IS A REVERSE MORTGAGE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Q: What are the biggest drawbacks of a reverse mortgage?

The most common concerns include: High upfront costs (closing fees, FHA insurance) Interest accumulation (reduces home equity over time) Impact on heirs (less inheritance unless the loan is repaid) However, these factors should be weighed against the benefits of eliminating mortgage payments and accessing home equity.

Q: What if I outlive my reverse mortgage?

You can never be forced out of your home as long as you: Live in the home as your primary residence Keep up with property taxes and insurance Maintain the home’s condition Even if the loan balance exceeds the home’s value, FHA insurance ensures you (or your heirs) never owe more than the home’s worth.

See real numbers based on your age, home value, and today’s 2026 lending limits.

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Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea in 2026? 4 Smart Reasons and When It’s Not

January 12, 2026

Michael G. Branson Edited by

Cliff Auerswald

27 comments

After more than 20 years helping homeowners evaluate reverse mortgages, I can say this plainly: a reverse mortgage is neither good nor bad on its own. It is a financial tool. Used in the right situation, it can reduce stress and improve retirement cash flow. Used in the wrong one, it can create unnecessary risk.

This guide explains four situations where a reverse mortgage often makes sense, along with clear cases where it may not. My goal is simple. Give you the facts so you can decide whether this loan aligns with how you want to live in retirement.

Table of Contents

• Why 2025/2026 Is a Different Conversation for Reverse Mortgages

• What Is a Reverse Mortgage?

• 2026 FHA Reverse Mortgage Lending Limit

• 4 Smart Reasons a Reverse Mortgage Can Make Sense

• 1. You Need Better Cash Flow in Retirement

• 2. You Want to Pay for Home Improvements Without Monthly Payments

• 3. You Want to Protect Retirement Savings During Market Downturns

• 4. You Want More Financial Flexibility, Not Just Necessity

• What I’m Seeing More Often in 2025–2026

• A Common Misunderstanding I Still Hear

• When a Reverse Mortgage May Not Be a Good Fit

• You Plan to Move in the Near Future

• You Rely on Medicaid or SSI

• You Cannot Maintain the Home or Pay Ongoing Expenses

• Reverse Mortgages: Good vs. Bad

• Frequently Asked Questions

• So, Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea?

Why 2025/2026 Is a Different Conversation for Reverse Mortgages

The way homeowners think about reverse mortgages has changed over the past few years. This is no longer just a last-resort option. It has become part of broader retirement planning.

Three factors are driving that shift in 2026:

Ongoing interest rate volatility compared to the prior decade
Increased pressure on retirement portfolios after multiple market drawdowns
Rising costs for property taxes, insurance, and in-home care

For many homeowners, the question today is not whether they will ever need home equity, but how and when to use it without over-committing other assets.

What Is a Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage, formally known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), is a federally insured loan for homeowners age 62 or older.

It allows you to convert part of your home equity into cash while:

Keeping ownership of your home
Avoiding required monthly mortgage payments

The loan becomes due when the home is sold, you move out permanently, or the last borrower passes away. As long as you live in the home as your primary residence, maintain it, and stay current on taxes and insurance, no monthly mortgage payment is required.

2026 FHA Reverse Mortgage Lending Limit

For 2026, the FHA HECM lending limit remains historically high.

This limit determines the maximum home value used in the reverse mortgage calculation, not the amount you can borrow. The actual loan amount depends on:

The age of the youngest borrower
Current interest rates
The payout option selected

Higher lending limits continue to benefit homeowners in stronger housing markets who previously exceeded program caps in earlier years.

4 Smart Reasons a Reverse Mortgage Can Make Sense

1. You Need Better Cash Flow in Retirement

Many homeowners reach retirement with significant home equity but limited monthly income. A reverse mortgage can help convert that equity into usable cash without selling the home.

Funds are commonly used for:

Property taxes and homeowners insurance
Medical and healthcare expenses
Utilities, food, and transportation

If you still have a traditional mortgage, a reverse mortgage can pay it off, eliminating required monthly payments. For many homeowners, that single change dramatically improves cash flow.

Important to understand: you must still pay property taxes, insurance, and maintain the home.

2. You Want to Pay for Home Improvements Without Monthly Payments

Traditional home equity loans and HELOCs typically require income verification, credit qualification, and monthly repayment. That can be challenging after retirement.

A HECM line of credit works differently:

No required monthly payments
No minimum income qualification
Funds available only when you choose to use them

Homeowners often use this option for:

Safety upgrades to age in place
Kitchen or bathroom renovations
Roof, plumbing, or HVAC repairs

Unlike a HELOC, a HECM line of credit cannot be frozen, and the unused portion grows over time at the loan’s current interest rate plus mortgage insurance.

3. You Want to Protect Retirement Savings During Market Downturns

Withdrawing from investments during market declines can permanently reduce a retirement portfolio.

