--- title: "Reverse Mortgage Education for Homeowners 62+ | HECMAcademy" description: "Plain-English reverse mortgage education for homeowners 62+. Learn how HECMs work, check eligibility, and estimate proceeds — no sales pressure." 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. Explains HECM eligibility, costs, protections, and payout options without sales pressure.", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://hecmacademy.com/?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "HECMAcademy", "url": "https://hecmacademy.com", "logo": "https://hecmacademy.com/og-card.png", "description": "Independent, plain-English reverse mortgage education for U.S. homeowners age 62 and older. Explains HECM eligibility, costs, protections, and payout options without sales pressure." }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will a reverse mortgage affect my Social Security or Medicare?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. HECM proceeds are loan advances, not income, so they don't count against Social Security retirement benefits or Medicare eligibility. Needs-based programs — SSI and Medicaid — can be affected if you keep large amounts of unspent HECM cash in the bank across a month-end. If either of those applies to your household, talk to a benefits counselor before you draw funds." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I lose ownership of my home?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. You stay on title as the owner. A HECM is a lien against the home, like any other mortgage — the lender does not take ownership. You can sell the home, remodel it, or leave it to your heirs at any time. As long as you live in the home as your primary residence and stay current on property taxes, insurance, and basic upkeep, the loan continues in force." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I refinance an existing reverse mortgage?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. You can refinance one HECM into a new HECM, refinance a HECM into a jumbo proprietary reverse mortgage, or, in some cases, refinance a proprietary loan back into a HECM. The right path depends on your home value, age, current balance, and goals." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the HUD 5-times benefit rule?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For HECM-to-HECM refinances, HUD requires that the increase in your Principal Limit be at least 5 times the closing costs of the new loan. It's designed to prevent unnecessary refinances." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is there a seasoning period before I can refinance a HECM?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "HUD generally expects at least 18 months between your original HECM closing and a HECM-to-HECM refinance. Some lenders apply stricter seasoning." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I get a credit for the FHA mortgage insurance I already paid?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "On a HECM-to-HECM refinance you typically only pay the upfront FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium on the increase in the Maximum Claim Amount — not on the full new loan amount." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is a jumbo (proprietary) reverse mortgage different from a HECM?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Jumbo / proprietary reverse mortgages are private loans, not FHA-insured. They can lend on home values well above the FHA HECM limit (often up to $4M) and have no FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the 2026 FHA HECM lending limit?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "$1,249,125 nationwide for case numbers assigned in calendar year 2026." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are both loan types non-recourse?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "HECMs are federally non-recourse. Most reputable jumbo proprietary programs are also non-recourse, but always verify in writing." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I have to attend HUD counseling to refinance?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For any HECM (including a HECM-to-HECM refinance), yes — independent HUD-approved counseling is required." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens to my heirs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Heirs can keep the home by paying the loan balance (or 95% of appraised value on a HECM, whichever is less) or sell and keep any remaining equity." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need good credit or income?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "There is no minimum credit score. Lenders perform a Financial Assessment to confirm you can keep up with property taxes, insurance, and maintenance." