HomeBridge helps homeowners 62 and older learn about the FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage — clearly, honestly, and without sales pressure. We're an educational resource, not a lender.
See if you may qualify — takes 2 minutes:
No credit check. No personal data collected until you choose to submit.
Answer 4 quick questions — no personal info required at this stage.
What is your age?
Do you own your home as your primary residence?
What is your home's approximate value?
Have you had a reverse mortgage before?
Based on what you shared, a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage could be worth exploring. Complete the full pre-qualification to see your options — it takes about 2 minutes.
Continue to Full Pre-Qualification →No credit check. No obligation.
The FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program requires all borrowers to be 62 or older. If you're approaching that age — or if a household member is 62+ and co-owns the home — it may be worth learning more now.
If a household member qualifies, they may be able to apply. You can read more about the age requirement and how co-borrower eligibility works.
Learn about HECM age requirements →The HECM program is designed for the home you live in most of the year. Investment properties, vacation homes, and rental properties don't qualify on their own.
If your situation changes, or if you'd like to understand more about what counts as a primary residence, we have a short guide below.
Read about primary residence requirements →HECM loan amounts are based on your home's appraised value, current interest rates, and your age. Homes under $200k typically yield a smaller loan — sometimes not enough to cover closing costs or meet a lender's minimum.
It's still worth understanding the program. Property values also change — what doesn't qualify today may qualify after a professional appraisal.
Learn how HECM loan amounts are calculated →You can only hold one HECM at a time on a given property. However, if your home's value has risen significantly or interest rates have changed, a HECM refinance may make sense.
A HUD-approved counselor can review your current loan and compare it to what you'd qualify for today — at no cost to you.
Learn about HECM refinancing →Not ready to fill out a full form? Download our free guide first. 8 pages. No jargon. Written for homeowners 62+.
With a HECM, you are not required to make monthly mortgage payments. The loan becomes due when you sell, permanently move out, or pass away. You keep your home and your budget intact.
A HECM uses your home as collateral. You remain the owner. You can sell whenever you choose, and your heirs keep any remaining equity.
Money you receive from a HECM is loan proceeds, not income. It is generally not subject to federal income tax — and typically does not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits. We recommend consulting a tax advisor about your specific situation.
Because the FHA insures HECMs, neither you nor your heirs will ever owe more than the home is worth at the time of sale — even if the loan balance has grown beyond that amount. The lender cannot come after other assets.
There's no obligation and no sales pressure — just clear, factual information so you can decide what's right for your situation.
Browse our plain-English articles on how HECMs work, what they cost, who qualifies, and what the tradeoffs are. No pop-ups, no countdown timers — just information.
Answer a few simple questions about your age, state, home value, and equity position. We walk you through the qualification criteria so nothing comes as a surprise.
HECM requires a free counseling session with a HUD-approved counselor — an independent, government-reviewed professional who helps you understand all your options.
A standard FHA HECM has six basic requirements. See how many apply to you.
Most homeowners 62 and older who own their home meet these requirements.
Check My Eligibility — Free & No ObligationThese are the federal guidelines for a standard FHA HECM. If you're close to qualifying, there may be options worth exploring — proprietary reverse mortgages can serve higher-value properties that exceed the HECM limit.
The youngest borrower on title must be 62 or older at loan closing.
You must live in the home as your primary residence. Second homes and investment properties don't qualify.
You must own the home outright or have a low enough balance that the equity qualifies. Generally, 50%+ equity is the minimum threshold.
Standard HECMs are for first-time reverse mortgage borrowers. If you've had one before, refinancing options exist.
Single-family homes, 1–4 unit properties (you occupy one unit), FHA-approved condos, and certain manufactured homes.
For homes valued above this, proprietary reverse mortgages may provide access to equity the standard HECM cannot reach.
Takes about 2 minutes. No credit check. No sales call. No obligation of any kind.
HomeBridge is an educational resource.
A reverse mortgage is one of the most misunderstood products in American finance. HomeBridge was built to change that. We provide clear, factual information — and we'll tell you honestly when a HECM may not be the right fit.
HomeBridge is not a lender, not a broker, and not a financial advisor. If a HECM appears to fit your situation, you'll be connected with a vetted FHA-approved lender. Before any loan proceeds, federal law requires a free session with an independent HUD-approved counselor — that protection exists for you.