Some homeowners use a reverse mortgage strategically to:

Avoid selling investments at a loss
Reduce sequence-of-returns risk
Preserve IRA or 401(k) balances

This approach is not right for everyone, but when properly coordinated, home equity can serve as a buffer rather than liquidating assets during unfavorable markets.

Tip: If you’re considering this approach, consult with a financial advisor to ensure it aligns with your long-term retirement goals.

4. You Want More Financial Flexibility, Not Just Necessity

Not every reverse mortgage is driven by hardship.

Some homeowners choose one to:

Travel comfortably in retirement
Help family financially
Maintain liquidity without selling assets

Because there are no required monthly payments, the loan provides flexibility while keeping equity available for future needs.

What I’m Seeing More Often in 2025–2026

More homeowners are setting up a reverse mortgage line of credit before they urgently need it.

Establishing the loan earlier often provides:

Greater available credit due to a younger qualifying age
A standby source of funds during market downturns
More flexibility compared to waiting until finances are strained

Used this way, the reverse mortgage becomes a safety net rather than a last-minute decision.

A Common Misunderstanding I Still Hear

Many homeowners believe a reverse mortgage is a permanent, irreversible decision. That is not accurate.

A reverse mortgage can be:

Paid off at any time
Repaid through refinancing or sale of the home
Left with the remaining equity passed on to heirs

It is a loan with options, not a one-way transaction.

Did You Know? If 4 reasons aren’t enough, there are 10 reasons someone would get a reverse mortgage! Explore additional ways this financial tool can help you achieve your retirement goals.

When a Reverse Mortgage May Not Be a Good Fit

You Plan to Move in the Near Future

Reverse mortgages are designed for homeowners who plan to stay in their home long term.

If you expect to:

Downsize
Relocate
Move into assisted living within a few years

The upfront costs may outweigh the benefits.

Tip: If you’re considering selling your home soon, explore other alternatives before committing to a reverse mortgage.

You Rely on Medicaid or SSI

Reverse mortgage proceeds themselves are not taxable, but large cash withdrawals can affect needs-based benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income.

In these cases, careful planning is essential. A line of credit with controlled withdrawals may help, but professional guidance is critical before proceeding.

You Cannot Maintain the Home or Pay Ongoing Expenses

Even without mortgage payments, borrowers must:

Pay property taxes
Maintain homeowners insurance
Keep the home in reasonable condition

If these obligations are not manageable, a reverse mortgage may increase risk rather than reduce it.

Tip: If affordability is a concern, a downsizing strategy or alternative assistance program may be a better fit.

Reverse Mortgages: Good vs. Bad

Advantages	Disadvantages
- Provides additional income during retirement - No monthly mortgage payments required - Loan proceeds are tax-free - You retain home ownership - Flexible disbursement options (lump sum, line of credit, monthly payments)	- May decrease the equity in your home - Can have high upfront costs (Insurance fees, closing costs) - Accumulating interest will increase debt over time - May affect eligibility for certain government benefits such as SSI & Medicaid

This table provides a side-by-side comparison of the key advantages and disadvantages of reverse mortgages.

Wondering If It’s Right for You? Explore your 2026 reverse mortgage options with a free quote from All Reverse Mortgage—America’s #1 Rated Reverse Lender* with a 4.9/5-star rating! Call (800) 565-1722 or click here for your free quote —simple, trusted, 100% secure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are reverse mortgages a good idea for everyone?

No. A reverse mortgage is best for long-term homeowners who need financial flexibility while staying in their home. It may not be suitable for those planning to move, struggling with property taxes, or relying on government aid.

When should I avoid getting a reverse mortgage?

You might think twice about a reverse mortgage if you’re not planning to stay in your home for long. Even with the loan, you’re worried you won’t have enough money to live comfortably, or if you’re thinking about using the money for a risky investment or financial move, like annuities. It’s important to ensure that a reverse mortgage is right for you. If you’re not sure, talk to a trusted financial advisor. They can help you understand your options and make the best decision.

What are the biggest drawbacks of a reverse mortgage?

The most common concerns include:

High upfront costs (closing fees, FHA insurance)
Interest accumulation (reduces home equity over time)
Impact on heirs (less inheritance unless the loan is repaid)

However, these factors should be weighed against the benefits of eliminating mortgage payments and accessing home equity.

What if I outlive my reverse mortgage?

You can never be forced out of your home as long as you:

Live in the home as your primary residence
Keep up with property taxes and insurance
Maintain the home’s condition

Even if the loan balance exceeds the home’s value, FHA insurance ensures you (or your heirs) never owe more than the home’s worth.

What are common complaints about reverse mortgages?

Some common complaints about reverse mortgages include concerns about losing equity in your home and the costs associated with the loan. However, compared to other types of loans where you make regular payments, the difference may not be as significant as people think. With a reverse mortgage, you typically repay the loan in full when you leave your home, which can make it seem like a large expense. But it’s essential to remember that you’ve had the benefit of using those funds over the years instead of making monthly payments.