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are reverse mortgage proceeds taxed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Loan proceeds are generally not treated as taxable income, and typically don't affect Social Security or Medicare." } } ] } ] --- 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) For homeowners age 62+ # Reverse Mortgage Education for _Homeowners 62+_ Understand your options in plain English — from mortgage pros, not salespeople. Eliminate your monthly payment, create retirement cash flow, or help a parent stay in their home — without the sales pressure. [See What You May Qualify For](#quickcheck)[Get the Free Guide](#guide) [See your estimate in 30 seconds — no contact required →](/calculator) - FHA-insured options explained - No required monthly mortgage payments on eligible reverse structures - You keep title to your home - HUD counseling required for HECM Educational information only. Not a loan offer or financial advice. ![A warm, dignified couple in their late 60s sitting together on the front porch of their home — representing homeowners age 62+ exploring reverse mortgage options](/__l5e/assets-v1/52ee585c-1fd8-49cb-bbac-1c9270b2c086/hero-couple.jpg) Age 62+ Primary Residence Home Equity Trusted education for FHA-approved lending FHA FHA-Approved Network Vetted lending partners BBB A+ Rated Better Business Bureau HUD HUD Counseling Independent & required Built by mortgage professionals with 20+ years of experience — not a marketing agency. ## Common concerns, answered honestly The five things every homeowner asks before considering a reverse mortgage. ### Do I still own my home? Yes. You keep the title and the deed. A reverse mortgage is a loan against your home, not a sale. ### Can I owe more than the home is worth? No. The FHA HECM is a non-recourse loan — you or your heirs will never owe more than the home's value at repayment. ### What happens to my kids or heirs? Your heirs keep any remaining equity after the loan is repaid. If the home sells for more than the loan balance, the difference goes to them. ### Do I have to make monthly payments? No required monthly mortgage payment. You still pay property taxes, insurance, and maintain the home. ### Is anyone reviewing whether this is right for me? Yes. HUD requires independent counseling from an approved third-party counselor before you can close. They work for you, not the lender. The Process ## Three steps to understand your options There's no obligation and no sales pressure — just clear, factual information so you can decide what's right for your situation. 1 ### Learn at your own pace Browse plain-English articles on how HECMs work, what they cost, who qualifies, and what the tradeoffs are. No pop-ups, no countdown timers. 2 ### Explore your eligibility Answer a few simple questions about your age, state, home value, and equity position. We walk you through the qualification criteria. 3 ### Connect with a HUD counselor HECM requires a free counseling session with a HUD-approved counselor — an independent, government-reviewed professional who helps you understand all your options. Quick Eligibility Summary ## The 6 things lenders check Most homeowners over 62 meet these. Take the 2-minute check below to see where you stand. - You're 62 years of age or older - The home is your primary residence - You have significant equity (typically 50%+) - You can keep up with property taxes & insurance - The home meets FHA property standards - You complete HUD-approved HECM counseling [Check Eligibility →](#quickcheck) 2-Minute Eligibility Check ## See if you may qualify 4 quick questions. No personal information at this stage. No credit check. Step 1 of 4 No credit check Takes about 90 seconds. ### What is your age? Under 6262–6970–7980+ Side-by-Side ## HECM vs. jumbo proprietary reverse mortgage A fast comparison of the two main refinance destinations. Neither is universally better — the right answer depends on your home value, age, and what you value most. Feature HECM Jumbo Proprietary Backing FHA-insured (federally regulated) Private investor (no FHA insurance) Minimum age 62 (all borrowers) Often 55–60, varies by program/state 2026 max loan amount Capped at $1,249,125 lending limit Often up to $4,000,000 Upfront MIP 2% of Maximum Claim Amount None Ongoing MIP 0.5% annually on loan balance None Non-recourse Yes, by federal law Usually yes, by private contract — verify HUD counseling Required Required by some lenders / recommended Eligible property types 1–4 unit, FHA-approved condos, manufactured (with conditions) Wider range; some programs allow non-FHA condos, higher-value SFRs Payment options Line of credit, term, tenure, lump sum, modified combinations Often lump sum; some programs offer line-of-credit options Best fit Home value at or below FHA limit; want federal protections Home value well above FHA limit; want to access more equity Why homeowners explore this ## Common reasons people consider a reverse mortgage A reverse mortgage isn't right for everyone. But for the right borrower, it can change what retirement looks like. ### Reduce monthly cash pressure Eliminate a required monthly mortgage payment and free up cash flow in retirement. ### Tap home equity without selling Access a portion of your equity as a lump sum, line of credit, or monthly payments — without moving. ### Build a financial cushion A HECM line of credit can grow over time and stay