Last reviewed 08-20-2026Short-Sale.com Editorialglossary
Reverse Mortgage
CFPB
Updated 08-20-2026
Reverse Mortgage
A reverse mortgage allows homeowners age 62 or older to borrow against their home equity. It is called a “reverse” mortgage because, instead of making payments to the lender, you receive money from the lender. The money you receive, and the interest charged on the loan, increases the balance of your loan each month. Most reverse mortgages today are called HECMs, short for Home Equity Conversion Mortgage. Find out what you should consider before applying for a reverse mortgage (cfpb.gov/askcfpb/2
CFPB Mortgage Terms
CFPB · pp. 25–28