Important Considerations on Reverse Mortgages

So, Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea?

For the right homeowner, in the right situation, a reverse mortgage can be a powerful retirement tool. For others, it may not fit at all.

The key is understanding how it works, what it costs, and what alternatives exist before deciding.

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Have a Question About Reverse Mortgages?

Look no further. Michael G. Branson, our CEO, brings a wealth of knowledge directly to you. With a robust 45-year tenure in mortgage banking and 20 years dedicated solely to reverse mortgages, he's the expert you want on your side.

Post your question in the comments below and anticipate a personalized response from Mr. Branson himself, typically within one business day. He's here to illuminate all angles of reverse mortgages, ensuring you're equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Take this opportunity to gain insights from a seasoned professional.

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27 Comments on this Article

Scott R.
January 10th, 2025

Hello, my parents home is paid off. They need to pay off a note of $100,000. They are 72 years old and not able to qualify for a home equity loan. Their home's estimated value is $350,000. Would a reverse mortgage be a wise choice for them, or should they consider a more conventional loan?
Reply to Scott
- Michael Branson
  January 10th, 2025
  
  Hi Scott,
  A reverse mortgage could definitely be an option worth considering for your parents, but whether it's the best choice depends on their goals and circumstances. Let me break it down:
  Traditional Loan:
  If your parents want to make payments and pay down the balance over time, a conventional loan might work - if they could qualify. The upside is lower upfront costs, but the downside is they'd have to make monthly payments no matter what. Missing payments could hurt their credit, and if their financial situation changes, they won't have many options to adjust.
  Reverse Mortgage:
  This might be a better fit, especially since it sounds like they're having trouble qualifying for a traditional loan. With a reverse mortgage:
  They can access the funds they need without having to make monthly payments (as long as they live in the home, maintain it, and keep taxes/insurance current).
  They'd have a line of credit available for future needs, but they can also make payments if they want to keep the balance from growing.
  No penalties if they decide to pay off the loan or sell the home down the road.
  It's worth noting that a reverse mortgage has higher upfront costs, so if your parents plan to sell the home in a year or two, it's probably not the best option. But if they plan to stay long-term, it could provide financial flexibility and peace of mind.
  Ultimately, the choice depends on their priorities - whether that's maintaining financial freedom, staying in their home, or passing down as much equity as possible. A reverse mortgage gives them options, but it's always a good idea to run the numbers and make sure it aligns with their goals.
  If you want more details or a personalized breakdown, feel free to ask!
  Reply to Michael
Catherine S.
August 2nd, 2024

Hi Michael,
I hope you are still up to answering questions on reverse mortgages. If I did a line of credit for when I need things, am I understanding that I still will be able to make my mortgage payment? Next, when my husband passed away at age 60, 4 years ago, we have an adopted underage child. I get SSI and adoption support for her after his passing. She is 12 now, and when she turns 18, I will lose that income, about $2000 a month, bringing my income down to the same, about $2000 a month. At that time, would I be better off trying to get housing assistance and move into low-income housing? Or would I be better getting a full reverse mortgage? And if I have been using a line of credit, presuming I can still make my mortgage payment. Hope this makes sense! Thank you!
Reply to Catherine
- Michael Branson
  August 6th, 2024
  
  Hello Catherine,
  I understand your question, but I'm afraid I don't have a definitive answer for you. A lot can happen in 6 years, and I surely would not want to lead you in the wrong direction. I think you would be better off speaking with a financial advisor who can review your assets and goals with you, helping to pencil out scenarios to see what best achieves your goals.
  A reverse mortgage will ensure that you have no payments and can live in your home for the rest of your life, regardless of what the balance becomes in the future. Is that what you are looking for? If you are considering a move in the next 5 or 6 years, a reverse mortgage may not be a good option for you. As the interest accrues, the balance will rise, and if you aren't looking for a permanent home location, this would leave you with less equity for a future move. It would definitely provide you with more monthly income in the meantime, but you need to compare those prospects to determine if that is best for you.
  When your income drops in 6 years, with a reverse mortgage, you would have no mortgage payments, but you still have to pay the taxes, insurance, any HOA or other property charges, and upkeep on the home. If you believe that not having any payments for the next 6 years would not allow you to save sufficient funds to augment your income at that time to keep the home (and I don't know your financial circumstances now), then you might not be a good candidate for a reverse mortgage. The last thing you want is to be unable to live comfortably even after you get the loan. This is something a good financial adviser can help you determine by modeling your income, expenses, and assets over time.
  Reply to Michael
Ron K.
July 9th, 2024

Hi! My uncle, 76, owns his home outright and lives on his Social Security. He is struggling with ever rising property taxes and utility bills. He doesn't want to drain the home's equity by taking a lump sum disbursement. Can he do monthly or yearly draws as needed to keep interest payments lower? Do you think he is a good candidate for a reverse mortgage?
Reply to Ron
- Michael Branson
  July 10th, 2024
  
