10/13/2026
Let’s go back to the basics. What exactly is a reverse mortgage?
A reverse mortgage is a type of home loan that allows eligible homeowners to access a portion of their home equity while continuing to own and live in the home. The most common type is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM, which is insured by the Federal Housing Administration.
For HECMs, homeowners generally must be age 62 or older. Unlike a traditional mortgage, borrowers do not make required monthly principal and interest payments while they continue to meet the terms of the loan. The loan balance generally becomes due when the borrower sells the home, no longer occupies it as a principal residence, or another applicable maturity event occurs.
A reverse mortgage may not be the right fit for everyone. Understanding how it works, what it costs, and how it may affect longer-term financial and housing plans is an important first step.