Reverse Mortgage 101
Last update:
04/21/2026
Completed
2. Who Qualifies?
927 Views •7. Property, Taxes & Insurance
731 Views •3. HUD-Approved Counseling
716 Views •5. Costs & Fees
684 Views •9. Red Flags
677 Views •6. Protecting Your Heirs
660 Views •8. Common Myths Busted
652 Views •1. What Is a Reverse Mortgage?
643 Views •10. Next Steps
637 Views •4. Payout Options
595 Views •5. Costs & Fees
Reverse Mortgage Costs & Fees
Understanding costs helps you compare offers fairly:
Upfront Costs
- Origination Fee: Up to $6,000 (varies by lender)
- MIP (Mortgage Insurance Premium): 2% of home value at closing
- Appraisal: $400-$600
- Title & Recording: varies
Ongoing Costs
- Servicing Fee: $25-$35/month typically
- MIP (Mortgage Insurance Premium): 0.5%/year ongoing
- Property Taxes & Insurance: REQUIRED — you must pay these
What You Get for MIP
- FHA guarantee ensures you never owe more than home value
- Ensures lender cannot foreclose for non-payment
- Provides line-of-credit growth feature
Compliance Notice: Borrowers must be 62 years of age or older. HUD-approved counseling is required. A reverse mortgage is not a government benefit. The loan becomes due and payable when the last surviving borrower no longer occupies the home as their primary residence or fails to meet the obligations of the mortgage.