If I have a home with 100% equity and take on a reverse mortgage that provides me with monthly payments, is it possible that my monthly payments stop before I die because my equity drops to zero?
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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) |
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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) |
Hello Brian,
The answer to your question depends on the type of reverse mortgage payment option you chose. There are several options available, each with unique features:
1. Fixed-Rate Reverse Mortgage
Receive a one-time, lump-sum payment at closing. The interest rate is fixed, meaning your loan balance grows at a predictable rate.
2. Line of Credit
Access funds as needed until you’ve withdrawn the full amount. Any unused portion remains available and grows over time. Once fully drawn, you won’t receive additional funds, but you can stay in your home.
3. Term Option
Receive monthly payments for a set period (e.g., 5 or 10 years). Payments stop once all available funds are used.
4. Tenure Option
Receive monthly payments for life as long as you live in the home and keep up with taxes and insurance. The payment amount is determined by your age, interest rates, and home value.
5. Modified Term
- Split your funds between a line of credit and monthly term payments for a set period.
6. Modified Tenure
Split your funds between a line of credit and lifetime monthly payments (tenure option). If you allocate more to the line of credit, monthly payments will be lower.
Which Option Ensures Lifetime Payments?
If your main concern is ensuring your payments last for life, you should consider the Tenure or Modified Tenure options. These choices guarantee ongoing monthly payments for as long as you live in the home and keep up with required expenses.
For more details, check out: What Happens When Your Reverse Mortgage Money Runs Out?
