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After 45 years in mortgage banking, and more than 20 devoted to reverse mortgages, I have heard every complaint about this program — usually secondhand, from a neighbor, an adult child, or an article written by someone who never closed a loan. Reverse mortgages carry real trade-offs, and I will never pretend otherwise. But the four complaints I hear most... Read Full Article
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[arlo_toc] Homeowners 62 and older hold $14.92 trillion in housing wealth as of the first quarter of 2026 — and a reverse mortgage is the only financing tool that turns that equity into cash without requiring a monthly mortgage payment. You remain responsible for your property taxes, insurance, and upkeep, but the payment obligation that defines every other loan is... Read Full Article
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[arlo_toc] Homeowners 62 and older are sitting on more housing wealth than at any time in history — $14.92 trillion as of the first quarter of 2026, according to the NRMLA/RiskSpan Reverse Mortgage Market Index. So it is no surprise that more people ask me whether a reverse mortgage is the right way to reach that equity. After 45 years... Read Full Article
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Reverse mortgages have long been surrounded by misconceptions, leading many to believe they come with significant downsides. In reality, many of these concerns are based on myths or incomplete information. In this guide, we separate fact from fiction in the top 10 most common claims about the downsides of reverse mortgages, drawing on more than 20 years of experience helping... Read Full Article
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[arlo_toc] As a mortgage banker for over 30 years, my first introduction to reverse mortgages came from my own mother more than 20 years ago — back when they weren't on every commercial and most mortgage bankers (myself included) didn't know much about them. After seeing how well it worked for her circumstances, the very first reverse mortgage I ever... Read Full Article
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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... Read Full Article
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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... Read Full Article
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Like many of our readers who are navigating retirement, you might wonder if a reverse mortgage is right for you. You've likely seen your equity grow substantially, possibly even owning your home outright - a common scenario for many baby boomers. Your home, often your largest asset, may lead you to consider the option of a reverse mortgage. At All... Read Full Article
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I have a reverse mortgage, and I’m having problems with it. Was it legal to get a reverse mortgage without my lawyer explaining the situation? I never knew the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage. I think it’s a legal way to swindle homeowners out of their homes. How can I get out of the reverse mortgage? I’m sorry... Read Full Article
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I've been told to wait on taking a reverse mortgage as a last resort. Why? Let me start by saying that we are a reverse mortgage lender who will be the first to tell you that reverse mortgages are not for everyone. But that's true of any financial product, and no loan is perfect for everyone. A reverse mortgage can... Read Full Article