available for unexpected expenses. ### Stay in the home you love Age in place on your terms while staying current on property taxes, insurance, and upkeep. Key Protections ## How reverse mortgages protect homeowners The features below come built into every FHA-insured HECM. Jumbo programs vary — always verify in writing. ### You keep title to your home A reverse mortgage uses your home as collateral — you remain the owner. You can sell whenever you choose, and any remaining equity stays with your heirs. ### Non-recourse — by federal law On an FHA-insured HECM, you or your heirs never owe more than the home is worth at sale. That's true even if the loan balance has grown past the home's value. ### No required monthly mortgage payment With a HECM, you're not required to make monthly mortgage payments. The loan is repaid when you sell, permanently move out, or pass away. You stay current on taxes, insurance, and upkeep. ### HUD counseling protects you Before a HECM closes, an independent HUD-approved counselor walks you through the program — what it costs, what could go wrong, and whether it really fits your goals. Free Download ## The Plain-English HECM Guide Not ready to fill out a full form? Download our free guide first. 8 pages. No jargon. Written for homeowners 62+. - ✓ What a HECM actually is - ✓ 5 common myths debunked - ✓ How proceeds are calculated - ✓ FHA protections explained - ✓ Red flags to avoid - ✓ 8 questions to ask any lender 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. Go Deeper ## Detailed education — expand any section The technical detail, kept off the top of the page so you can scan first and dig in only where it matters. Loan Types ### HECM, jumbo, refinance, and purchase + Loan Types ## Every refinance path, explained We don't promote specific lenders. We explain the loan products you can be refinanced into so you can choose the structure that fits your situation. FHA-Insured ### HECM Home Equity Conversion Mortgage The federally-insured reverse mortgage available to homeowners 62+. Standardized rules, HUD counseling required, FHA non-recourse protection. - ✓ Age 62+ for all borrowers on title - ✓ 2026 lending limit: $1,249,125 - ✓ Fixed or adjustable; lump sum, line of credit, term or tenure payments - ✓ Federally non-recourse, regulated by HUD/FHA Refinance ### HECM-to-HECM Refinance Replace an existing HECM with a new HECM Useful when your home has appreciated, the FHA lending limit has risen, rates have moved, or you want to add a younger spouse to the loan. - ✓ Must pass HUD's 5-times benefit rule - ✓ Typically requires ~18 months seasoning - ✓ MIP charged only on the \*increase\* in Maximum Claim Amount - ✓ New HUD counseling required Up to $4M ### Jumbo Proprietary Reverse Private, non-FHA reverse mortgage for high-value homes Designed for homes that exceed the FHA HECM limit. No FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium, larger loan amounts, and in some programs eligibility starts at age 55. - ✓ Loan amounts often up to $4,000,000 - ✓ Some programs available from age 55–60 (varies by state) - ✓ No FHA MIP (upfront or ongoing) - ✓ Most reputable programs are non-recourse by contract Buy a Home ### HECM for Purchase Use a reverse mortgage to buy your next home Combine a down payment with HECM proceeds to purchase a primary residence without taking on a monthly mortgage payment. Useful when right-sizing. - ✓ One closing, no monthly mortgage payment - ✓ Buyer brings a down payment (often 45–70% depending on age) - ✓ Must occupy the new home within 60 days - ✓ Same FHA borrower protections as a standard HECM Calculator ### Rough estimate of your principal limit + Free Tool ## How much could you get from a reverse mortgage? Adjust your age and home value to see a quick estimate. Youngest borrower age70 62 95 Home value$400,000 $100k $1.5M Current mortgage balance $ Your numbers Estimated principal limit $188,800 Minus mortgage payoff −$0 Est. net available $188,800 Educational estimate — not an offer of credit. Based on HUD PLF tables and 2026 FHA lending limit of $1,249,125. [Estimate your HECM →](#prequal) HUD Refinance Rules ### The federal refi protections + Federal Rules ## The HUD refinance rules you need to know HECM-to-HECM refinances are heavily regulated to protect borrowers. Here are the rules any honest loan officer will walk you through — in plain English. 1 ### The HUD 5-times benefit rule For a HECM-to-HECM refinance, the increase in your Principal Limit must be at least 5× the closing costs of the new loan. Your loan originator must run and document this calculation. 2 ### ~18-month seasoning HUD generally expects at least 18 months between your original HECM closing and a HECM-to-HECM refinance. Some lenders apply stricter waits. 3 ### MIP credit on the refinance You only pay the 2% upfront FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium on the \*increase\* in your Maximum Claim Amount — not on the full new loan. This is a major cost saver versus a brand-new HECM. 4 ### Anti-churning disclosure Federal law requires a disclosure comparing the total cost of the refinance to the projected benefit, plus a written explanation of why the refinance is in your interest. 