HECM Explained: 2026 Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Requirements, Limits & Benefits

July 13, 2025     12 comments

All Reverse Mortgage has specialized in the HECM program for more than twenty years.  As a HUD-approved direct lender, we originate HECM loans under the same federal rules described in this guide, and we believe homeowners deserve clear, factual guidance from a knowledgeable source.  That has always shaped the way we explain the reverse mortgage program, starting with our first customer, Marian Branson. What Is a HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage)? A HECM is the FHA-insured reverse mortgage for homeowners age 62 or older that allows you to access part... Read Full Article

The Realtor’s Guide to Reverse Mortgages for Home Purchase

April 15, 2025     2 comments

Why Realtors Should Understand Reverse Mortgages for Home Purchase The HECM for Purchase program (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) is an FHA-insured loan that allows homebuyers aged 62 and older to purchase a new primary residence with no monthly mortgage payments.  This benefits your senior buyers, helps your sellers move their listings, and ultimately helps you close more transactions. Yet many real estate professionals are unaware of this powerful tool—or they’ve heard myths that just aren’t true.  When used correctly, a reverse mortgage for purchase can close just as quickly... Read Full Article

Why Reverse Mortgages Are Safe from DOGE Cuts

April 10, 2025     no comments

If you’ve been thinking about a reverse mortgage but are unsure whether the program will still be around in the future—or what might happen if federal budget cuts from "DOGE," the Department of Government Efficiency, impact housing programs—you’re not alone. At All Reverse Mortgage, Inc., we speak with people every day who are interested in tapping into their home’s equity but have questions about the long-term security of the federally insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program. Let’s put your mind at ease: HECM reverse mortgages are fully insured by... 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 A reverse mortgage line of credit is one of several ways to access funds through an FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM).  Over time, it has become the most commonly selected option, largely because it allows equity to be used gradually rather than all at once. That preference is reflected in a national study conducted by the AARP Public Policy Institute, which surveyed homeowners who had completed HUD-required reverse mortgage counseling.  Among these informed shoppers, roughly two-thirds chose... 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 cash for home... 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     54 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

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

Are Reverse Mortgages a Scam? Here’s the Facts You Need to Know

September 8, 2024     32 comments

The reverse mortgage is a scam! I am a banker, and I see elderly customers getting deceived daily by these 'reverse mortgages.' They end up losing everything and put their heirs in jeopardy. -Tim As a mortgage banker with over 45 years of experience, I've worked with many major banks, mortgage companies, and insurance firms, handling a wide range of lending products. While some financial products can be less favorable or risky for borrowers, reverse mortgages are not a scam. The key to avoiding confusion and misinformation is education. Understanding... Read Full Article