  Hello Ron,
  If he doesn't have an immediate need for all the money, I wouldn't recommend a lump sum draw! He's correct that he would accrue interest on borrowed funds unnecessarily if he doesn't need them right away.
  He has other options that might work well for him. Without knowing his exact circumstances, it sounds like he could be an excellent candidate for the same program my mother chose. She opted for a modified term payment loan. She considered both the modified term and modified tenure payments but ultimately chose the term, and I'll tell you why.
  She didn't want a lump sum of all the money available to her. She wanted some cash available for home improvements, so anything we did had to include a line of credit. She chose the modified term payment because she didn't want the entire payment provided by the tenure option. With the term option, she could choose her payment amount. The tenure payment is calculated by the HUD calculator based on your age, interest rates, property value, or HUD maximum claim amount, and the anticipated number of payments based on your age.
  Your uncle can have a payment sent to him every month or have all available funds remain in a line of credit. He would need to request funds each time he wanted a draw, and they would make an ACH deposit into his account automatically. He can make draws monthly, annually, or only when certain payments (like taxes and insurance) are due, or if the home needs repairs. The choice is his. The best thing to do would be to visit our website at check our calculator to see what options are available to him. He can check the different options without needing to supply a social security number or any personal information other than age and property address, and we will provide his options.
  We use the property information to determine an approximate value if we can find recent sales of similar properties in his area (the only thing that can determine the actual value is an appraisal from a HUD-approved appraiser). The borrower's age is required to let us determine the HUD calculations. If you feel the address is too much information, just give us the zip code so we can ensure the fees are accurate for your area, provide an estimated value, and give us your birth month and year to ensure your benefits are accurate.
  Reply to Michael
Nancy B.
November 13th, 2023

My Mom is 86 and considering this loan. Is it a good idea?
Reply to Nancy
- Michael Branson
  November 15th, 2023
  
  Hello Nancy,
  
  If mom has the equity and needs the money or has a payment that is hard to make, those are two good reasons to investigate it, but they would not be the only considerations. If she has all the money she needs and no payments and doesn't anticipate future needs, I will probably advise against getting the loan (or any loan) if there is no need or anticipated need. Still, I am assuming (and I know that is a bad thing to do) that she probably needs, or you would not be looking into the reverse mortgage.
  
  My mother needed to make repairs/updates on her home that she could not afford without the funds that the reverse mortgage made available to her. She was very active and found that her pension funds ran out about the 15th of each month, leaving her no money for the things she loved to do. The reverse mortgage was a fantastic option for her as she could take a small line of credit to update several areas of her home to make it more livable. She received a monthly payment that gave her the additional income to continue the activities she loved, and she did it all on her own (she would never ask anyone else for help). For her circumstances, the reverse mortgage was a great option.
  
  If she had gotten the loan and it would not have helped her to where she was completely comfortable with her finances, she did not like her home, or it no longer met her needs, then it would not have been a good fit. But she loved her home and did not want to move, but it needed some things. After she made the improvements, her home sold for much more later when we had to sell the property. For mom, it was a good idea. Only your mom, with the help of her family, can decide if it is a good idea for her.
  
  We don't believe it is good or bad for everyone. If you see people making broad statements like that, you must question their motives. We believe in giving you all the information and letting you decide if it suits your circumstances. If it will make Mom more comfortable and she is not planning on moving soon (which, if she is, I would say do not get the loan), then perhaps it will meet her needs nicely. But let us show you the facts, and then you can decide if it would help in your case based on your needs, your goals, and circumstances.
  Reply to Michael
Sylvia
May 9th, 2023

Is it better to get a reverse mortgage while my husband is still alive? Or after he dies?
Reply to Sylvia
- Michael Branson
  May 9th, 2023
  
  Hello Sylvia,
  
  Unless your husband is a lot younger than you, there would be no reason to wait.
  If he is younger, you will receive less benefit from the loan, but if he is the same age or older, you will receive the same amount, and there is no downside to getting the loan, even if he predeceases you later.
  Reply to Michael
Charles B.
March 31st, 2023

Hello Arlo,
Is a reverse mortgage a good thing if my home is mortgage free? Also, is the line of credit tax deductible?
Reply to Charles
- Michael Branson
  April 1st, 2023
  
  Hello Charles,
  
  I tell everyone that a reverse mortgage is good or bad, depending on your goals and circumstances. The loan is not inherently good or bad for all borrowers or those with or without a mortgage on their home. For instance, the line of credit on a reverse mortgage grows over time on the unused portion. This means that if you get the loan and use it sparingly or not at all in the early years of the loan, the line or amount available to you increases so that you will have more money available later in the term of the loan. You don't accrue any interest owing on the funds while you don't use them.
  Still, the line available to you is growing so that later in life, if you need or want that money, it is not only still available to you then and cannot be frozen like a HELOC line of credit from a bank, but the amount available will increase as time goes on. And while there are no payments required on the loan for as long as you live in the home as your primary residence (and pay your taxes, insurance, and any other property charges like HOA dues in a timely manner), there is never a prepayment penalty on the loan so you can voluntarily pay any amount at any time up to and including payment in full without penalty. In that case, it might make perfect sense to get the loan whether you have paid all current loans off or have a current need for the funds.
  
