Understanding Reverse Mortgages: What It Is and How Does It Work

A reverse mortgage is a home loan that allows older homeowners to borrow against their home's equity. Unlike a traditional loan, a reverse mortgage doesn't require the homeowner to make monthly mortgage payments. Instead, the borrower receives money from the lender — either monthly, via a line of credit or in a single lump sum at closing.

These loans are typically reserved for borrowers 62 and up (though some lenders allow for ages down to 55). Homeowners often use them to reduce their monthly housing costs or increase their income in retirement.

Keep reading to learn more about reverse mortgages, how they work and whether they might suit you in retirement.

Table of contents

What is a reverse mortgage?
Types of reverse mortgages
How does a reverse mortgage work?
Pros and cons of reverse mortgages
How to apply for a reverse mortgage
What are the fees associated with reverse mortgages?
Reverse mortgage FAQs

What is a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows seniors to borrow a portion of their home's equity. They can access these funds as one upfront sum, via regular monthly payments or on an as-needed basis.

The amount of money borrowed via a reverse mortgage is only due when the borrower:

Dies (heirs are responsible for paying the loan if they wish to keep the property)

Lives outside the house for more than 12 months (unless a co-borrower or eligible spouse remains on the property)

Sells the property

Stops paying taxes and homeowners insurance

Many older homeowners use reverse mortgages to supplement their income in retirement. Reverse mortgages can also help reduce housing expenses (because there are no monthly payments), increase cash flow or pay for home repairs or improvements.

Types of reverse mortgages

There are three different types of reverse mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), proprietary reverse mortgages and single-purpose reverse mortgages.

Like regular mortgages, these loans can feature fixed or adjustable rates. Fixed-rate mortgages give you a set interest rate for the entire loan term, while your interest rate can fluctuate over time with an adjustable-rate reverse mortgage.

Some lenders offer multiple types of loans, each serving a unique purpose. Understanding the differences between each one will help guide you to the right financial product to meet your needs.

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)

The most common type of reverse mortgage is a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), which is federally backed and regulated by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It's only available through a HUD-approved lender.

Every HECM borrower must be 62 or older and participate in a HUD-approved HECM counseling session before taking out a reverse mortgage. During this session, you'll learn about the HECM program's requirements, repayment options and tax implications. Your counselor will also discuss your individual needs and finances.

HECMs come with FHA insurance and are non-recourse loans, meaning you'll never owe more than your house sells for, even if your outstanding loan balance is larger. However, you must pay a mortgage insurance premium (MIP) with a HECM. This service costs 2% of your loan upfront and 0.5% of your outstanding balance annually.

HECMs offer several options for receiving your funds, depending on your financial needs:

A single lump-sum payment: You receive one large amount upfront after closing. This option is only available on fixed-rate reverse mortgages.

Monthly payments: You receive a monthly payment for a specific number of months (called term payments) or as long as the house is your primary residence (called tenure payments).

A line of credit: You can withdraw funds as you need them. However, the unused principal balance grows over time based on your interest rate with this option.

A combination of the above: You can also integrate monthly term or tenure payments with a line of credit. You can't combine the lump sum with any other option.

With a HECM, the maximum amount you can borrow is $1,089,300 for 2023, though the amount you'll qualify for depends on the appraised value of your home, your existing mortgage balance and other financial details. Your lender will require an appraisal of your property to determine its value before moving forward.

Proprietary reverse mortgage

Proprietary reverse mortgages are available exclusively through private reverse mortgage lenders. Private reverse mortgage lenders set their own terms, which may differ from HUD loan terms. Some call these loans jumbo reverse mortgages, as they can exceed the limits set by HUD for HECM loans, with some lenders offering up to $6 million.

These loans also don't have to adhere to HECM's age rules. As a result, many lenders allow borrowers as young as 55.

Since the federal government doesn't insure proprietary reverse mortgages, you won't need counseling to qualify, nor will you pay monthly insurance premiums. However, you may pay a higher interest rate because lenders are taking on more risk than with government-backed loans.

Single-purpose reverse mortgage

Single-purpose reverse mortgages are loans designated for a specific, lender-approved goal, like paying property taxes or improving your home.

State and local government agencies and non-profit organizations offer these loans, and they typically have lower fees and interest rates than other reverse mortgage products. Eligibility requirements are also less rigid, making them easier to qualify for than a HECM or jumbo reverse mortgage.

How does a reverse mortgage work?

An easy way to think of a reverse mortgage is as an advance on your home's eventual sale. The lender sends you the money, either in monthly payments, periodic withdrawals or as a lump sum. When you die or sell your house, you or your heirs will repay the loan out of your home's sale proceeds.

During your reverse mortgage term, you won't need to make payments to your lender — although you can if you prefer. However, you must stay current on property taxes, insurance and homeowners association dues to avoid liens. You must also maintain the property — if your roof needs replacing, it falls on you to pay for it. If you fail to meet these obligations, your lender could call your loan due or even foreclose on your house.

Pros and cons of reverse mortgages

As with any loan, reverse mortgages have benefits and drawbacks. Understanding the pros and cons of reverse mortgages can assist you in making the right decision for your future finances.

