A reverse mortgage is a home loan (used for any purpose) where seniors, 62 and older, can access the equity (cash) built up in their home.
Ther are several reverse mortgage programs: HUD-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), Fannie Mae Home Keeper, and Jumbo Cash-Out are three such programs. As demand increases, more reverse mortgage programs from different organizations will become available.
It is called a reverse mortgage because you borrow money from a lender, but the lender makes monthly payments to you, rather than you making monthly payments to the lender. All interest is paid at the end of the loan, rather than in the beginning.

What are some of the benefits of a reverse mortgage?

• No Income Requirements: The homeowner does not need to be working and is not qualified based on income.
• Strengthen your personal and financial independence.
• Help pay for rising health care costs.
• You can never lose your home in foreclosure as long as you maintain the property tax and insurance payments.
• The loan is only paid off when the house is sold by you or your heirs, or all borrowers move out of the house.
• Keep your Medicare or Social Security benefits.
• Use it as a credit line and draw upon it as needed.
• Get all your cash right away.
• Get the best of both—get cash now and have a balance in reserve to use as a credit line.