  On the other hand, if you know the home no longer meets your needs and you think you will probably sell the property in the near future, I would not suggest you get the loan. Borrowers who feel they need a smaller home, need to be closer to family or medical services, or need a one-story home to replace their current two-story home may want to think twice before investing in a long-term loan such as a reverse mortgage. Some borrowers who know they will be moving in 3 - 5 years still get the loan out of necessity, but that would be based on their circumstances.
  
  Regarding interest, I am not an accountant and cannot give you tax advice. It would be best if you spoke with your tax professional because tax laws change constantly, and I do not want to steer you wrong (not to mention the fact that licensing laws specifically state that I cannot provide tax or legal advice unless I am licensed to do so and I am not). I can tell you that the reverse mortgage is a loan and that interest on a loan, when deductible, is typically deductible when paid. Again, it would be up to your specific circumstances as defined by tax laws as to what is deductible, so I would need to refer you to your tax professional for that information in your case.
  Reply to Michael
Dee
August 15th, 2021

Dear Arlo,
Believe me when I tell you a reverse mortgage is a bad idea. First off, they low ball you on the appraisal. Then they will give you only half of what it's worth. Out if that money you need to repair your home to meet their standards. You must paint your home if there is any chipped paint, you must put in new windows if they do not meet their specifications. Put on a new roof if they do require then you get whatever money is left. You can choose to not make payments, then they get your property when you leave it or die. So, if your house is worth $100,000, then they give you $50,000 and out if that you must spend $30,000 on repairs made to your home to meet their standards then you have a whopping $20,000 for your lavish retirement. So, they give you $50,000, you get $20,000 out if that but you give them your home for $100,000. Don't sound so great to me. You see it really is a trick to get your home. And without a doubt does take advantage of any senior who decides to get a reverse mortgage because they feel it's their only choice.
Reply to Dee
- Michael Branson
  August 15th, 2021
  
  Hello Dee,
  
  I'm sorry you feel that way but without realizing it, you only echo what we have been saying. This loan is not for everyone. If your home is in such disrepair that you need to make heavy repairs just to be able to close the loan and then it doesn't give you sufficient funds to enjoy your retirement as you would like or need, then it isn't the loan for you.
  Contrary to your feelings, lenders and HUD do not want your house but they also do not want to be left with a property that is not marketable requiring massive repairs to liquidate should your heirs not want the home at the conclusion. Therefore, HUD does have minimum requirements the property must meet to be eligible for the program. So, if this is the case for you and you are still not able to be comfortable with the home, the repairs, and your finances after the loan closes, we would advise against you getting the loan.
  Other people may have the income to live comfortably but just not the resources to make necessary repairs or updates who would be very pleased to be able to live for the rest of their lives in their home comfortably but that is for each borrower to decide based on their own circumstances. In your case, you may be better off selling and using your equity to fund your retirement instead. People need to weigh the cost of living elsewhere (there will be a mortgage payment if you buy or if you take out another type of loan) or rent if you are a tenant somewhere.
  
  They also need to factor in the attachment they have for the home in which they currently live and the cost to sell and move if that is what they want to do. And you mentioned that you can make a payment if you choose on a reverse mortgage which is the truth if you desire and that would preserve your equity if that were your goal, but the whole point is you are not required to make any payments with a reverse mortgage.
  Borrowers who take out traditional financing MUST pay that monthly payment every single month or they risk credit problems or possible foreclosure. And then after a typical forward mortgage, you wind up paying a big chunk of your home's value in interest over that time anyway. The difference is that you paid it in monthly payments so it wasn't one big payment at the end.
  
  Finally, you could not be more wrong about lenders "low-balling" appraisals. Under state and federal laws as well as HUD rules, lenders cannot even mention a value to an appraiser, or the appraiser will cease the assignment immediately and report the individual and the lender.
  In fact, the laws and rules were enacted around 2009 for both forward loans and reverse mortgages because HUD, Government Sponsored Entities like FNMA and FHLMC and regulators felt that lenders were putting too much pressure on appraisers to increase values, not suppress them. Any violation is considered a violation of state licensing laws and lenders and individuals can lose their licenses and their ability to originate loans. The Appraisal Institute has a written explanation of Appraiser Independence Laws online at https://www.appraisalinstitute.org/assets/1/7/appraiserindependencelaws.pdf. The lender can help the borrower submit a rebuttal if the borrower believes the value is too low by giving the appraiser additional information or corrections to mistakes in the appraiser's report (if there is any), but they cannot suggest a value even if errors are discovered.
  It's still up to the independent appraiser to determine the value, not the lender. Any attempt to influence the value is a reportable offense. What you fail to understand is that the reverse mortgages are HUD insured against loss. Lenders are pleased when values are supported at the homeowner's expectations because the transaction goes much more smoothly, and the lender doesn't need to have the very uncomfortable conversation with the borrower that the property did not appraise for the value the borrower was expecting. No originator would intentionally try to make the transaction harder or even risk cancellation to try to low-ball a value when the higher value is insured and helps the borrower and the lender close the loan.
  
