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San Francisco homeowners 62+ are sitting on some of the highest equity levels in the country. That equity can work for you — without selling or moving.
A reverse mortgage converts your home equity into tax-free cash. No monthly mortgage payments required as long as you live in the home.
62 years old
Minimum Age
$1,249,125
HECM Loan Limit
None required
Monthly Payments
No hard cutoff
Credit Minimum
Required before closing
HUD Counseling
Reverse Mortgages in San Francisco
You must be 62 or older and own the home as your primary residence. The home must have significant equity — most lenders want at least 50%.
You still pay property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and maintenance. Falling behind on those can trigger default.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect reverse mortgages eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in San Francisco.
San Francisco homeowners 62+ are sitting on some of the highest equity levels in the country. That equity can work for you — without selling or moving.
A reverse mortgage converts your home equity into tax-free cash. No monthly mortgage payments required as long as you live in the home.
You must be 62 or older and own the home as your primary residence. The home must have significant equity — most lenders want at least 50%.
Most reverse mortgages are HECMs — Home Equity Conversion Mortgages — backed by the FHA. A handful of private jumbo reverse products also exist.
With SF home values often exceeding HECM limits, jumbo reverse mortgages can unlock significantly more equity. Not every lender offers them.
The HECM loan limit as of April 2026 is $1,249,125. Many SF properties exceed that. A jumbo reverse mortgage may serve you better.
I see seniors leave money on the table by defaulting to the first HECM quote they get. Shopping lenders — especially for jumbo products — makes a real difference here.
A HELOC gives you a credit line but requires monthly payments. A reverse mortgage requires none — which matters on a fixed income.
Home Equity Loans and HELOCs both add monthly debt obligations. A reverse mortgage eliminates that pressure entirely for qualifying borrowers.
San Francisco property values are among the highest in the nation. That works in your favor — more equity means more borrowing power on a reverse mortgage.
SF's high property tax bills make it critical to budget carefully. Failing to pay taxes is the top reason reverse mortgage borrowers face foreclosure.
No. You remain on title. The lender places a lien, but you own the home as long as you live there and meet loan obligations.
The loan becomes due. Heirs can sell the home, repay the loan, or refinance. They keep any remaining equity after the loan is paid.
Yes, but the condo must be FHA-approved for a HECM. Some SF buildings don't qualify — jumbo reverse products have more flexibility.
No. Proceeds are loan advances, not income. They generally don't affect Social Security, though they may affect Medi-Cal eligibility.
HECMs don't have a hard credit score minimum. Lenders do a financial assessment to check tax and insurance payment history.
It's a required session with a HUD-approved counselor before you apply. It covers costs, risks, and alternatives — usually done by phone.