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2025 Guide to Reverse Mortgage Purchase (HECM Purchase)

    16 comments
Updated: 10/22/2025 Welcome to our 2025 Guide to Reverse Mortgage Purchase (HECM for Purchase).  This year’s update reflects the latest HUD rule changes, including new allowances for 6% seller contributions, expanded gift funding options, and updated property requirements. If you’re planning to move, downsize, or relocate closer to family, a reverse mortgage can help you buy your next home without taking on monthly mortgage payments. In this guide, we’ll walk through how the purchase program works, the recent 2025 policy updates, and what these changes mean for you in real-world... Read Full Article

Reverse Mortgage Qualifications & Requirements (2025 Guide) – See If You Qualify

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If you're a homeowner age 62 or older and want access to a portion of your home equity without selling or taking on new required monthly payments, a reverse mortgage may be an option.  But you must meet HUD’s 2025 eligibility criteria for income, property, equity, and now citizenship status. This guide explains every qualification you need to know for 2025, including new HUD policy changes and how lenders evaluate applicants. Quick Eligibility Checklist (2025) To qualify for an FHA-insured HECM reverse mortgage in 2025, you must: Be 62... Read Full Article

Best Reverse Mortgage Lenders of 2025 – Rates, Reviews & How to Choose

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Looking for the best reverse mortgage lender in 2025?  Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or comparing interest rates and closing costs, this guide breaks down the top reverse mortgage companies based on verified reviews, BBB ratings, complaint history, and lender transparency.  How We Chose the Best Reverse Mortgage Lenders in 2025 Choosing a reverse mortgage lender is a major financial decision, one that can impact your retirement security for years to come.  That’s why this list isn’t based on sponsored links or paid placements.  Our rankings are... Read Full Article

Return of Non-FHA Reverse Mortgages are Here!

    32 comments
If you're in the market for a loan that can convert your home equity into cash flow or a line of credit in retirement, chances are you have explored the option of a reverse mortgage. However, the reverse mortgage is not a one-size-fits-all solution.  Many people are unaware that there are several products to choose from, including both Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) and private loan options. Quick Takeaway: If your home is worth more than the FHA limit of $1,209,750 or you’re younger than 62, a Non-FHA reverse mortgage... Read Full Article

Dave Ramsey Offering Bad Advice on Reverse Mortgages

    14 comments
Does Dave Ramsey know much about reverse mortgages?  Dave does a hit piece on reverse mortgages, pointing out some of the less popular aspects of the loan.  However, he is either OK with exaggerating the truth or reveals his ignorance about how reverse mortgages work. Is Dave right about Reverse Mortgages? Firstly, let’s give Dave his due when he tells the truth.  He is right when he says a reverse mortgage operates in reverse of a standard or forward loan. Instead of a... Read Full Article

How Government Shutdowns Affect Reverse Mortgages

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FHA & HECM Operations During a Federal Government Shutdown When the U.S. government shuts down because Congress hasn’t approved funding, many HUD and FHA offices run with limited staff and services.  For the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program, here’s what matters: What Stays Open Loan Servicing & Payments — If you already have a HECM, your monthly draws and scheduled payments from HUD-held loans will continue. Payoff Requests — You or your heirs can still request payoff statements or subordinations for Secretary-held HECM liens, though processing may take longer.... Read Full Article

Reverse Mortgage Age Requirements: How Old to Qualify in 2025

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If you’re exploring a reverse mortgage, the first question is simple: how old do you need to be? Quick Answer:  For a federally insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), the most common reverse mortgage, you must be at least 62 years old when the loan closes.  That rule remains unchanged for 2025. Some private or "jumbo" reverse mortgages allow borrowers as young as 55, but these are not FHA-insured.  Knowing where you fit helps you choose the right program and see how much equity you might unlock. Minimum Age... Read Full Article

Reverse Mortgage Property Requirements – New for 2025

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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

Reverse Mortgage Pros and Cons – Compare Costs, Risks & Benefits in 2025

    15 comments
A reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), allows homeowners aged 62 and older to convert their home equity into cash without making monthly mortgage payments.  It can be a powerful way to stay in your home and improve retirement security, but it’s not the right fit for everyone.  This guide breaks down the real pros and cons of reverse mortgages in simple terms so you can decide whether this loan works for your long-term retirement plans. Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea? Good fit:... Read Full Article

Shocking Truth About Condominiums and Reverse Mortgages

    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
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