Reverse Mortgage Calculator

Free reverse mortgage calculator. Estimate how much you can access through a reverse mortgage based on age, home value, and current rates.

Built by Abiot Y. Derbie, PhD — Postdoctoral Research Fellow. Quantitative researcher specializing in statistical modeling and data-driven decision systems.

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Decision Support System

Showing national median — click Calculate above to personalize

Reverse Mortgage (HECM) Benchmarks

LIVE DATA
Minimum borrower age62 years old
Maximum claim amount (2026)$1,149,825
Upfront MIP2% of max claim
Annual MIP0.5% of loan balance
Origination fee cap$6,000
Average PLF (age 72)~45%
HUD counselingRequired (mandatory)
FinCalcs Community ( calculations)
Avg loan amount
Avg home price entered
Avg monthly payment

Source: HUD, FHA, NRMLA 2025–2026

Available Funds by Age

Expected rate environment
AgeApprox PLFOn $500K HomeOn $750K Home
6230%$110,000$175,000
6738%$145,000$230,000
7245%$180,000$290,000
7752%$215,000$345,000
8258%$245,000$390,000

PLF varies by age and rate. Higher age and lower rates = more funds. Existing mortgage paid off first.

How Do You Compare?

UPDATES LIVE
AVAILABLE FUNDS
$180,000
Average
50th percentile
50th percentile
Lower fundsMedianHigher funds

Showing median values. Click Calculate for your numbers.

What This Means For You

UPDATES LIVE

You can access $180,000 from your $500,000 home, with $320,000 in remaining equity.

Net available funds
$180,000
Cash after paying mortgage and closing costs
Monthly tenure payment
$750/mo
Estimated monthly if you choose tenure option
Closing costs & MIP
$18,000
Origination + upfront MIP + third-party costs
Remaining equity
$320,000
Home value minus reverse mortgage amount
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Your Complete Picture

CONNECTED

How this connects to your broader financial picture.

What Should You Do Next?

UPDATES LIVE

Based on your reverse mortgage estimate.

Get HUD counseling first — it's mandatory and freeA counselor explains all options including HELOCs and downsizing.
→ Compare with HELOC
Your heirs have optionsThey can repay, refinance, or sell. They never owe more than the home's value.
→ Track home value

HECM Readiness Check

FactorStatusAction
Age requirementOn TrackMust be 62+. Younger spouse affects available amount.
Primary residenceOn TrackMust be your primary home.
Existing mortgageReviewMust be paid off from proceeds, reducing available funds.
HUD counselingRequiredMandatory before application.
Property conditionReviewHome must meet FHA standards.

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This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and standard financial formulas. This is not financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor for decisions specific to your situation. Full Disclaimer

Learn More About Reverse Mortgages

Things to Know

Essential concepts for understanding your results

Key Factors
What factors most affect your mortgage costs?

The four inputs with the largest impact: loan amount (every $10,000 adds ~$63/month at 6.5%), interest rate (0.5% change = $85-95/month on $300K), loan term (15-year saves $200K+ in interest but has 40-50% higher payments), and down payment (20% eliminates PMI, saving $100-300/month). Small improvements in any of these — especially rate — compound into massive savings over the loan's life.

Total Cost
Why should you focus on total cost, not monthly payment?

A lower monthly payment often masks a higher total cost. Extending from 15 to 30 years cuts payments by 40% but doubles total interest. On $300,000: 15-year total = $455,000, 30-year total = $683,000. Similarly, a small rate difference (6.5% vs 7.0%) costs $35,000 over 30 years. Always compare total cost over the full term alongside monthly payment — the true cost is what leaves your pocket over the entire loan life.

Preparation
How can you improve your mortgage terms before applying?

Three high-impact actions: improve credit score (each 20-point gain saves 0.125-0.25% on rate — worth $15,000-30,000 over 30 years), reduce DTI (pay off small debts to lower your ratio below 36%), and increase down payment (reaching 20% eliminates PMI, saving $100-300/month). Spend 3-6 months optimizing these before applying — the investment of time produces returns measured in tens of thousands of dollars.

Reverse Mortgage Calculator: How Much Can You Access?

Whether you are looking for a reverse mortgage estimator, calculate reverse mortgage, how to calculate reverse mortgage, reverse mortgage formula, reverse mortgage mortgage, or home reverse mortgage — this free reverse mortgage calculator provides accurate estimates to help you plan and make informed financial decisions.

