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

5 Options When You Don’t Qualify for a Reverse Mortgage (2025 Guide)

September 15, 2025     2 comments

If you've applied for a reverse mortgage and found that you don't qualify — or the amount offered isn't enough to pay off your existing mortgage — you're not alone. Many homeowners are surprised when changing interest rates or updated HUD limits reduce the proceeds they're eligible for. The good news? Even if you don't qualify today, you still have options. In this guide, we'll explore five strategies that can help you move forward. Why You Might Not Qualify for a Reverse Mortgage Several factors determine how much money... Read Full Article

Reverse Mortgage Downsides Explained (2026) | 10 Common Claims Debunked

September 9, 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 Fees... Read Full Article

Reverse Mortgage Definition, Key Terms & A-Z Glossary

September 1, 2025     75 comments

Reverse Mortgage (Definition): A reverse mortgage is a home loan for borrowers typically aged 62 and older that allows you to convert a portion of your home equity into tax-free cash without required monthly mortgage payments. You retain title and are responsible for continuing to pay property taxes and homeowner's insurance. Interest accrues and is added to your balance and can be repaid at any time. Most borrowers repay the loan when they sell their property, move out, or pass away. HECM reverse mortgages are insured by the Federal... Read Full Article

Reverse Mortgage Counseling: Top 10 Agencies, Fees & Availability (2026)

September 1, 2025     17 comments

HUD requires every homeowner considering a HECM to complete independent counseling before the loan process can begin. A HUD-approved counselor will explain how the program works, your responsibilities, and any alternatives so you can decide whether a reverse mortgage is the right fit. We provide a list of approved counseling agencies to help you get started. HUD identifies five national agencies that serve borrowers everywhere, and some areas also have local in-person options. Most homeowners choose phone counseling. It is offered through toll-free numbers, meets all HUD requirements, and is... Read Full Article

Reverse Mortgage Occupancy Requirements Explained

September 1, 2025     76 comments

We live with my mother-in-law and were present throughout the process of her getting a reverse mortgage. The broker is fully aware that we live there with her, help keep up the property, and pay living expenses. He told us if she ever needed to go to a nursing home, if she was in the home at least once a month, they would not recall the loan. What I am reading here seems contradictory to what we were told. We were also told about having 12 months to sell or... Read Full Article

Reverse Mortgage Income Requirements 2026 — Residual Income, Asset Dissipation & Qualifying

September 1, 2025     50 comments

Understanding Reverse Mortgage Income Requirements Welcome to our 2026 guide on reverse mortgage income requirements. This article explains the financial assessment underwriting guidelines, specifically the minimum residual income requirements established by HUD. These requirements play a crucial role in the lender's application process, ensuring that you, as a borrower, can comfortably manage ongoing property-related expenses, such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance costs, after securing a reverse mortgage. We will provide clear, easy-to-follow tables that detail the minimum residual income needed based on your family size and the region... Read Full Article

History of the Reverse Mortgage — 1961 to 2026, Key Milestones & HUD Timeline

September 1, 2025     4 comments

Bringing It to the Senate Reverse mortgages have undergone many changes in their 65-year lifespan (depending on who you ask). As the story goes, a small, local bank wrote the first reverse mortgage in 1961 to a woman in Portland, Maine. The bank owner wanted to help the wife of his high school football coach stay in her home after her husband passed away. From there, the product took off and continues to help more older Americans remain in their homes as they age. 1969 It... Read Full Article