Reverse Mortgages: HECM & Private | Future Home Loans

Home equity · Future Home Loans

Reverse Mortgages

You’ve built equity.
Let’s explore your options.

Compare FHA-insured HECMs and private reverse mortgage programs through multiple lenders. We’ll help you understand what may fit your home, your plans, and your family.

Explore My Reverse Options

Reverse mortgage funds are borrowed money. Taxes, insurance, upkeep, and other loan obligations still apply.

Illustrative mature homeowners sharing a relaxed moment on their front porch
Your home is part of your story.
Your financing should fit the next chapter.

Understand the choices

Two paths. One informed decision.

A HECM is one type of reverse mortgage. Private lender programs can offer a different set of possibilities. We’ll help you compare the available choices.

FHA-insured reverse mortgage

HECM

A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage follows HUD’s program rules and is insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

For borrowers age 62+
Your primary residence, available equity, and ability to meet ongoing obligations are also reviewed.
Defined program requirements
HUD-approved counseling is required. FHA mortgage insurance and other loan costs apply.
Funds structured around your needs
Available payout choices depend on the loan type. Existing mortgage debt must be paid off at closing.

Lender-developed reverse programs

Private options

Also called proprietary reverse mortgages, these programs are developed by private lenders and are not federally insured.

A different eligibility framework
Minimum ages, property requirements, and availability vary by program and state.
More possibilities to compare
Some programs offer higher loan amounts or different property and payout options. Costs and protections differ.
Matched to your situation
We’ll check which lender programs are available for your home and explain their requirements.

FHA insurance applies to HECMs, not private programs. Eligibility, counseling, available funds, and borrower protections need a program-specific review.

Start with what matters to you

What would you like your equity to do?

Access equity at home

Explore funds for home improvements, planned expenses, or added flexibility while remaining in your primary home.

Address a current mortgage

With sufficient proceeds or other funds, a HECM can pay off an existing mortgage. We’ll explain the costs and ongoing responsibilities.

Buy your next home

A HECM for Purchase can help finance an eligible primary residence. You’ll need funds for the purchase-price gap and closing costs.

The full picture matters

Keep your home. Understand your obligations.

Ownership comes with responsibilities.

You retain title to your home, and the lender has a mortgage lien. You must meet occupancy requirements, pay property taxes and insurance, maintain the home, and pay applicable property charges.

A HECM generally does not require monthly principal-and-interest payments. Missing other loan obligations can make the loan due and may lead to foreclosure.

Borrowed funds have costs.

Interest and applicable fees are added to the balance when not paid. A growing loan balance can reduce the equity available later or to your heirs.

Closing costs, counseling charges, and—in a HECM—mortgage insurance can affect available funds. We’ll compare costs, repayment terms, and family considerations.

The loan generally becomes due when the last borrower sells the home, permanently moves out, or passes away. Eligible non-borrowing spouse protections may defer HECM repayment under specific conditions. Private-program terms must be reviewed separately.

The broker advantage

More lenders. A clearer comparison.

Access to multiple lenders helps us look for a program that fits your situation. We’ll compare the details that matter—not just the advertised loan amount.

  1. Start with your plans

    Review your home, mortgage balance, household, and what you want to accomplish.

  2. Compare the full picture

    Look at available funds after payoffs, costs and set-asides, along with interest, payout choices, and protections.

  3. Move forward with clarity

    Understand required independent counseling, documents, property review, and the next steps for your chosen program.

A reverse mortgage may not be the best fit for every homeowner. We can also help compare HELOC and home equity loan options.

Reverse mortgage questions

Clear answers for you and your family.

Will I still own my home?

Yes. A reverse mortgage places a lien on your home; it does not transfer ownership to the lender. You must still meet the loan’s requirements. You can sell the home, with the reverse mortgage repaid according to its terms.

Do I need to own my home outright?

No. For a HECM, you must be able to pay off the existing mortgage at closing using reverse mortgage proceeds, your own funds, or both. Private programs may treat existing mortgages differently. We’ll review the available options and net funds after any required payoff.

What if my spouse is younger than 62?

A younger spouse may qualify as an eligible non-borrowing spouse under HECM rules, with specific conditions and protections. That does not make them a borrower or guarantee continued loan advances. We’ll review the household with you; independent counseling is important. Private-program rules differ.

Can my family keep the home?

Heirs may keep the home by satisfying the reverse mortgage, often with other funds or refinancing. For a HECM, heirs can repay the lesser of the loan balance or 95% of the appraised value under applicable rules. Spouse protections, deadlines, and private-program terms need separate review.

When does the reverse mortgage have to be repaid?

Repayment is generally due when the home is sold, the last borrower permanently moves out or dies, or loan obligations are not met. HECM protections may allow an eligible non-borrowing spouse to remain under specific conditions. Long absences for medical care can also affect repayment.

How do I know whether a HECM or private program fits?

We’ll compare your age, home, mortgage balance, location, goals, and available lender programs. The comparison should include costs, available funds, repayment terms, and borrower protections. HECMs require HUD-approved counseling; private programs may have their own counseling requirements.

Your next chapter starts with a conversation.

Tell us what you’re considering. We’ll help you understand your reverse mortgage options and compare the next steps.

Explore My Reverse Options

Program information

Content researched October 7, 2026.

Programs and availability vary by lender and state. All loans are subject to borrower, property, program, and lender approval. This page provides general information, not a loan commitment or government endorsement.