Take a moment to understand a Reverse Mortgage.

Didier Malagies • May 18, 2022

A reverse mortgage is designed as a financial tool to help seniors age in place by tapping into their home equity, which can be used for whatever purpose they see fit, from paying off medical bills and utility expenses to funding improvements or renovations.

A reverse mortgage can work well for seniors who are living on a fixed income and want to pay off debt or fund their retirement, but it’s not right for everyone. It’s important that you carefully consider your options before taking this step.

What is a reverse mortgage?


A reverse mortgage is a loan. The lender issues you a payment based on the value of your home, minus any outstanding debts and costs to maintain the property.

The loan is partially repaid when you sell or refinance your home. But if you don't use the money to pay off the home equity line of credit or remove it from your house before you die, then it becomes a lien against your estate.

The funds are tax-free and do not require monthly payments. If you end up needing additional cash flow during retirement, however, reverse mortgages can also be converted into an annuity—a monthly payout for life (with no interest charges).



A Reverse Mortgage is not a new concept; it has been around for more than 50 years and has helped tens of thousands of seniors.


Reverse Mortgages were established in 1961 and have been used to help seniors live comfortably in their own homes.


The first reverse mortgage was insured by the FHA (Federal Housing Administration). This program was designed to help seniors who wanted to remain in their homes, but needed financial assistance due to a lack of income or poor health. In today's world, this type of loan is still available for those who qualify for one.



A reverse mortgage is simply the opposite of a traditional mortgage.


A traditional mortgage is a loan you take out to buy a home, with the goal of building equity over time as you pay off the loan. With a reverse mortgage, you are not required to make monthly payments, but the loan balance increases over time as interest on the loan and fees accumulate. When you die, your heirs can inherit your home without having to make any payments on it or take any action.



A reverse mortgage is not just another loan product.


It's a financial planning tool that can be used as part of an overall retirement plan.


You can pay off your loan at any time by selling your home or refinance with another lender. But unlike other types of loans, this type doesn't require monthly payments from you—as long as you remain living in the home and keeping up with maintenance costs (such as property taxes).


A reverse mortgage allows you to convert your home equity into either monthly or lump sum payments or both, while still living at home. The funds are tax-free and there are no required monthly payments, as long as you remain living in the home and continue to maintain it.


A reverse mortgage is a loan that lets you convert your home equity into money while still living in your home.


The funds can be used for any purpose, including:

  • Paying off the mortgage
  • Providing monthly payments to supplement other income sources or to help pay off debts and/or medical expenses
  • Taking out a lump sum payment to use as you wish, such as buying a new car or traveling abroad



Who uses a reverse mortgage?

  • Seniors who are "cash poor but house rich" and need supplemental income
  • People who want to pay off debts
  • People who want to remain in their homes, such as those with special needs or who want to age in place
  • Those who need money for medical bills or other expenses related to living at home. Reverse mortgage borrowers must be 62 years old or older. If you’re younger than 62, there are other options for financing your retirement, such as Social Security benefits and personal savings. To qualify for a reverse mortgage, you must:  * Be age 62 or older;  * Be the owner and occupant of the home; and  * Have sufficient equity in your home (the amount depends on the type of loan).


Seniors who have paid-off their traditional mortgages may choose this option to supplement their social security benefits, pensions, and savings so they can stay in their homes and improve the quality of the rest of their lives.


You may want to consider a reverse mortgage if you are:

  • Retired and have paid off your traditional mortgage. You can borrow against the value of your home without having to make monthly payments.
  • Wanting to supplement your income.
  • Paying off existing debt.
  • Needing money for medical bills or other current expenses that cannot be covered by Social Security, pensions and savings alone.
  • Wanting an opportunity to improve the quality of the rest of their lives by staying in their homes for as long as possible – even if it means delaying some planned expenses or activities until later in life when finances allow such things again (like travel).


If you would like to speak to a Reverse Mortgage advisor, give us a call (727) 784-5555. Or use our form below to ask a question.


Have A Question?

Use the form below and we will give your our expert answers!

Reverse Mortgage Ask A Question


Check out our other helpful videos to learn more about credit and residential mortgages.

