 2024     2 comments

Our guide breaks down the FHA's decision in an easy-to-understand format.  We've included handy tables comparing the reverse mortgage loan limits of 2024 and 2025, showing you exactly how much more you can borrow.  Plus, a "2025 Loan-To-Value Comparison" table illustrates how much of your home's value you can tap into with these new lending limits. This article, backed by data and expert analysis, is designed to be your one-stop guide to understanding the changes in HECM limits for 2025. Exciting News: HUD Increases Reverse Mortgage Lending... Read Full Article

Reverse Mortgage vs. HELOC and Home Equity Loans: Easier Qualifications and More Flexibility

November 18, 2024     21 comments

As retirees seek ways to supplement their income or cover expenses, accessing the equity in their home can be a practical solution.  Two popular options for doing so are the Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) and the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), also known as a reverse mortgage.  While both allow homeowners to unlock the value of their property, they differ in terms of eligibility, repayment terms, and long-term impact on finances. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between a HELOC and a reverse mortgage, helping you... Read Full Article