Reverse Mortgages for Homeowners 55+
A reverse mortgage can help senior homeowners in California and Georgia turn a portion of home equity into flexibility—without required monthly mortgage payments, as long as you follow the program rules.
This page explains how reverse mortgages work and how they compare to refinancing in retirement, downsizing, and keeping the home as a rental.
What Is a Reverse Mortgage?
A reverse mortgage allows eligible homeowners to access part of their equity while staying in the home as their primary residence.
- No required monthly mortgage payments (you must still pay taxes, insurance, and maintenance)
- Options for lump sum, line of credit, monthly payments, or a combination
- Typically repaid when you move, sell, or pass away
Common Reverse Mortgage Uses
- Creating a backup line of credit for emergencies
- Reducing monthly expenses in retirement
- Paying off an existing mortgage to free up cash flow
- Funding in-home care, medical expenses, or home modifications
Who Might a Reverse Mortgage Be Right For?
A reverse mortgage may be worth exploring if you:
- Are 55+ and live in the home as your primary residence
- Have significant equity but want more monthly breathing room
- Plan to stay in the home for the foreseeable future
- Can keep up with taxes, insurance, and maintenance
If you expect to move soon or primarily want to preserve equity for heirs, downsizing or a traditional refinance may be better.
Reverse Mortgages in California & Georgia
Senior homeowners I work with in California and Georgia commonly use reverse mortgages to:
- Stay in long-time homes in Oceanside, North County San Diego, and the Inland Empire
- Stabilize retirement income in Metro Atlanta suburbs
Next Steps: Senior Reverse Mortgage Review
We’ll compare a reverse mortgage side by side with a refinance, downsizing plan, or keep-as-rental option and show how each affects cash flow and equity over time.