By Didier Malagies July 28, 2025
When the 10-year Treasury yield goes down, it generally signals lower interest rates and increased demand for safe-haven assets like U.S. government bonds. Here’s what typically happens across different areas of the economy and markets: 🔻 Why the 10-Year Treasury Yield Drops Increased demand for bonds: Investors buy Treasuries during uncertain times (e.g., recession fears, geopolitical risk), which drives prices up and yields down. Expectations of lower inflation or interest rates: If the Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates or inflation is cooling, yields tend to fall. Weak economic outlook: Slowing growth or a poor jobs report can trigger a yield decline. 📉 Impacts of a Lower 10-Year Treasury Yield 🏦 1. Mortgage Rates and Loans Mortgage rates (especially 30-year fixed) tend to follow the 10-year Treasury. As yields fall, mortgage rates usually decline, making home loans cheaper. This can stimulate the housing market and refinancing activity. 📈 2. Stock Market Lower yields often boost stock prices, especially growth stocks (like tech), because: Borrowing costs are lower. Future earnings are worth more when discounted at a lower rate. Defensive and interest-sensitive sectors (like utilities and real estate) also benefit. 💰 3. Consumer and Business Borrowing Lower Treasury yields can lead to lower interest rates across the board, including for: Auto loans Credit cards Business loans This can boost consumer spending and business investment. 💵 4. U.S. Dollar Falling yields can make U.S. assets less attractive to foreign investors. This can weaken the dollar, which may help U.S. exporters by making goods cheaper abroad. 🪙 5. Inflation Expectations If the yield is falling due to low inflation expectations, it may indicate deflationary pressure. However, if it's just due to safe-haven buying, it might not reflect inflation at all. ⚠️ Potential Risks A sharp drop in the 10-year yield can signal a recession or loss of confidence in the economy. A flattening or inverted yield curve (when short-term rates are higher than long-term) can be a recession warning. tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
By Didier Malagies July 21, 2025
Resi/commercial Typical 2-3 units over a 1-unit ground-floor commercial space LTV’s up to 75% A mixed-use property is a type of real estate development that combines two or more different uses within a single building or development. The most common combination is residential and commercial — for example, apartments or condos above ground-floor retail or office space. 🔑 Key Characteristics of a Mixed-Use Property: Feature Description Use Types Typically includes residential, commercial, retail, office, and sometimes hospitality or industrial components. Zoning Must be zoned for mixed-use by the local municipality. Layout Different uses are separated vertically (e.g., retail on the bottom, housing on top) or horizontally (different sections of the development). Ownership Can be owned by an individual, company, REIT, or government entity; may be leased or sold as separate units. Financing Considered commercial real estate; underwriting depends on the income mix and proportions of use types. 🏢 Common Mixed-Use Examples: Urban Buildings: Apartments above restaurants or retail stores (like Starbucks or a dry cleaner). Suburban Developments: Townhome communities built around a retail plaza or office park. Live/Work Units: Ground-floor office or retail space with a residence above, often used by entrepreneurs. Transit-Oriented Developments: Mixed-use buildings near train stations or bus hubs. 📊 Benefits of Mixed-Use Properties: Diversified Income Streams (residential + commercial) Increased Foot Traffic for businesses Live-Work-Play Environment appeals to urban dwellers Higher Land Use Efficiency and potentially better returns Encouraged by city planning to reduce sprawl and support sustainability A mixed-use property is a type of real estate development that combines two or more different uses within a single building or development. The most common combination is residential and commercial — for example, apartments or condos above ground-floor retail or office space. 🔑 Key Characteristics of a Mixed-Use Property: Feature Description Use Types Typically includes residential, commercial, retail, office, and sometimes hospitality or industrial components. Zoning Must be zoned for mixed-use by the local municipality. Layout Different uses are separated vertically (e.g., retail on bottom, housing on top) or horizontally (different sections of the development). Ownership Can be owned by an individual, company, REIT, or government entity; may be leased or sold as separate units. Financing Considered commercial real estate; underwriting depends on the income mix and proportions of use types. 🏢 Common Mixed-Use Examples: Urban Buildings: Apartments above restaurants or retail stores (like Starbucks or a dry cleaner). Suburban Developments: Townhome communities built around a retail plaza or office park. Live/Work Units: Ground-floor office or retail space with a residence above, often used by entrepreneurs. Transit-Oriented Developments: Mixed-use buildings near train stations or bus hubs. 📊 Benefits of Mixed-Use Properties: Diversified Income Streams (residential + commercial) Increased Foot Traffic for businesses Live-Work-Play Environment appeals to urban dwellers Higher Land Use Efficiency and potentially better returns Encouraged by city planning to reduce sprawl and support sustainability and 🔑 Key Characteristics of 5–10 Unit Multifamily Properties: Feature Description Number of Units 5 to 10 self-contained rental units, each with a kitchen and bathroom. Zoning Generally zoned as multifamily residential or mixed-use, depending on the area. Financing Category Considered commercial real estate by most lenders (5+ units triggers commercial underwriting). Ownership Typically owned by small investors, partnerships, or LLCs. Management Can be owner-managed or managed by a third-party property manager. 4. Private or Bridge Loans Short-term, higher interest Used for rehabs, quick purchases, or properties that don’t qualify for traditional financing 📊 Why Investors Like 5–10 Unit Multifamily: Easier to manage than large apartment complexes More scalable than single-family rentals Still eligible for economies of scale (one roof, one lawn, multiple rents) Can often house hack (live in one unit, rent the others) Tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
By Didier Malagies July 14, 2025
📉 1. Borrowing Becomes Cheaper Mortgage rates tend to fall, making it easier for people to buy homes or refinance. Car loans, personal loans, and credit cards may also have lower interest rates. Businesses can borrow more cheaply to invest in growth. 💸 2. Consumer Spending Increases Since borrowing is cheaper and savings earn less interest, people are more likely to spend money rather than save it. This can boost demand for goods and services, helping to stimulate economic activity. 🏦 3. Savings Yield Less Savings accounts, CDs, and bonds typically offer lower returns. This can push investors to move money into riskier assets like stocks or real estate in search of higher returns. 📈 4. Stock Market Often Rallies Lower rates can mean higher corporate profits (due to cheaper debt) and increased consumer spending. Investors may shift funds from bonds into stocks, driving up equity prices. 💵 5. The U.S. Dollar May Weaken Lower interest rates can make the dollar less attractive to foreign investors, potentially weakening the currency. This can help U.S. exporters (as their goods become cheaper abroad) but may also increase the cost of imports. 🧩 6. Inflation Could Rise More spending and borrowing can increase demand, which may push prices up, leading to higher inflation—especially if supply can’t keep up. 🏚️ 7. Real Estate Activity Tends to Pick Up Lower mortgage rates can boost homebuying, refinancing, and construction, which helps stimulate related industries. tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329 
Show More