It’s not lost on me that when I say the words ‘Reverse Mortgage” I might as well be inviting you to a timeshare dinner but since I’ve seen this tool change retirement plans in ways nothing else could I refuse to shut up about it.

YOU MIGHT BE HERE BECAUSE…

You'd like to eliminate your monthly mortgage payment and have some breathing room monthly.
Or you’re ready to buy your forever home but you don't want to drain retirement accounts to do so.

Maybe you're wondering if everything you've heard is actually true.

Here’s What Surprises Most Folks

  • A reverse mortgage eliminates your monthly mortgage payment without giving up your home

  • You stay on title. You keep ownership. Your heirs still inherit whatever equity remains

  • Used strategically, it can protect your investment portfolio during market downturns instead of forcing you to sell at the wrong time

  • It can be used to purchase a home in retirement, not just tap an existing one

How a Reverse Mortgage Works in Real Life…

$620K home. No mortgage. $1.4M in investments. Her financial advisor was watching the sequence-of-returns risk and it was keeping him up at night.
We set up a $280K HECM line of credit that will continue to grow. Now if the market drops, she draws from the line instead of selling investments at a loss.
She didn't need the money. That's exactly why she did it.

Your Questions, Answered

  • Age 62+ (youngest borrower on title), primary residence only, sufficient equity (typically 50%+), current on property taxes and homeowner's insurance. The home must meet FHA property standards. Single-family, FHA-approved condos, and 2–4 unit properties qualify if you occupy one unit.

  • Yes and this is one of the most powerful uses. The reverse mortgage pays off your existing mortgage first, using your equity. If you had a $1,800/month mortgage payment, that payment disappears entirely. This is often the single biggest impact on monthly cash flow in retirement.

  • No. Reverse mortgage proceeds are loan advances, not income, they are not subject to federal income tax. This also means they don't affect your Social Security benefits or Medicare eligibility. Consult your CPA for your specific situation.

  • Heirs typically have 6–12 months to sell the home, refinance into a traditional mortgage, or pay off the balance. If the home sells for less than the loan balance, FHA insurance covers the shortfall, heirs owe nothing beyond the home's value. If the home sells for more, the difference goes to the estate.

  • Not necessarily but it's worth a conversation. Research over the past decade has changed how many FAs think about reverse mortgages, particularly the growing line of credit strategy. I'm happy to talk directly with your advisor about how it might fit into your overall plan. Many of my strongest referral partners are FAs who started skeptical.

  • Yes — the HECM for Purchase (H4P) lets you buy a new primary residence using a reverse mortgage. You bring a down payment (typically 40–60% of the purchase price depending on your age), and the reverse mortgage covers the rest with no monthly payment. Useful for downsizing, moving closer to family, or purchasing a retirement home.

  • The amount depends on your age, your home's value, and current interest rates. The older you are, the higher the percentage of your home's value you can access. The calculation uses something called the Principal Limit Factor (PLF). Use the calculator below for an estimate, or call me and I'll run the exact numbers for your home.

Even though reverse mortgages are incredible,
that doesn’t mean it’s the right strategy for you.

LET’S CHAT ABOUT WHAT IS →