A reverse mortgage (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage — HECM) allows homeowners aged 62 or older to convert home equity into cash without selling or making monthly mortgage payments. Instead of paying the lender, the lender pays you — and the loan is repaid when you sell, move, or pass away. According to HUD, approximately 50,000 new reverse mortgages are originated annually.

Enter your age, home value, and current mortgage balance above. The calculator shows your estimated available proceeds, payout options (lump sum, monthly, credit line), and total costs over time.

How Much You Can Borrow

The amount depends on three factors: your age (older = higher percentage), home value (subject to the FHA lending limit of $1,149,825 in 2026), and current interest rates (lower rates = higher proceeds). General ranges:

Age% of Home Value AvailableOn $400K Home
6240-45%$160,000-$180,000
6745-50%$180,000-$200,000
7250-55%$200,000-$220,000
7755-60%$220,000-$240,000
82+60-70%$240,000-$280,000

Any existing mortgage must be paid off first from the proceeds. A 72-year-old with a $400,000 home and $100,000 remaining mortgage: available proceeds = $200,000 - $100,000 = $100,000 net. If the home is fully paid off: the full $200,000 is available. The most popular payout: a credit line (chosen by ~60% of borrowers) that grows over time at the loan's interest rate, effectively increasing available funds as you age.

Costs and Risks to Understand

Costs: FHA mortgage insurance premium (2% upfront + 0.5% annual), origination fee (up to $6,000), closing costs ($2,000-$5,000), and ongoing interest accrual. Total upfront costs: $8,000-$15,000 (can be financed from proceeds). The loan balance grows over time as interest accrues on the borrowed amount — potentially consuming significant equity if you live 15-20+ years in the home.

Non-recourse protection: You (or your heirs) can never owe more than the home's value when the loan comes due. If the loan balance exceeds the home value: FHA insurance covers the difference. This protection is guaranteed by federal law for HECMs.

Risks: Reduced inheritance (equity consumed by loan growth). Property tax and homeowner's insurance must still be paid — failure to pay can trigger foreclosure. Loan becomes due if you leave the home for 12+ consecutive months (including nursing home stay). Surviving spouse not on the loan may face complications if the borrowing spouse dies (though HECM rules now provide protections for eligible non-borrowing spouses).

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a reverse mortgage work?
You borrow against your home equity — the lender pays you (lump sum, monthly, or credit line). No monthly mortgage payments are required. Interest accrues on the loan balance, which grows over time. The loan is repaid when you sell the home, permanently move out, or pass away. You retain ownership and can live in the home as long as you wish, provided you maintain the property and pay taxes/insurance.
Can I lose my home with a reverse mortgage?
The home remains yours — you cannot be forced to sell while living there. However, you CAN face foreclosure if you fail to pay property taxes, homeowner's insurance, or HOA fees, or if you fail to maintain the property. You must also continue living in the home as your primary residence — leaving for 12+ months triggers loan repayment.
What happens when a reverse mortgage borrower dies?
Heirs have 6-12 months to repay the loan (typically by selling the home). If the home is worth more than the loan balance: heirs keep the difference. If worth less (rare but possible after many years of accrual): the non-recourse provision means heirs owe nothing beyond the home's value — FHA insurance covers the shortfall. Heirs can also refinance into a conventional mortgage to keep the home.
Is a reverse mortgage a good idea?
For the right situation: yes. Best for: homeowners 72+ who are house-rich but cash-poor, plan to age in place, and want to supplement Social Security or cover healthcare costs without selling. Not ideal if: you want to leave the home to heirs with full equity, you might move within 5 years (costs are too high for short stays), or you have other assets to draw from. Always explore alternatives first: HELOC, downsizing, or renting out a room.
How much does a reverse mortgage cost?
Upfront: FHA mortgage insurance (2% of home value), origination fee ($2,500-$6,000), and closing costs ($2,000-$5,000). Total: $8,000-$15,000, typically financed from proceeds. Ongoing: 0.5% annual FHA insurance + loan interest (currently 6-8% variable or 7-9% fixed). These costs mean the loan balance can double every 10-12 years. On a $200,000 initial draw at 7%: the balance grows to approximately $400,000 in 10 years.