You'll probably hear a lot about the benefits of a reverse mortgage, and much of this information is accurate. Reverse mortgages can be advantageous to many individuals because they:

Provide access to additional funds for retirement

Allow you to stay in your home rather than having to sell for liquidity

Can help you pay off your existing loans

Can reduce your tax liabilities because the money doesn't count as income

However, most lenders won't be forthright with you about the drawbacks of these loans. Some cons associated with a reverse mortgage include:

The possibility of losing the house to foreclosure if you can't afford property tax and other fees

Leaving less inheritance for your heirs

The fees you'll have to pay for closing

A potential reduction to your retirement benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You could lose your benefits if you receive a lump sum reverse mortgage payment that pushes you over the federal asset limit and don't spend the entire balance in the month you receive it.

Reverse mortgages can be complicated, so it's wise to learn as much as possible about how they work before signing up for anything. The more knowledge you have on the pros and cons, the easier it becomes to make a final decision.

How to apply for a reverse mortgage

In order to apply for an HUD reverse mortgage, you must meet HUD's minimum eligibility requirements for a HECM loan. These requirements include the following:

You must be at least 62 years old, own your home and live in it as your primary residence

You must have a significant amount of equity (typically 50% or more)

You must have the income or assets to afford taxes and homeowners insurance premiums on the home

Your home must be a single-family home, townhome, a one- to four-unit property in which you live, a manufactured home built after 1976 or a HUD-approved condo

You must keep the house in good condition

You must attend a financial counseling session with a HUD-approved counseling agency

You'll then apply for the loan directly through a HUD-approved lender. A list of lenders in your area offering HECM loans is available directly through HUD's website.

Eligibility requirements for proprietary reverse mortgages may differ from the above standards and will depend on the specific lender you choose. Many allow borrowers as young as age 55. They could also have additional income requirements or other conditions you must meet before approval.

What are the fees associated with reverse mortgages?

Reverse mortgages aren't free and could cost you a significant amount of money when you sell your home. Some expenses you might encounter include:

A loan origination fee
Mortgage insurance premiums
A title insurance and report
HECM counseling

You could also be on the hook for variable expenses like appraisals, recording fees, flood monitoring and any repairs the FHA requires before approving your property. You'll be responsible for interest on the amount you borrow as well, and there could be refinancing costs if you go down that road in the future.

Most of these fees depend on the lender you choose, so, as with a mortgage pre-approval, you can shop around and find the best deal. However, there's no escaping these expenses entirely when seeking a reverse mortgage.

Reverse mortgage FAQs

Is a reverse mortgage a good idea?

Like a credit card, a reverse mortgage can be a valuable tool in the right situation, but it's essential to understand what you're signing up for and the risks it presents. You should carefully weigh the pros and cons and compare them to other financial products you might be considering, like home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). You should also talk to a HECM counselor or financial professional to discuss whether a reverse mortgage suits your goals.

How does a reverse mortgage work when you die?

When you die, the balance on your reverse mortgage becomes due. As soon as the lender becomes aware of your death, they will send a payment-due notice. Your heirs then have 30 days to pay off the balance, sell the home or forfeit the property to the lender. In some cases, heirs may be able to request an extension for up to a year.

What is the downside of a reverse mortgage?

There are several drawbacks of reverse mortgages. For starters, they come with upfront costs and you're still required to pay taxes, insurance and HOA dues. Having a reverse mortgage could also impact your eligibility for SSI. It could push your countable assets above the limit of $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Medicaid eligibility issues are also affected, with asset allowances varying by state.

These asset limits don't apply to your principal residence but could become relevant if you receive a lump sum reverse mortgage payment and don't spend the entire amount in the month you receive it. The upfront cash might not be worth it in this scenario because you could lose your benefits and incur significant out-of-pocket expenses.

How much money do you get from a reverse mortgage?

The amount you can borrow with a reverse mortgage depends on the type of reverse mortgage loan you choose, the age of the youngest borrower, current interest rates and how much equity you have in the home. The maximum amount you can receive on a HECM is $1,089,300 in 2023. Depending on the lender, this number can go as high as $6 million on proprietary reverse mortgages.

How old do you have to be for a reverse mortgage?

With federally backed HECMs, you must be at least 62 to qualify. Proprietary reverse mortgages, which are extended by private lenders, are sometimes available to borrowers as young as 55.

How do you choose a reverse mortgage lender?

It's vital to shop around and receive quotes from several lenders. Make sure to compare interest rates, terms, origination fees, service fees and other factors when choosing a reverse mortgage.

Summary of Money’s guide to reverse mortgages

A reverse mortgage can be a valuable tool to support retirement goals.

Homeowners can access reverse mortgages through FHA-approved and private mortgage lenders.

HECM loans are available at age 62, but some private lenders offer reverse mortgages at 55.

Lenders disburse these loans as a lump sum payment, line of credit, monthly annuity or combination annuity and credit line.

Homeowners should be fully aware of their responsibilities as a borrower.

Compare lenders to be sure you get the best deal.
A financial assessment is essential before applying to see if you can afford living expenses, health care costs, insurance and taxes after taking this loan.

What Is a Reverse Mortgage, and How Does It Work?