← Back to RetireCalm™
Free Tool — 2026

Reverse Mortgage Calculator

Estimate how much cash you could unlock from your home with a reverse mortgage (HECM) — explained in plain English, with no sign-up and no sales pitch.

How this works: A reverse mortgage (officially a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM) lets homeowners age 62+ turn part of their home equity into cash — without monthly mortgage payments. You keep the title and live in the home; the loan is repaid when the last borrower sells, moves out, or passes away. How much you can access depends on three things: the age of the youngest borrower, your home's value (up to the 2026 FHA limit of $1,249,125), and the current interest rate. Older age and lower rates unlock more.

Enter your details

All estimates update instantly. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.

💡 Tip: Not sure of your home's value? A free estimate from a site like Zillow or Redfin gets you close enough for a ballpark. The interest rate is set by the lender at application — 6.5% is a reasonable placeholder for 2026.

How the estimate breaks down

From your home's value down to the cash you could actually receive.

How you could receive the money

A HECM isn't all-or-nothing — most borrowers mix these options.

💵

Lump sum

A one-time cash payout (subject to the first-year limit below). Often used to clear debt or fund a big expense.

📈

Line of credit

Draw cash only as you need it. The unused portion grows over time, which is why many planners use it as a standby safety net.

📅

Monthly payments

Steady monthly income — either for a set number of years (term) or for as long as you live in the home (tenure).

Is a reverse mortgage right for you?

Explore more RetireCalm finance guides and tools before you decide.

Important — please read: This calculator provides a rough estimate only and is not a loan offer, quote, or guarantee. The "principal limit factor" used here is an approximation of HUD's official age-and-rate tables; your actual figures will differ and can only be determined by a licensed lender using current HUD tables and a verified appraisal. Estimates here also assume typical closing costs (a 2% initial mortgage insurance premium, an origination fee, and roughly $3,500 in other fees) that vary by lender. A reverse mortgage is a loan that accrues interest and reduces the equity you leave to heirs; you must keep paying property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and upkeep. HECMs are non-recourse (you'll never owe more than the home is worth) and require HUD-approved counseling before you can apply. Always speak with a HUD-approved counselor and a licensed lender before making any decision. RetireCalm™ is not a lender and is not affiliated with HUD or the FHA.

Get our free monthly newsletter

One useful email a month — a featured guide, a scam alert, and a tool worth trying. No fees, no selling your info, unsubscribe anytime.