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Lakewood's senior homeowners often sit on substantial equity built over decades in stable neighborhoods. Many bought in the 1960s-1980s when Lakewood represented affordable suburban living.
Reverse mortgages let you tap that equity without selling or making monthly payments. The loan gets repaid when you sell, move out permanently, or pass away.
Reverse Mortgages in Lakewood
You need to be at least 62 years old and own your home outright or have a low remaining mortgage balance. The property must be your primary residence.
HUD requires a financial assessment to verify you can cover property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Credit issues won't necessarily disqualify you, but we need to show you can keep the home.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect reverse mortgages eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Lakewood.
Lakewood's senior homeowners often sit on substantial equity built over decades in stable neighborhoods. Many bought in the 1960s-1980s when Lakewood represented affordable suburban living.
Reverse mortgages let you tap that equity without selling or making monthly payments. The loan gets repaid when you sell, move out permanently, or pass away.
You need to be at least 62 years old and own your home outright or have a low remaining mortgage balance. The property must be your primary residence.
Most reverse mortgages are HECMs (Home Equity Conversion Mortgages) backed by FHA. A handful of lenders offer proprietary jumbo reverse mortgages for high-value homes above HECM limits.
We work with specialized reverse mortgage lenders who understand the product's nuances. Not every wholesale lender in our network handles these loans—this requires specific expertise.
I see Lakewood homeowners use reverse mortgages to delay Social Security, cover healthcare costs, or supplement retirement income. Some use proceeds to pay off existing mortgages and eliminate monthly payments.
The product isn't cheap—expect origination fees, mortgage insurance, and higher interest rates than forward mortgages. But for seniors who want to age in place without payment stress, it solves a real problem.
HELOCs and home equity loans both access equity, but they require monthly payments and income verification. Reverse mortgages flip the model—the lender pays you, and the balance grows over time.
If you plan to move within five years, a HELOC or selling outright usually makes more financial sense. Reverse mortgages work when you're committed to staying put.
Lakewood's older housing stock means many seniors own modest-sized homes free and clear. Property values have appreciated steadily, giving longtime residents meaningful equity to access.
Los Angeles County property taxes continue rising even in retirement. A reverse mortgage can free up cash flow to cover those increases without forcing a sale or relocation.
No. You retain ownership and the title stays in your name. The loan becomes due when you permanently move out, sell, or pass away.
No. You can never owe more than the home's value. FHA insurance protects you from owing a balance that exceeds what the property sells for.
Your heirs can pay off the loan and keep the home, or sell it and keep any remaining equity. They're never liable for more than the home's worth.
It depends on your age, home value, and current interest rates. Older borrowers and higher home values typically qualify for larger loan amounts.
No. The IRS treats reverse mortgage proceeds as loan advances, not income. They don't affect Social Security or Medicare benefits either.