READER RESOURCE 01
How Much Equity Do You Have?
Introduction
Start with what your home may be worth and what you still owe. Use the guide’s equity exercise to put your starting point into perspective.
Explore in the guide ↗The reader companion · NIFE
Welcome, readers of
The Simple Guide to
Reverse Mortgages.
You’re in the right place. If you arrived here from The Simple Guide to Reverse Mortgages, this is your reader companion for the book’s interactive exercises, comparisons, and questions.
Keep your book open. Start with a question below, explore the ideas at your own pace, and return whenever you are ready for the next chapter.
The interactive guide opens in a new tab, so you can return here anytime.
Open the interactive book ↗Start with your question.
Look for the topic you are reading about in your book, or start with the question that matters most to you today.
How to use these resources
Each link opens the matching chapter with its interactive tool ready to explore, in a new tab. Keep your book handy and try it with your own numbers.
READER RESOURCE 02
Do I Qualify?
Chapter 1 · The Golden Rules of Qualifying
Explore the questions about age, residence, property type, and ongoing homeowner responsibilities that you will want to discuss with a qualified professional.
Explore in the guide ↗READER RESOURCE 03
HECM vs. Jumbo
Chapter 2 · Two Main Choices
Compare the two main reverse mortgage options and the tradeoffs to discuss before choosing a loan.
Explore in the guide ↗READER RESOURCE 04
Design Your Payout
Chapter 3 · Access My Equity
Explore ways to receive funds and consider how each approach could fit your household’s needs over time.
Explore in the guide ↗READER RESOURCE 05
What Will It Cost You?
Chapter 4 · The Hidden Costs and Your Chores
Look beyond the funds you receive. Review loan costs, interest, and the ongoing expenses and responsibilities of owning your home.
Explore in the guide ↗READER RESOURCE 06
Plan Your Move
Chapter 5 · Buying a New Home
Thinking about a different home? Explore the questions and numbers to consider when planning a purchase with a reverse mortgage.
Explore in the guide ↗READER RESOURCE 07
Tax Savings and Social Security Delay
Chapter 7 · Smart Money Tricks
Explore scenarios and questions about retirement cash flow, taxes, and the timing of Social Security. Review your own situation with appropriate tax and financial professionals.
Explore in the guide ↗READER RESOURCE 08
Myth vs. Fact Quiz
Chapter 8 · Common Myths and Straight Answers
Check your understanding, challenge common assumptions, and revisit the explanations behind the answers.
Explore in the guide ↗READER RESOURCE 09
Build Your Question List
Chapter 9 · Questions to Ask Your Lender
Prepare for a useful conversation. Gather questions about costs, responsibilities, family considerations, and the alternatives you want explained.
Explore in the guide ↗READER RESOURCE 10
Your Personalized Summary
Conclusion · Is It Right for You?
Bring your exploration together in the guide’s summary. Use it as a starting point for a conversation about your next steps.
Explore in the guide ↗Bring your questions.
Keep the conversation going.
Use what you have learned to prepare for a conversation with a qualified professional. You can also explore NIFE’s advisor directory.
Find a CLA™NIFE provides general financial education. These resources are not individualized financial, legal, or tax advice, a loan approval, or an offer of credit. Calculator results are estimates. Consult a qualified mortgage professional or HUD-approved housing counselor about eligibility and loan terms, and appropriate professionals about tax and retirement decisions.