  As I started by saying, reverse mortgages are not for everyone. We readily admit that and if the loan does not answer your needs and meet your goals, we would agree that it is the wrong loan for you.
  However, your reasoning is off and to simply make a blanket statement that it is a bad idea based on that faulty information or based on circumstances that are not present with all cases, is just as irresponsible as someone who says that all borrowers over the age of 62 should get a reverse mortgage.
  Reply to Michael
Cynthia V.
December 17th, 2020

Thank you for your excellent information. I have a reverse mortgage on my home and love it. Am I able to refinance my reverse mortgage after a certain amount of time?
Reply to Cynthia
Glenda T.
February 14th, 2020

Reverse mortgages can be very risky.. appraisal fees are high and must be paid by homeowners up front. Cash received depends on that appraisal.
Reply to Glenda
- Michael Branson
  March 3rd, 2020
  
  Hello Glenda,
  The appraisal cost for a reverse mortgage is the same as any FHA loan, it is not higher than any other FHA appraisal.
  
  But having said that, you are correct, the amount you may receive, like any other loan, is dependent on the appraised value of the property.
  
  We always do a review of the property and sales in the area to determine a "ballpark" value whenever that is possible to see if the borrowers' opinion of value is reasonable.
  
  The reason I say "whenever possible" is not because we skip this step sometimes, but because there is not always information available to us to review. Some areas do not post sales data online and we cannot see recent sales prices for similar homes.
  
  Sometimes we run across situations where there are no recent sales of similar homes and we just cannot determine a probable value.
  
  And then, most of the time, there are sales available and we can tell borrowers what those sales were so that the borrower can see for themselves the sales prices of similar properties.
  
  This is the main thing an appraiser will use to determine your value and then adjust those sales prices for dissimilar factors (age, condition, size, etc.) if the adjustments are not too great.
  
  If the appraiser must adjust a sale for too many dissimilar factors, then HUD feels the home is not comparable to yours and that the appraiser should have used a different property.
  
  It is very easy when you have houses that are similar ages, same size and bedroom/bathroom count and in similar condition that sole recently to get a good idea what an appraiser will assign for a value within a tight range.
  
  It is much more difficult when there is no recent sales data available or the only properties that have sold are very different from the borrower's house.
  
  So in those instances, any appraisal can be "risky" if you are depending on a value that cannot be substantiated by recent sales of similar properties as it will be in the hands of the appraiser and we may not have a good grasp on what that might be in advance.
  
  If you are concerned about the value of your home though, I would suggest that you review the recent sales of properties that are really similar to yours and see for what prices they sold (not listed, but actually sold and closed).
  
  If you are not sure how to do this on your own, contact a lender like us and we will help you. Some borrowers have gone as far as to contact local real estate agents to get information on recent sales but that would be up to you as it may open you up to a lot of follow up from the agent and they may not be willing to help if they know there is no sale in the works.
  
  It may turn out that we also cannot gather any information on recent sales with the resources available to us, but if that is the case, we will be honest with you and tell you.
  
  At least at that point you will be able to make an educated decision as to whether you want to move forward and obtain an appraisal or not.
  
  You can start by visiting our calculator to see what the numbers look like at the value you this is most likely for your home but then you can always speak with a Loan Officer if you desire and have them check to see if sales are available in your area so you can make an informed decision based on the sales prices of those sales before you ever spend a dime on an appraisal.
  
  You have to remember that only an FHA approved appraiser can assign a value to your home that HUD will use for the program but if all the sales of similar homes are lower than the value you expected, the odds of getting that value are not very good.
  
  On the other hand, if the sales are at or above the value you are hoping for, you have a very good chance of getting the value you wish from your appraisal and knowing that information (if it's available) can help you make the decision to go forward or to hold off and take some of the risk out of the process.
  Reply to Michael
Linda Thurston
November 26th, 2019

If you're credit score is fair, Is It feasible to trust a "friend" to have their mortgage broker for a refinancer . This would enable us to repay money owed him, fix the home that had been let go for over 20 years, but my husband would have to move out of the house at the age of over 80 years. This is also community property state and said home was brought with the sale of my own home.
Reply to Linda
- Michael Branson
  November 27th, 2019
  
  Hello Linda,
  
  I am not sure I understand what you are saying here but if you are asking me if I would advise you to deed your property to someone else in an effort to obtain a loan, I would tell you absolutely no. In the first place, this is mortgage fraud to place your home in someone else's name just to secure a loan and in the second place, how would you be certain nothing would happen that you didn't lose your property? I would encourage you to seek the advice of an attorney before you contemplated any scheme which involved transferring title for the purposes of obtaining financing.
  Reply to Michael
Debra
October 31st, 2019

