A Reverse Mortgage is a special type of home loan designed for homeowners aged 62 or older that allows them to convert a portion of their home’s equity into cash — without having to sell the home or make monthly mortgage payments. It’s often used by retirees to supplement their income, cover medical expenses, or fund other needs while staying in their home.
Unlike a traditional mortgage (where you make payments to a lender), with a reverse mortgage, the lender pays you based on your home’s value, your age, and current interest rates. The amount you can borrow depends on how much equity you have in your home.
You can receive the funds in several ways:
You retain ownership of your home, and you don’t have to repay the loan as long as you continue to live in it as your primary residence, maintain it, and keep up with property taxes and insurance.
The reverse mortgage becomes due when:
At that point, the home is usually sold, and the proceeds are used to repay the loan balance. Any remaining equity belongs to the homeowner or their heirs.
In short, a Reverse Mortgage can be a powerful financial tool for older homeowners who want to use their home equity to improve their quality of life — but it’s best suited for those who plan to stay in their home long-term and fully understand the loan’s terms and responsibilities.