Reverse Mortgage Guide

What Is a Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage lets eligible homeowners age 62+ convert part of their home equity into cash — without a required monthly principal-and-interest payment while they live in the home and keep taxes, insurance, and maintenance current.

How a Reverse Mortgage Works

With a traditional (forward) mortgage, you borrow money and make monthly payments that reduce the balance over time. With a reverse mortgage, the balance typically grows as interest and fees accrue — and you are not required to make monthly principal-and-interest payments while you occupy the home as your primary residence and meet loan terms.

Most reverse mortgages today are FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs). Proceeds can come as a lump sum, monthly tenure or term payments, a growing line of credit, or a mix — subject to program rules and timing limits on how much you can access in the first year.

The loan becomes due when the last borrower permanently leaves the home, sells, or passes away — or if required obligations like taxes and insurance are not maintained. Ryan and Steve walk through HECM counseling, available proceeds, and repayment timing before you decide whether reverse financing fits your retirement plan.

At a Glance

Why Homeowners Consider a Reverse Mortgage

Equity can supplement retirement cash flow without selling the home — when used carefully and with clear understanding of costs and obligations.

From Counseling to Closing

HECM reverse mortgages follow a clear sequence — counseling first, then application, appraisal, and closing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Talk Through a Reverse Mortgage With Ryan & Steve

Get a clear picture of available equity, payout options, and obligations — not a commitment to lend; subject to credit, property, and program approval.