I am 65 years old and I live in in a townhome. I have no mortgage and I pay about $123,000. I have HOA dues here I was told that I would need to get the board to approve the reverse mortgage. Is that true? Isn't better to wait till I am 75 years to get one? I am planning on to retire in 10 years.
Reply to Debra
- Michael Branson
  November 4th, 2019
  
  Hello Debra,
  
  If you live in a true Townhouse and not a condominium, the project does not require HUD approval but if it is a townhouse "style" condominium project, then yes, your project would need to be approved or you would need to go through a single unit approval which is almost as thorough.
  As for which is better, now or waiting until you are 75, no one can make that decision but you. There are too many variables that go into the decision and many are personal preferences. I am not sure what you are saying because you say you have no mortgage, but you also say you are paying about $123,000. Do you mean your home is worth $123,000?
  
  There is no way to know what will or will not be available in the next 10 years. It is true that 10 years may improve the value of your property and at 10 years older you would qualify for more money at today's program parameters, but there are no guarantees that HUD will not change program parameters or that the interest rates will not rise in the future, eliminating all the gains the wait might bring.
  In short, no one knows what the future will bring so there is no possible way to say what is "better". What is better is to do what is right for you now.
  
  If you know you will want the loan at some point in the future, it may be a good idea to get the loan now while rates are low, and you are working. It is easier to qualify while you are working.
  HUD has a financial assessment requirement that borrowers must meet and part of that is a residual income requirement that is easier for most borrowers to meet while working or receiving some sort of income.
  If you will receive a pension and social security with no debt at the time, this may not even be an issue but it's something to consider. If you get the loan now, the rates are low, and you will receive the highest amount possible under the program while considering the rate in the calculation.
  Also, when you use the rates for the interest rate cap (the maximum the rate can ever reach), it will be the lowest possible maximum. Also, the line of credit program has a great feature when you do not draw from the line over the next 10 years if you don't plan to use the funds until then.
  The amount available to you grows over time on the unused portion of the line. The line growth means that you lock in the amount available now and that amount continues to grow if you do not use the line.
  In 10 years the line you have available would be much higher than what you have available to you when you closed the loan and you would receive an amortization schedule showing you what you could expect at the time you closed your loan.
  You only accrue interest on the portion of the line that you do use so it is very inexpensive to keep the line open while not using it.
  If you desire, you can even pay pack almost all the initial costs of the loan and keep a very small balance of just a few hundred dollars on the line and accrue even less interest over the next 10 years (you cannot pay the balance down to 0 or the line would be closed).
  
  Whatever you choose to do, it must be what is right or "better/best" for you. The best choice is the one that best meets your needs and so I would encourage you to talk to your family, your trusted financial advisor and proceed after you have all the information.
  Reply to Michael
Julie riley
September 13th, 2019

No they are not
My husband has one to me it was all illegal back in 2008 i really want to take them to court and get my house back.
Reply to Julie
- Michael Branson
  September 15th, 2019
  
  Hi Julie,
  This is a very difficult comment for me to address. I don't know why you feel it was illegal and what you mean by "get your house back". Did you sign a Deed so that he could do the loan without you (i.e. if you were not old enough at the time)?
  Because if he did the loan and you did not sign a Deed to release your interest in the property to allow the loan to close, you may have some recourse now if you were on title and he somehow had you removed without your knowledge.
  If you willingly signed the Deed so that he could obtain the loan, it is not illegal and it's very difficult to fault the lender or your husband 11 years later if you are having second thoughts now and have been living in the home payment free all this time.
  However, your husband can and always could sign another Deed to add you back to title after the loan closed. The loan allows the borrower(s) to add anyone they wish to title at any time as long as they are also still on title and still living in the property.
  I would recommend that you and your husband visit an estate attorney to make sure that all is done appropriately now but possibly a trust might even be in order in which you are both owners of the trust and the house is in the name of the trust. If the attorney does recommend this action, remember to have the trust approved by the lender before you change the title to be sure it meets all HUD requirements.
  But remember this, changing the title will make sure you have your ownership protected, but it does not allow you to stay in the home if something happens to your husband and he is no longer living in the property if you are not on the loan.
  You may also want to look at refinancing the loan with a new reverse mortgage in both your names now, before HUD eliminates the HECM to HECM refinance program as they are now talking about doing. If you have a loan with both your names on the new loan, you too would be covered and would be allowed to live in the home for life if something were to happen to your husband.
  Reply to Michael
Teresa
September 8th, 2019

A loan officer told me my home is worth around $90,000 but I could only receive $24,000 on a reverse mortgage. How is that a good idea!?
Reply to Teresa
- Michael Branson
  September 8th, 2019
  
