Reverse Mortgage 101
Last update:
04/21/2026
Completed
2. Who Qualifies?
882 Views •7. Property, Taxes & Insurance
699 Views •3. HUD-Approved Counseling
679 Views •9. Red Flags
636 Views •5. Costs & Fees
635 Views •6. Protecting Your Heirs
623 Views •8. Common Myths Busted
618 Views •1. What Is a Reverse Mortgage?
611 Views •10. Next Steps
601 Views •4. Payout Options
564 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.