Education Center
Reverse Mortgage Myths
"Reverse Mortgages Are Too Complicated to Understand"
Elaine, a retired nurse in Napa Valley, had heard horror stories about the complexity of reverse mortgages and didn’t want to get trapped in something she couldn’t fully understand. Her house, nestled in the wine country, was her pride and joy, and she worried about making the wrong financial move.
Evoque Lending Reverse simplified the process for Elaine, explaining every step in plain language. By breaking down the details, Elaine felt empowered and informed. She ultimately used her reverse mortgage to install solar panels and upgrade her home’s energy efficiency, enjoying peace of mind knowing she had made a well-informed decision.
"Reverse Mortgages Are Only for the Desperate"
Jack and Linda were retired teachers living comfortably in San Jose but wanted to supplement their fixed income to travel and spend more time with their grandchildren. They had always dismissed reverse mortgages as a “last resort” for those in financial trouble.
When their financial advisor suggested looking into a reverse mortgage, they were skeptical. After researching and working with Evoque Lending Reverse, they realized this wasn’t true. They unlocked a portion of their home’s equity, which gave them the freedom to take memorable vacations and fund a college savings account for their grandkids—all without jeopardizing their financial security.
"I Don’t Need the Money—It’s Not Worth It"
David, a semi-retired entertainment lawyer in Beverly Hills, owned a $21MM mansion and assumed reverse mortgages were only for people who needed immediate cash. He dismissed the idea, thinking it wouldn’t align with his financial sophistication.
After discussing options with Evoque Lending Reverse, David saw the untapped potential of using his home’s equity strategically. He secured a reverse mortgage and invested in a tech startup fund that significantly outperformed his traditional portfolio. David called the decision “the smartest financial move of the decade,” as it allowed him to grow his wealth while still enjoying his Beverly Hills lifestyle.
"A Reverse Mortgage Means My Heirs Get Nothing"
Jessica and Emily, a same-sex couple in their 60s, lived in a $18MM historic estate in Bel Air. They feared taking out a reverse mortgage would eliminate their daughters’ inheritance, so they avoided the idea.
When they consulted Evoque Lending Reverse, they learned their heirs could still inherit the property and any remaining equity after the loan was repaid. With this knowledge, Jessica and Emily decided to renovate their estate and establish a charitable foundation supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Their daughters were proud of their parents’ contributions and grateful for the preserved family home and legacy.
"You Can Owe More Than the Home Is Worth"
Paul, a retired mechanic from Bakersfield, believed a reverse mortgage could leave him or his heirs owing more than the home’s value if property prices dropped. This fear kept him from exploring his options, even though his fixed income was barely covering his living expenses.
After attending a free workshop hosted by Evoque Lending Reverse, Paul learned about the federally mandated non-recourse clause in reverse mortgages. This clause guarantees that borrowers or their heirs will never owe more than the home’s appraised value at the time of sale. Paul confidently moved forward, using the loan to improve his quality of life while securing his financial future.
"It's Better to Sell the Home Than Get a Reverse Mortgage"
Linda, a retired CEO living in Atherton, considered selling her $17MM estate to access her wealth. She thought reverse mortgages didn’t make sense for individuals with high-net-worth properties like hers.
After consulting Evoque Lending Reverse, Linda realized a reverse mortgage allowed her to leverage her home’s equity without selling it, preserving her lifestyle and property. She used the proceeds to invest in a private equity fund for her granddaughter’s fashion startup. Watching the next generation thrive, Linda enjoyed peace of mind knowing she still owned her home while strategically growing her family’s financial portfolio.
"A Reverse Mortgage Means My Heirs Get Nothing"
Maria, a 73-year-old retiree in Fresno, was concerned that taking out a reverse mortgage on her family home would mean her children couldn’t inherit it. She had always planned to pass the house down, but she also needed financial help for unexpected medical bills. Evoque Lending Reverse walked Maria through the details, showing her that her children could still inherit the home. They would have the option to pay off the reverse mortgage balance or sell the home and keep the remaining equity. This knowledge eased Maria’s mind and allowed her to use her home’s equity for the care she needed while preserving her family’s legacy.
"Reverse Mortgages Are Only for Modest Homes"
Mark and Phillip, a same-sex couple in their 70s, lived in a breathtaking oceanfront property in Malibu valued at $19MM. They believed reverse mortgages were for modest homes and couldn’t possibly apply to their high-value estate.
When they consulted with Evoque Lending Reverse, they discovered reverse mortgages could accommodate ultra-high-value properties, with loan amounts exceeding $4MM on exception. The couple used their untapped equity to invest in a luxury eco-retreat business while also funding a trust for their nephews, securing both financial growth and family legacy. They were also comforted to know California law protects both spouses, ensuring the surviving partner could remain in the home.
"I'll Lose Ownership of My Home"
Sarah, a 68-year-old widow, hesitated to consider a reverse mortgage because she believed it meant signing her home away to the lender. Her late husband had worked hard to pay off their bungalow in Long Beach, and the idea of losing ownership was unacceptable.
After meeting with a trusted advisor at Evoque Lending Reverse, Sarah learned that this myth was entirely false. With a reverse mortgage, she retained ownership of her home, remaining on the title, and could live there as long as she wanted. Sarah used the funds to make necessary repairs and enjoy her retirement without the stress of financial strain.
"Reverse Mortgages Are Too Restrictive for High-End Homes"
Vivian, a 69-year-old philanthropist in Santa Monica, assumed reverse mortgages came with rigid terms that wouldn’t suit her $16MM beachfront property. She wanted financial flexibility to fund her passions, such as environmental advocacy and global travel. After meeting with Evoque Lending Reverse, Vivian discovered how customizable a reverse mortgage could be. She accessed her home’s equity to create a $2MM scholarship program for underprivileged students and fund a cutting-edge environmental research center. Vivian enjoyed her newfound financial freedom without ever feeling restricted by the terms of the loan.
Extra helpful answers to commonly asked questions
Who qualifies for a HECM?
Homeowners aged 62 or older with sufficient equity in a primary residence. Even if one spouse is under 62, the eligible non-borrowing spouse provision ensures the younger partner can stay in the home.
How much can I borrow?
Your borrowing limit depends on your age, the appraised home value, and current interest rates. Fortunately, recent changes have raised FHA lending limits, meaning you may qualify for more.
Will I lose ownership of my home?
No. You retain ownership as long as you occupy the home and meet loan requirements. The FHA insurance protects your heirs from any liability beyond the home’s value.
What happens if the loan balance exceeds my home's value?
Thanks to FHA insurance, you and your heirs will never owe more than the home’s market value, even if property values decline.
How is the loan repaid?
The loan is repaid when you sell the home, move, or pass away. Even if the home’s value decreases, the insurance ensures you or your heirs aren’t responsible for any shortfall.