A reverse mortgage provides financial security because you do not have to make payments or repay the loan as long as you occupy your home as a primary residence.Thus, the reverse mortgage program enables seniors that may be "real estate rich and cash poor" to unlock the financial potential in their homes, and let their homes work for them. Additionally, the reverse mortgage has no income or credit requirements to qualify.

In general, the reverse mortgage does not become payable until the senior homeowner no longer occupies the property as his or her primary residence.

Thus, the reverse mortgage is simply a loan against the borrower's principle residence. The borrower retains ownership of the home. If the borrower decides to sell the property, any funds in excess of the payoff amount belong the borrower, as is the case with a regular mortgage or home equity loan.

Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners that are age 62 and older. All persons listed on the deed to the property must be at least age 62. The borrower must occupy the property as his primary residence and all existing liens must be paid off at the time of settlement. Thus, the proceeds of the reverse mortgage are available to payoff any outstanding mortgages against the property. As an additional safeguard, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that each potential reverse mortgage borrower be advised about the reverse mortgage program by an independent HUD-approved counseling agency. This counseling is free of charge to the borrower.

While both reverse mortgages and home equity loans enable senior homeowners to turn the equity in their home into spendable dollars, there are important differences between these two types of mortgages.

First, home equity loans require regular monthly payments in order to repay the loan. These payments begin as soon as the loan is settled. In contrast, a reverse mortgage does not have to be repaid as long as the home remains the senior's primary residence. In other words, the loan becomes due only when the senior no longer occupies the property.

Second, home equity loans are based on the borrower's income and credit history. A home equity loan borrower may be required to re-qualify for the home equity loan each year. If the borrower does not qualify, than the lender may require that the loan be paid in full immediately. However, income and credit are not obstacles for seniors who want a reverse mortgage because there are absolutely no income or credit requirements to qualify. It should also be noted that there are no re-qualification requirements.