 |
Michael G. Branson, CEO of All Reverse Mortgage, Inc., and moderator of ARLO™, has 45 years of experience in the mortgage banking industry. He has devoted the past 20 years to reverse mortgages exclusively. (License: NMLS# 14040) |
 |
All Reverse Mortgage's editing process includes rigorous fact-checking led by industry experts to ensure all content is accurate and current. This article has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by Cliff Auerswald, President and co-creator of ARLO™. (License: NMLS# 14041) |
Michael G. Branson
Edited by 
Cliff Auerswald
Columbus Reverse Mortgage Lenders (Informational)
This page provides an educational overview of reverse mortgage activity in Columbus, Ohio, including estimated homeowner demographics, recent FHA-insured HECM usage, and local home value trends as of 2026.
All Reverse Mortgage, Inc. is a HUD-approved reverse mortgage lender headquartered in California. We are not licensed to originate reverse mortgages in the state of Ohio. This page is published strictly for informational and educational purposes and should not be interpreted as an offer to lend or a solicitation for business in Ohio.
Reverse mortgage availability, loan terms, and program options vary by state and lender. Homeowners in Columbus should consult a reverse mortgage professional licensed in Ohio for personalized guidance.
Columbus Reverse Mortgage Facts (2026 Update)
| City | Homeowners Age 62+ | Reverse Mortgages Closed Last 12 Months | Lenders in Columbus (est) | Avg. Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | 96,000 | 189 | 17 | $289,556 |
How this data was derived: Reverse mortgage counts reflect FHA-insured HECM loans endorsed over a rolling 12-month period (Dec 2024–Nov 2025) using HUD HECM Snapshot data. Active lenders represent unique FHA sponsor numbers with at least one endorsed loan during this period. Estimated homeowners age 62+ are based on U.S. Census ACS 5-year owner-occupied households age 65+ as a conservative proxy. Home values are sourced from Zillow’s Home Value Index (latest available).
Understanding Reverse Mortgages in Columbus
The most widely used reverse mortgage program in the United States is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), which is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). A HECM allows eligible homeowners age 62 and older to convert a portion of their home equity into loan proceeds without required monthly mortgage payments, as long as property taxes, homeowners insurance, and basic home maintenance obligations are met.
Today, reverse mortgages are commonly used as part of long-term retirement planning rather than as a last-resort financial option. Many homeowners use them to eliminate existing mortgage payments, establish a growing line of credit, or improve monthly cash flow while remaining in their homes.
Columbus, Ohio Reverse Mortgage Lending Context
Columbus is the capital and largest city in Ohio, with an estimated population of just over 879,000 residents. Approximately 12.1 percent of the population consists of homeowners age 62 and older, representing a substantial group of residents who may qualify for reverse mortgage programs under federal guidelines.
Founded in 1816, Columbus has experienced consistent population and economic growth. It has ranked among the fastest-growing large cities in the Midwest, supported by a diverse economy and strong employment base.
Major attractions and cultural anchors include the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the Short North Arts District, and extensive public park systems that contribute to the city’s livability.
Housing Market and Reverse Mortgage Eligibility
As of 2026, the average home value in Columbus is approximately $289,556. Many owner-occupied homes in the area fall well below the national FHA HECM lending limit of $1,249,125, making Columbus a market where federally insured reverse mortgages are commonly sufficient for eligible homeowners.
In situations involving higher-valued properties, proprietary or jumbo reverse mortgage programs may also be available through lenders licensed to operate in Ohio. These programs vary by lender and typically carry different underwriting standards and loan structures compared to FHA-insured HECM loans.
