Reverse Mortgage FAQ: Answers to Your Top Questions

Reverse mortgages can be a powerful financial tool for seniors, but they also come with plenty of confusion. This reverse mortgage FAQ answers the most common questions homeowners have, from eligibility and costs to repayment and heirs’ obligations. Whether you are exploring options to supplement retirement income or simply trying to understand the basics, this guide provides clear, actionable information.

What Is a Reverse Mortgage and How Does It Work?

A reverse mortgage is a loan available to homeowners age 62 or older that allows you to convert a portion of your home equity into cash without having to sell your home or make monthly mortgage payments. Unlike a traditional forward mortgage where you make payments to the lender, the lender pays you. The loan is repaid when you sell the home, move out permanently, or pass away. The most common type is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), which is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

The amount you can borrow depends on your age, the appraised value of your home, and current interest rates. Generally, the older you are and the more equity you have, the larger the loan proceeds. Funds can be received as a lump sum, monthly payments, a line of credit, or a combination of these. Because the loan does not require monthly payments, interest accrues over time, and the loan balance grows. This is a key feature that makes reverse mortgages different from traditional home equity loans.

Who Is Eligible for a Reverse Mortgage?

Eligibility for a reverse mortgage is straightforward but has specific requirements. You must be at least 62 years old. The home must be your primary residence, and you must either own it outright or have a low mortgage balance that can be paid off with the reverse mortgage proceeds. The property type must be a single-family home, a two-to-four unit property where you occupy one unit, an FHA-approved condominium, or a manufactured home that meets FHA standards.

Financial assessment is also required. Lenders review your credit history, income, and assets to ensure you can continue to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance costs. If you have existing debt or financial issues, the lender may set aside a portion of the loan proceeds to cover these expenses. For a deeper look at the age component, see our guide on the reverse mortgage age requirement.

How Much Money Can You Get from a Reverse Mortgage?

The amount you can receive depends on three main factors: your age, the appraised value of your home, and the expected interest rate. The older you are, the higher the percentage of equity you can access. The maximum claim amount for an HECM is gradually increasing, but in 2025 it is around $1,149,825 for most areas. However, the actual loan amount is often less than the home’s value because the lender must also account for upfront costs and a mortgage insurance premium.

To give you a rough idea, a 70-year-old with a $400,000 home might qualify for roughly 50% to 60% of the home’s value, while an 85-year-old might qualify for 60% to 70%. The remaining equity acts as a buffer for interest accrual. You can use a reverse mortgage calculator to estimate your specific borrowing power.

What Are the Costs and Fees?

Reverse mortgages come with several upfront and ongoing costs. It is important to understand these before proceeding. Below are the primary fees you can expect:

• Origination fee: Capped at $2,500 for homes valued under $125,000 and $6,000 for homes valued higher, though actual amounts vary by lender.
• Mortgage insurance premium (MIP): An upfront premium of 2% of the home’s appraised value, plus an annual premium of 0.5% of the loan balance.
• Appraisal and inspection fees: Usually a few hundred dollars to determine the home’s condition and value.
• Closing costs: Include title search, recording fees, and other standard costs, often totaling 2% to 5% of the loan amount.

These costs are typically financed into the loan, meaning you do not pay them out of pocket. However, they reduce the net proceeds you receive. Over time, the loan balance increases as interest and fees compound. It is crucial to compare offers from multiple lenders to minimize costs.

Do You Have to Make Monthly Payments?

No, reverse mortgages do not require monthly principal or interest payments. This is one of the most attractive features. Instead, the loan balance grows over time. However, you are still responsible for paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintaining the property. If you fail to pay taxes or insurance, or let the home fall into disrepair, the lender can call the loan due, meaning you would need to repay the full balance.

Because no payments are made, interest accrues and is added to the loan balance. The loan becomes due when you sell the home, move out for more than 12 consecutive months (e.g., into a nursing home), or pass away. At that point, the loan is repaid from the sale of the home or by your heirs. If the loan balance exceeds the home’s value, the FHA insurance covers the difference, so your heirs are never personally liable for more than the home is worth.

What Happens When You Move or Sell?

If you decide to sell your home, the reverse mortgage becomes due. The proceeds from the sale are used to pay off the loan balance, and any remaining equity goes to you or your estate. If the loan balance is higher than the sale price (due to property depreciation or high interest), the FHA insurance pays the difference, and you owe nothing more. This is known as non-recourse protection.

If you move to a new primary residence, you may need to sell the current home to repay the loan. However, you can purchase a new home with a reverse mortgage if you meet eligibility requirements. For a detailed breakdown of selling scenarios, read our article on can you sell a house with a reverse mortgage.

What Happens When the Borrower Dies?

When the borrower passes away, the reverse mortgage becomes due. The heirs have options: they can repay the loan balance (or 95% of the appraised value if that is less) and keep the home, sell the home and keep any remaining equity, or deed the home to the lender and walk away without any personal liability. Heirs are not required to use their own funds beyond the home’s value.

It is important to understand that heirs have a time frame (usually 30 days to decide, with extensions up to 12 months) to settle the loan. If the home is sold for less than the loan balance, the FHA insurance covers the shortfall. For a complete explanation of heir responsibilities, refer to our guide on do heirs have to pay back a reverse mortgage.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Many people hesitate to explore reverse mortgages because of persistent myths. One common myth is that the bank takes ownership of your home. In reality, you retain the title and ownership as long as you live in the home and meet the loan terms. Another myth is that reverse mortgages are only for people in financial trouble. Actually, they can be a strategic planning tool for seniors seeking to supplement retirement income, pay for healthcare, or delay Social Security benefits.

A third misconception is that you cannot leave an inheritance. While the loan balance reduces the equity passed on, any remaining equity after loan repayment belongs to your heirs. Because the loan is non-recourse, heirs never owe more than the home is worth. Finally, some believe reverse mortgages are too expensive. While costs are higher than a traditional mortgage, the ability to access equity without monthly payments can offset those costs for those who stay in the home for several years.

How to Get Started with a Reverse Mortgage

If you decide a reverse mortgage might be right for you, follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:

1. Complete HUD-approved counseling: This mandatory session ensures you understand the loan terms, costs, and alternatives. Counselors provide an unbiased overview and help you evaluate your situation.
2. Compare lenders: Shop around for the best interest rates, fees, and loan terms. Even small differences can significantly affect your available proceeds.
3. Review your finances: Ensure you can afford ongoing expenses like taxes and insurance. Consider setting up a life expectancy set-aside to cover these costs if needed.
4. Apply and provide documentation: Submit income, asset, and property information. The lender will order an appraisal and review your credit.
5. Close the loan: After approval, you sign final documents. Funds are disbursed based on your chosen payment option.

Remember that a reverse mortgage is a long-term commitment. It works best for those planning to stay in their home for at least five years. If you are considering a shorter stay, the upfront costs may outweigh the benefits. Always discuss your plans with a financial advisor who specializes in senior finances.

This reverse mortgage FAQ covers the essentials, but every homeowner’s situation is unique. Use the tools and resources at MortgageZone to calculate estimates, compare lenders, and read more in-depth articles. Knowledge is the first step toward making a confident decision about your home equity.