You keep the title.
The lender has a lien. You must occupy the home as required and meet the loan terms.
A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) may let eligible homeowners 62 or older access part of their equity. Take time to understand the trade-offs.

The lender has a lien. You must occupy the home as required and meet the loan terms.
Interest and fees are added over time. The loan must be repaid when it becomes due.
Property taxes, homeowners insurance, upkeep and any applicable association dues remain your responsibility.
Age is only one condition. Equity, principal residence, property and financial requirements also apply.
HUD-approved HECM counseling is required. Review costs, obligations and alternatives before proceeding.
Understand what happens if you sell, move out or die, including applicable spouse protections and the effect on heirs.
Yes. Although HECMs generally do not require monthly principal-and-interest payments while the loan terms are met, property taxes, insurance, maintenance and applicable association dues continue. Interest and fees add to the loan balance.
Generally after the last borrower sells, no longer lives in the home or dies, subject to applicable spouse protections and loan terms. Failing to pay required property charges or meet other obligations can also make it due.
Discuss how the loan affects a spouse or other household members, repayment options for heirs and remaining equity. Protections and deadlines depend on the circumstances; review them with a HUD-approved counselor and qualified advisers.
No. The standard refinance calculator models a new loan’s principal-and-interest payment. It does not model HECM proceeds, eligibility or the cost of a reverse mortgage.
Bring your questions to a HUD-approved housing counselor. Review costs, responsibilities and alternatives before deciding.
A reverse mortgage is a loan, not a government benefit or free money. This material is not from or approved by HUD, FHA or any government agency.