Reverse Mortgage Education
The Savvy Reverse Blog
In-depth guides and honest analysis from a licensed HECM specialist. No sales pitch — just the information you need to make a smart decision about your home equity.
Looking for the fundamentals?
Start with our comprehensive guides — they cover everything from how reverse mortgages work to comparing your options.
Latest Articles
Reverse Mortgage and Taxes: What You Need to Know
HECM proceeds aren't taxable income — but interest deductions and property taxes have nuances.
April 4, 2026How Long Does a Reverse Mortgage Take to Close?
30–45 days from start to finish. Here's the step-by-step timeline.
April 2, 2026Reverse Mortgage vs. Downsizing: Which Makes More Sense?
Stay, sell, or do both? The real numbers behind each option.
March 31, 2026Can You Make Payments on a Reverse Mortgage?
Yes — they're optional, flexible, and penalty-free. Here's why some borrowers do.
March 28, 2026What Happens to a Reverse Mortgage in a Divorce?
Who keeps the home, what happens to the loan, and the NBS risk most people miss.
March 26, 2026Non-Borrowing Spouse: How to Protect a Younger Spouse
If your spouse is under 62, the NBS designation keeps them in the home for life.
March 24, 2026Reverse Mortgage and Medicaid: What You Need to Know
HECM proceeds aren't income, but unspent funds can count as assets for Medicaid.
March 21, 20262026 HECM Lending Limits: What the New Cap Means
FHA raised the limit to $1,249,125. Here's who benefits and what it means for your loan.
March 19, 2026How to Talk to Your Parents About a Reverse Mortgage
A guide for adult children — start the conversation without it feeling pushy.
March 17, 2026Does a Reverse Mortgage Affect Social Security or Medicare?
Short answer: no. But Medicaid has different rules you should know about.
March 14, 2026Can You Use a Reverse Mortgage to Pay Off Debt?
Yes — credit cards, your existing mortgage, medical bills, and more.
March 12, 2026What Happens to a Reverse Mortgage in a Nursing Home?
The 12-month rule, spousal protections, and using HECM to fund care.
March 10, 2026Can You Get a Reverse Mortgage on a Manufactured Home?
Yes — if it meets four specific FHA requirements. Here's how to check.
March 7, 2026Can the Bank Take My Home?
The #1 fear about reverse mortgages — and why it's wrong.
March 5, 2026Is a Reverse Mortgage a Scam?
Why the stigma exists and what the real facts say.
March 3, 2026What About My Spouse?
How spousal protections work — whether they're on the loan or not.
February 27, 2026Is a Reverse Mortgage Just a Last Resort?
How savvy retirees are using HECM as a strategic tool.
February 25, 2026What If I Need to Move or Sell?
You're never trapped — here's how selling and moving work.
February 23, 2026Don't the TV Ads Mean It's Shady?
Why the marketing is aggressive and why it doesn't define the product.
February 20, 2026What Does HUD/FHA Have to Do With It?
The government's role in protecting reverse mortgage borrowers.
February 18, 2026New articles are published weekly. Get in touch if you have a specific question — it might become our next article.
Want the complete picture?
Download our free Reverse Mortgage Guide — everything on this blog, organized into one easy reference.
No obligation · No hard sell · Your questions, answered honestly