Understanding Reverse Mortgages Today with Harlan Accola

Apr 23, 2025

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Did you know there’s a way to tap into your home’s equity for tax-free cash—without having to make monthly payments? It’s true.

It’s called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM—what many of you know as a reverse mortgage. But today’s reverse mortgage isn’t what it used to be. Harlan Accola is here to help us unpack how they work and whether one might be right for you.

Harlan Accola is the National Reverse Mortgage Director at Movement Mortgage, an underwriter of Faith and Finance. He is also the author of Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement.

What’s Changed? A Safer, Regulated Option

When you hear the phrase reverse mortgage, you might think of outdated financial tools with a bad reputation. However, home equity conversion mortgages (HECMs) significantly differ from those in the past.

Reverse mortgages today are not the “Wild West” products of decades past. Since major reforms were enacted during President Reagan’s term in 1988, HECMs are now heavily regulated under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

No one can lose their house or have it taken away, provided they're working with a reputable lender and stay in the home while meeting basic obligations. Ownership doesn’t change, and homeowners are protected.

These changes addressed the risks that once made reverse mortgages controversial. Now, with strict oversight, they provide a reliable option for seniors wanting to tap into their home equity without selling.

Are Reverse Mortgage Interest Rates Too High?

It’s a common misconception that reverse mortgage interest rates are significantly higher than traditional mortgages. But that comparison isn’t apples to apples. Interest rates on HECMs are actually tied to the 10-year Treasury rate and are heavily regulated.

Right now, interest rates for reverse mortgages are about the same as traditional mortgages—around 6.5%. This means homeowners aren’t sacrificing much, if anything, in interest when compared to forward mortgages.

What About Costs and Obligations?

The closing costs for reverse mortgages are nearly identical to traditional mortgages, with one key difference: the addition of FHA mortgage insurance.

This insurance offers three essential guarantees:

You can remain in your home as long as you want (up to age 150!).
Thanks to non-recourse debt protections, you will never owe more than the home’s value.
Your heirs won’t be left with a bill.

Yes, this insurance adds about 2% of the home’s value to the upfront costs, but it’s well worth it—just like homeowner’s insurance is worth it if your house burns down.

What Happens When the Borrower Passes Away?

A major concern many have is what happens to the home after the homeowner dies or permanently moves out.

The key is proper planning. Without a will or trust in place, any mortgage—reverse or traditional—can create problems for heirs. In most cases, the home is simply sold, and any remaining equity belongs to the heirs. For instance, if the reverse mortgage balance were $100,000 on a $400,000 home, the heirs would receive the remaining $300,000.

Sometimes, grandchildren may want to keep the home, in which case they can buy out other heirs. Either way, the process can be managed with clear planning.

Flexible Payout Options

One of the most attractive features of a HECM is its flexibility. Homeowners can choose to receive their funds in a variety of ways:

A lump sum
A line of credit
Monthly income payments
Or even a combination of these options

The big idea? Your home is not just a place to live—it’s also a financial asset that can be used strategically, especially in retirement.

Every financial situation is different. However, a reverse mortgage could be a wise part of a broader financial plan for older homeowners. When used correctly, it offers flexibility, security, and peace of mind without jeopardizing their home.

Visit Movement.com/Faith to learn more about reverse mortgages or speak directly with Harlan Accola at Movement Mortgage.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

My husband has taken a new job, and we have been contributing to an HSA. He wants to contribute $1,000 a month to the HSA. We still own a home and are nearing retirement age. Should we work on paying off the home or continue to put dollars into the HSA?
A week or two ago, I caught part of your program about freezing credit scores. I didn't catch the whole explanation. We've never really taken out loans except for our first house 45 years ago. Is there any downside to freezing my credit?
I recently received a large amount of money from a dear loved one who passed away in January. I know I'm going to tithe and pay taxes on the amount. I have an appointment with my bank to set up a CD account, but I want to know what other types of investments I can make with the money. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

Resources Mentioned:

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