--- title: "Free Reverse Mortgage Guide (PDF) for Homeowners 62+ | HECMAcademy" description: "Download the free HECMAcademy reverse mortgage guide — a plain-English PDF for homeowners age 62+. Covers eligibility, costs, HUD counseling, payout options, and the questions to ask before you speak to a lender." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "HECMAcademy", "url": "https://hecmacademy.com", "description": "Independent, plain-English reverse mortgage education for U.S. homeowners age 62 and older. 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Explains HECM eligibility, costs, protections, and payout options without sales pressure." }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://hecmacademy.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Guide", "item": "https://hecmacademy.com/guide" } ] } ] --- Free HECM guidance — no sales pressure Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm ET [Contact](/contact) [![HECMAcademy — reverse mortgage education](/__l5e/assets-v1/11c6d22b-7f84-4add-8068-34dad2c8a5b7/hecmacademy-logo.png)](/) [How it works](/#how) Learn [Free Guide](/guide)[FAQ](/faq)[Blog](/blog)[Retirement Tax Guide](/retirement-tax-guide)[Heirs Guide](/heirs-guide) By State [California](/reverse-mortgage/california)[Texas](/reverse-mortgage/texas)[Florida](/reverse-mortgage/florida)[Arizona](/reverse-mortgage/arizona)[Colorado](/reverse-mortgage/colorado)[Virginia](/reverse-mortgage/virginia)[Utah](/reverse-mortgage/utah)[Washington](/reverse-mortgage/washington)[Ohio](/reverse-mortgage/ohio)[Illinois](/reverse-mortgage/illinois)[Maryland](/reverse-mortgage/maryland)[North Carolina](/reverse-mortgage/north-carolina)[Oregon](/reverse-mortgage/oregon)[Hawaii](/reverse-mortgage/hawaii) [All states →](/reverse-mortgage) [Calculator](/calculator)[About](/about) [Expert advisor (888) 203-8887 Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm ET ](tel:+18882038887)[Check Eligibility](/#quickcheck) [](tel:+18882038887)[Check Eligibility](/#quickcheck) Free PDF Guide # The free HECM guide for homeowners 62+. A HUD-referenced, source-cited PDF that explains reverse mortgages the way a good financial planner would — without trying to sell you a loan. [Download the Free Guide (PDF)](#download)[See a Calculator Instead](/calculator) ## What's in the guide - How a HECM actually works (in plain English, with real numbers) - Who qualifies — the 62+ rule, primary-residence rule, equity thresholds - The 2026 FHA lending limit and how it caps what you can borrow - Every cost broken down: origination, MIP, servicing, interest - HUD counseling: what it is, why it's required, and what to expect - Payout options: line of credit, term, tenure, lump sum, and combinations - Non-borrowing spouse protections (and the traps to avoid) - Alternatives to a HECM — when a reverse mortgage isn't the right answer - Questions to ask any lender before you sign anything ## Who this guide is for This guide is written for homeowners age 62 and older who own their home (or have significant equity) and want to understand reverse mortgages before speaking with a lender. It's also written for adult children helping a parent evaluate options, and for financial advisors who want a clear reference for their clients. ## What this guide is not This is not a loan application. HECMAcademy is not a lender. We don't sell reverse mortgages, and downloading the guide doesn't put you on a hard-sell call list. The guide exists to help you make an informed decision — including the decision that a HECM isn't right for you. Reviewed by the HECMAcademy Editorial Team · Last updated June 2026 · [How we vet this content](/about#editorial-standards) ## Get the Free HECM Guide (PDF) An 8-page plain-English guide to how the FHA HECM works — sent straight to your inbox. Company website First nameLast name EmailPhoneZIP code Age range 55-6162-6970-7980+ I agree to receive calls and texts from HECM Academy about reverse mortgages. Not required to get the guide. Reply STOP to opt out. Send Me the Guide We never sell your information. [Privacy policy](/privacy-policy). HECMAcademy is not a lender. This is educational information only. By submitting, you agree to receive our free HECM educational guide and follow-up emails. Unsubscribe anytime. Talk to a HUD-approved counselor Free, independent, and required before any HECM. Not affiliated with HECMAcademy. [1-800-569-4287](tel:+18005694287)[Search by ZIP →](https://hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm) HECMAcademy Independent education for homeowners 62+ exploring HECM and jumbo proprietary reverse mortgages. Not a lender, broker, or financial advisor. Learn - [Blog](/blog) - [FAQ](/faq) - [Free HECM Guide](/guide) - [Heirs Guide](/heirs-guide) - [Retirement Tax Guide](/retirement-tax-guide) By State - [california](/reverse-mortgage/california) - [texas](/reverse-mortgage/texas) - [florida](/reverse-mortgage/florida) - [arizona](/reverse-mortgage/arizona) - [colorado](/reverse-mortgage/colorado) - [virginia](/reverse-mortgage/virginia) - [utah](/reverse-mortgage/utah) - [washington](/reverse-mortgage/washington) - [ohio](/reverse-mortgage/ohio) - [illinois](/reverse-mortgage/illinois) - [maryland](/reverse-mortgage/maryland) - [north carolina](/reverse-mortgage/north-carolina) - [oregon](/reverse-mortgage/oregon) - [hawaii](/reverse-mortgage/hawaii) [About](/about)[Contact](/contact)[Privacy](/privacy-policy)[Terms](/terms)[(888) 203-8887](tel:+18882038887) © 2026 HECMAcademy. All information is educational and not a loan commitment. HECM borrowers must remain current on property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. HECMAcademy is an independent consumer education platform. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any lender, mortgage banker, or bank, including any company using a similar name.