5 ### Counseling — again Even though you've done it before, HUD requires fresh independent counseling with a HUD-approved housing counseling agency before closing. 6 ### Right of rescission You have a 3-business-day right to cancel after closing a HECM refinance, with no penalty — the same federal protection as your original loan. Costs ### What a reverse mortgage actually costs + Costs ## What a reverse mortgage refinance actually costs Knowing the fee categories — and which ones a refinance reduces — is the only way to judge whether a refi is worth doing. ### Upfront FHA MIP (HECM only) 2% of the Maximum Claim Amount at closing. On a HECM-to-HECM refinance, you're only charged on the \*increase\* in MCA — not the full new amount. ### Ongoing FHA MIP (HECM only) 0.5% annually on the outstanding loan balance. Accrues to the balance; you don't write a check. ### Origination fee Capped by HUD for HECMs: $2,500 minimum, $6,000 maximum (2% of the first $200K of home value + 1% above that, up to $6,000). Jumbo programs set their own. ### Third-party closing costs Appraisal, title insurance, recording fees, credit report, flood certification, and state-specific items. Usually rolled into the loan. ### Servicing fee Some loans include a monthly servicing fee (capped at $30–$35/mo on HECMs). Many modern loans waive it. ### Interest Accrues on the outstanding balance and is added to the loan, not billed monthly. Fixed-rate locks at closing; adjustable rates reprice on a CMT or SOFR index plus margin. Figures reflect FHA HECM program rules as of 2026 and are educational only. Final numbers depend on your loan estimate. Why Refinance ### When a refinance can make sense + Why Refinance ## Six reasons a reverse mortgage refinance can make sense Refinancing isn't always the right move — but for the right borrower it can mean more cash, better terms, or stronger protections. Here's what to weigh. ### Your home is worth more Significant appreciation since your original closing can mean a meaningfully larger Principal Limit, even at the same age and rate environment. ### The FHA lending limit rose The 2026 HECM limit is $1,249,125. If you closed when limits were lower, a refinance may capture equity that was previously capped. ### Add a younger spouse to the loan If a spouse wasn't 62 at original closing, refinancing once they qualify can make them a borrower with full FHA protections — not just a Non-Borrowing Spouse. ### Switch to a better rate or structure Move from fixed to adjustable (or vice versa) to unlock a growing line of credit, change payment plans, or align with current rate conditions. ### Move into a jumbo proprietary loan If your home value far exceeds the FHA limit, a jumbo refinance can unlock equity above the HECM cap — sometimes without ongoing FHA MIP. ### Refinance a proprietary loan into a HECM If FHA protections, federal non-recourse, or HUD-regulated servicing matter more to you now, moving back to a HECM may be the right call. Glossary ### Speak the language + Glossary ## Speak the language The terms you'll hear from any loan officer — defined plainly, with no marketing spin. HECM Home Equity Conversion Mortgage — the FHA-insured reverse mortgage for homeowners 62+. Principal Limit The maximum amount you can borrow against your home, based on age, rate, and Maximum Claim Amount. Maximum Claim Amount (MCA) The lesser of your appraised home value or the FHA HECM lending limit ($1,249,125 in 2026). MIP Mortgage Insurance Premium — the FHA insurance that makes HECMs non-recourse. 2% upfront + 0.5% annual on the balance. LESA Life Expectancy Set-Aside — funds carved from your Principal Limit to pay future taxes and insurance when the Financial Assessment requires it. Non-Borrowing Spouse A spouse not on the loan. With proper documentation, an eligible non-borrowing spouse can stay in the home after the borrower passes. Non-recourse You or your heirs never owe more than the home is worth at sale. Federal on HECMs; contractual on most jumbo programs. 5x Benefit Rule HUD's requirement that a HECM-to-HECM refinance increase your Principal Limit by at least 5× the closing costs. Seasoning The minimum time between your original HECM and a refinance — typically about 18 months. HUD Counseling An independent education session with a HUD-approved counselor, required before any HECM closes (including refinances). Proprietary / Jumbo Reverse A private (non-FHA) reverse mortgage for higher home values, often up to $4M, with no FHA MIP. Tenure Payment A monthly payment from your HECM for as long as you live in the home as a primary residence. Common Questions ## Straight answers, no jargon The most common questions homeowners 62+ ask before exploring a reverse mortgage. Can I refinance an existing reverse mortgage? + Yes. You can refinance one HECM into a new HECM, refinance a HECM into a jumbo proprietary reverse mortgage, or, in some cases, refinance a proprietary loan back into a HECM. The right path depends on your home value, age, current balance, and goals. What is the HUD 5-times