A reverse mortgage is a loan available to homeowners 62 years or older (although some private-label reverse mortgages go down to age 55) that allows them to convert part of the equity in their homes into cash.

The product was conceived to help retirees with limited income use the accumulated wealth in their homes to cover basic monthly living expenses and pay for health care. There is no restriction on how reverse mortgage proceeds can be used. As a result, an increasing number of homeowners are using reverse mortgages as part of a comprehensive retirement plan to enhance their financial security.

The loan is called a reverse mortgage because instead of making monthly payments to a lender, as with a traditional mortgage, the lender makes payments to the borrower.

The borrower is not required to pay back the loan until the home is sold or otherwise vacated. As long as the borrower lives in the home, they are not required to make any monthly payments towards the loan balance. However, the borrower must remain current on property taxes, homeowners insurance, and homeowners association dues (if applicable).

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Find the answers in 3 guides from the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association.

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