  Hi Teresa,
  The proceeds available under the reverse mortgage program are affected by the age of the youngest borrower, property value, interest rates, fees and any funds required to be set aside in addition to just paying off the existing mortgages/liens (which you have indicated you do not have).
  I could only start guessing what the reasons would be why your available proceeds were so low at this point. It could be the result of a borrower being much less than 62 years of age, poor credit that required a Life Expectancy Set Aside to pay taxes and insurance (LESA), payoff of a lien that is showing or something else about which I can only guess.
  You really need to have the lender explain to you what the circumstances are that are affecting your available Principal Limit (loan amount) and they should be able to show you how the numbers work out on the Loan Comparison Page.
  Reply to Michael
Linda
July 1st, 2019

I have had a reverse mortgage for 4 years and now want to pay on it. How do I do that?
Reply to Linda
- Michael Branson
  July 2nd, 2019
  
  Hello Linda,
  
  You receive a monthly statement that gives you balance as of each month. You can pay off that balance in full or in part at any time without penalty. All you need to do is to send the servicer a letter requesting a Beneficiary's Demand for payoff.
  The Demand will give you a balance that includes all interest and any other fees required to close the loan and record final documents. If you do not use certified funds to pay the loan off, as the lender will not allow you to completely pay off the loan without holding the payoff until the funds clear and they know that funds are good so it could end up costing you more money as interest accrues.
  I would make sure that you get wire instructions and wire the funds so that there are no questions about the availability of funds when you do make the payoff but that is your call.
  Reply to Michael

Calculate Your Reverse Mortgage

IS A REVERSE MORTGAGE RIGHT FOR YOU?

ARLO™

Let’s see how a reverse mortgage could work for you. Nearly 1 million homeowners nationwide currently have a reverse mortgage, and many use it simply to eliminate monthly payments and create long-term flexibility in retirement.

Great! It looks like your home value estimate is about

Please provide your estimated home value

The minimum qualifying age for a reverse mortgage is 55

Your Personalized Reverse Mortgage Summary

Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea in 2026? 4 Smart Reasons and When It’s Not

Why 2025/2026 Is a Different Conversation for Reverse Mortgages

What Is a Reverse Mortgage?

2026 FHA Reverse Mortgage Lending Limit

4 Smart Reasons a Reverse Mortgage Can Make Sense

1. You Need Better Cash Flow in Retirement

2. You Want to Pay for Home Improvements Without Monthly Payments

3. You Want to Protect Retirement Savings During Market Downturns

4. You Want More Financial Flexibility, Not Just Necessity

What I’m Seeing More Often in 2025–2026

A Common Misunderstanding I Still Hear

When a Reverse Mortgage May Not Be a Good Fit

You Plan to Move in the Near Future

You Rely on Medicaid or SSI

You Cannot Maintain the Home or Pay Ongoing Expenses

Reverse Mortgages: Good vs. Bad

Frequently Asked Questions

Are reverse mortgages a good idea for everyone?

When should I avoid getting a reverse mortgage?

What are the biggest drawbacks of a reverse mortgage?

What if I outlive my reverse mortgage?

What are common complaints about reverse mortgages?

So, Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea?

Have a Question About Reverse Mortgages?

Over 2000 of your questions answered by ARLO™
Ask your question now!

Leave a Reply to This Article

Calculate Your Reverse Mortgage

IS A REVERSE MORTGAGE RIGHT FOR YOU?

ARLO™

Let’s see how a reverse mortgage could work for you. Nearly 1 million homeowners nationwide currently have a reverse mortgage, and many use it simply to eliminate monthly payments and create long-term flexibility in retirement.

Great! It looks like your home value estimate is about

Please provide your estimated home value

The minimum qualifying age for a reverse mortgage is 55

Your Personalized Reverse Mortgage Summary

Why 2025/2026 Is a Different Conversation for Reverse Mortgages

What Is a Reverse Mortgage?

2026 FHA Reverse Mortgage Lending Limit

4 Smart Reasons a Reverse Mortgage Can Make Sense

1. You Need Better Cash Flow in Retirement

2. You Want to Pay for Home Improvements Without Monthly Payments

3. You Want to Protect Retirement Savings During Market Downturns

4. You Want More Financial Flexibility, Not Just Necessity

What I’m Seeing More Often in 2025–2026

A Common Misunderstanding I Still Hear

When a Reverse Mortgage May Not Be a Good Fit

You Plan to Move in the Near Future

You Rely on Medicaid or SSI

You Cannot Maintain the Home or Pay Ongoing Expenses

Reverse Mortgages: Good vs. Bad

Frequently Asked Questions

Are reverse mortgages a good idea for everyone?

When should I avoid getting a reverse mortgage?

What are the biggest drawbacks of a reverse mortgage?

What if I outlive my reverse mortgage?

What are common complaints about reverse mortgages?

So, Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea?

Have a Question About Reverse Mortgages?

Over 2000 of your questions answered by ARLO™ Ask your question now!

Leave a Reply to This Article

Over 2000 of your questions answered by ARLO™
Ask your question now!