benefit rule? + For HECM-to-HECM refinances, HUD requires that the increase in your Principal Limit be at least 5 times the closing costs of the new loan. It's designed to prevent unnecessary refinances. Your loan originator must run this test and document it. Is there a seasoning period before I can refinance a HECM? + HUD generally expects at least 18 months between your original HECM closing and a HECM-to-HECM refinance. Some lenders apply stricter seasoning. Jumbo proprietary refinances often have their own seasoning rules set by the investor. Do I get a credit for the FHA mortgage insurance I already paid? + On a HECM-to-HECM refinance you typically only pay the upfront FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium on the \*increase\* in the Maximum Claim Amount — not on the full new loan amount. This is one of the biggest reasons HECM-to-HECM refis can pencil out. How is a jumbo (proprietary) reverse mortgage different from a HECM? + Jumbo / proprietary reverse mortgages are private loans, not FHA-insured. They can lend on home values well above the FHA HECM limit (often up to $4M), some programs start at age 55 in eligible states, and they have no FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium. In exchange, they lack FHA's federal protections and counseling requirement varies by program. Show 7 more questions ### Still have questions? We're not a lender — we just answer questions. No sales pitch, no hand-off to a loan officer. [info@hecmacademy.com](mailto:info@hecmacademy.com)[Call (888) 203-8887](tel:+18882038887) Mon–Fri · Educational only, not a loan application. Ready when you are ## Take the next small step Estimate your HECM in about 2 minutes, or get the free guide and read at your own pace. No pressure, no sales call. [Check Eligibility →](#quickcheck)[Get the Free Guide](#guide) Educational information only. Not a loan offer or financial advice. About HECMAcademy ## Why you can feel safe exploring options here ### What we are — and aren't HECMAcademy is an independent educational resource for homeowners 62+. We are not a lender, broker, or financial advisor. We don't originate loans and we don't make eligibility decisions. ### Why HUD counseling matters Before any HECM closes, federal law requires a free session with an independent, HUD-approved counselor. They work for you — not the lender — and walk through whether a reverse mortgage really makes sense for your situation. ### Non-recourse, in plain English You or your heirs will never owe more than the home is worth when it's sold — even if the loan balance has grown beyond the value. That's a federal protection on every FHA-insured HECM. ### What happens after you check eligibility Nothing automatic. We don't auto-call you. We don't sell your information. If you choose to share your details, you may hear from one vetted FHA-approved lender — only after you opt in. $14T+ Home equity held by seniors 62+ 10,000 Americans turn 62 every day $1,249,125 2026 FHA HECM lending limit Pre-Qualification ## Answer a few questions to see if a HECM might fit your situation. Takes about 2 minutes. No credit check. No sales call. No obligation of any kind. Leave this field empty First name \* Last name Email address \* Phone \* Age band \* Select… 62–64 65–69 70–74 75–79 80+ State \* Select your state Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Washington D.C. ZIP code \* Is this your primary residence? Yes No Estimated home value Under $300K $300K–$500K $500K–$750K $750K+ Remaining mortgage balance Paid off / Very low Moderate Significant Not sure Have you had a reverse mortgage before? No, first time Yes, previously What brings you here today? By checking this box, I agree that HECMAcademy and one vetted FHA-approved lender may contact me at the phone number and email I provided — including by autodialed calls, prerecorded messages, and SMS text — about my HECM inquiry. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Message and data rates may apply. I understand HECMAcademy is an independent educational resource, not a lender, broker, or financial advisor. My information will not be sold or shared beyond that matched lender. I may opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message. Submission does not guarantee eligibility or approval for any loan product. Submit Pre-Qualification Free Guide ## Before you go — take the free HECM guide with you 8 pages. Plain English. Written for homeowners 62+. Covers how HECMs work, what you qualify for, and what questions to ask any lender. 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 Education-first information on the FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage for homeowners 62 and older. Learn - [Loan types](#loan-types) - [Why refinance](#why-refi) - [HUD refi rules](#refi-rules) - [HECM vs. Jumbo](#compare) - [Costs](#costs) - [Glossary](#glossary) - [Calculator](#calculator) - [FAQ](#faq) About HECMAcademy is an educational resource, not a lender. We do not originate loans. We may refer interested homeowners to FHA-approved lenders in our vetted network. © 2026 HECMAcademy. All rights reserved.