Will I Still Own My Home with a Reverse Mortgage?

Let’s clear this up right now:
Yes. You still own your home.

One of the most common myths about reverse mortgages is that the bank “takes your house.”

That is absolutely false.

With a reverse mortgage, you retain full ownership and title — just like you would with a traditional mortgage. The difference is simply in how repayment works.

So... What Actually Happens?

Here’s the truth:
A reverse mortgage is a loan secured by your home. Instead of you making monthly payments to the lender, the lender allows you to access a portion of your home equity — with no monthly principal or interest payments required.

The loan becomes due only when:

  • You sell the home
  • You move out permanently (for example, into assisted living)
  • Or you pass away

Until then, the home is yours to live in, maintain, and even pass down.

You’re Still Responsible for…

Like any homeowner, you’ll still need to:

  • Pay property taxes
  • Keep homeowners insurance current
  • Maintain the home in reasonable condition
  • Cover any HOA dues if applicable

These are standard for any loan — but they matter more in a reverse mortgage, since failure to meet them could cause the loan to become due.

We help you stay ahead of this by offering options like setting aside a portion of funds to cover future taxes and insurance.

What Happens When the Loan Ends?

When the home is sold (or the borrower passes away), the reverse mortgage is repaid from the proceeds of the sale.

Here’s the good news:

  • You (or your heirs) keep any remaining equity
  • It’s a non-recourse loan, which means you’ll never owe more than the home is worth, even if the market declines
  • Your family has the option to refinance the loan and keep the house if they want to retain ownership

This makes reverse mortgages one of the most flexible ways to access home equity without giving up control.

Still Have Questions?

We’ve walked hundreds of families through this conversation — and we’re happy to walk through yours, too.

Whether you’re a homeowner, an adult child, or a trusted advisor, we’ll answer your questions and explain what it really means to use your home equity wisely in retirement.

Final Thought

A reverse mortgage doesn’t mean giving up ownership.
It means putting your equity to work — while staying right where you belong.

The house is still yours.
You just finally get to use it to support the life you want.

Let’s build wisely. Your stairway starts here.

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