Downsizing in Retirement: 6 Reasons to Move and How a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase Makes It Easier

February 17, 2026     no comments

As we age, our housing needs and preferences often change. The family home that once fulfilled all our needs and still holds a lifetime of memories may begin to feel impractical or burdensome as our family sizes and physical needs change. This is where downsizing, "rightsizing," or even relocating to a more advantageous location is often the best option for many homeowners. Downsizing refers to the process of moving from a larger residence to a smaller, more manageable one. Rightsizing may not mean less square footage; it may mean a... Read Full Article

What Is the Lowest Cost Reverse Mortgage? — How Lender Credits & No-Fee Options Work

February 17, 2026     8 comments

What is the lowest cost reverse mortgage? A few years ago, people were reading about how expensive reverse mortgages were, but that is no longer the case. Don't get me wrong: HUD still charges an initial mortgage insurance premium based on the home's value, which is 2% of the available principal limit. Depending on the part of the country in which you live, some of the necessary costs, like title insurance and state and local fees, can still run into the thousands of dollars. So, what's the difference now, and how... Read Full Article

How Reverse Mortgage Appraisal Laws & Appeals Work

February 17, 2026     8 comments

If you are considering a reverse mortgage, it is important to understand that your home must be appraised by an FHA-approved appraiser. The appraisal is thorough, but there is no need for concern. The appraiser will inspect the entire property, take measurements to confirm the home's size, and review key features and overall condition. This also includes a simple head-and-shoulders look into the attic. In most cases, the appraiser will open the attic access, briefly look inside, and check for any obvious issues. They are not crawling through the attic.... Read Full Article

Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea? — 4 Smart Reasons It Can Make Sense in 2026

January 12, 2026     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... Read Full Article

When Is a Reverse Mortgage a Bad Idea? — 4 Warning Signs to Watch For

January 12, 2026     13 comments

A reverse mortgage can be a useful tool for the right homeowner, especially for those who want to age in place and improve retirement cash flow. But it is not the right solution for everyone. After working exclusively with reverse mortgages for more than two decades, I've learned that the biggest problems don't come from the loan itself. They come from taking it in the wrong situation or without fully understanding the long-term implications. Below are four clear warning signs that a reverse mortgage may not be a good idea... Read Full Article

How Reverse Mortgages Work – Explained in plain English with ARLO™

January 5, 2026     24 comments

For more than 20 years, I've helped older homeowners understand and use reverse mortgages safely. At All Reverse Mortgage, Inc., we focus on one loan and one purpose — helping you use the equity you've built to support your retirement with clear numbers and no pressure. This guide walks you through the essentials in plain English: what a reverse mortgage is, how it works, what it costs, the different ways you can receive the funds, and what it means for your heirs. My goal is simple — to give... Read Full Article

2026 Reverse Mortgage Limits: $1,249,125 HECM Cap Explained

January 1, 2026     2 comments

Our goal with this guide is simple. We want to explain HUD's new lending limit in a clear and useful way, especially if you are trying to understand how the change affects the amount you can receive. You will find updated charts comparing the 2025 and 2026 limits, along with an illustration that shows how loan-to-value factors interact with the new national limit. For many homeowners, this page serves as a reliable reference when deciding whether a reverse mortgage is the right move in the year ahead. Exciting News:... Read Full Article

Jumbo Reverse Mortgage: 2026 Rates, Limits & Eligibility (Up to $4M)

December 16, 2025     16 comments

As we move into 2026, many homeowners with higher-value properties are finding that the FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program no longer unlocks the equity they expect. That's where jumbo reverse mortgages may come into play. These privately funded programs offer higher lending limits, more flexibility, and solutions for property types that do not meet FHA standards. This guide explains how jumbo reverse mortgages work, how they compare to HECMs, and why 2026 may be a particularly important year to evaluate your options. Quick Summary: Jumbo Reverse Mortgages in... Read Full Article

Free Reverse Mortgage Calculator — No Personal Info Required (2026)

December 6, 2025     no comments

Many homeowners begin exploring a reverse mortgage with the same question: How much can I get from a reverse mortgage? The challenge is that most online calculators won't give you an answer unless you provide your phone number or email address. That creates hesitation for many people who want to learn without being contacted. This guide reviews three calculators that let you see your estimated loan amount without providing any personal information. These tools are straightforward, private, and useful for anyone who wants to understand their options before talking with... Read Full Article

Platinum Jumbo Reverse Mortgage: A Clear, Expert Guide for 2026

November 29, 2025     2 comments

For years, families with higher-value homes had limited reverse mortgage options. The standard FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) capped lending at , which meant many homeowners couldn't access the equity they had worked a lifetime to build. The Platinum Jumbo Reverse Mortgage changes that. It's a modern, flexible reverse mortgage program created for older homeowners with high-value properties, non-FHA-approved condos, and borrowers age 55+ who don't qualify for a HECM. Below, I'll walk you through how it works, what's new for 2026, who qualifies, and exactly how much... Read Full Article