Reverse Mortgages in Wisconsin & Minnesota

Reverse mortgages are designed to help homeowners age 62 and older turn a portion of their home’s value into accessible funds while continuing to live in their home.

With no required monthly mortgage payments and flexible payout options, a reverse mortgage can provide additional financial flexibility in retirement.

What is a Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a loan designed for homeowners age 62 and older that allows them to convert a portion of their home’s value into cash while continuing to live in their home.

Instead of making monthly mortgage payments, the loan balance increases over time as funds are used. This can provide additional financial flexibility without adding a monthly payment.

The loan is repaid when the last surviving borrower sells the home, passes away, or no longer occupies the home as their primary residence.

Throughout the life of the loan, the homeowner retains ownership of the property and can continue living in the home, as long as ongoing responsibilities such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance are met.

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?

A reverse mortgage may be a helpful option for homeowners looking to access a portion of their home’s value while remaining in their home.

It may be a good fit if:

  • You are age 62 or older
  • You have built up significant equity in your home
  • You want to stay in your home long term
  • You are living on a fixed or limited income
  • You want to improve cash flow without adding a monthly payment

Reverse mortgages are designed to provide financial flexibility in retirement, especially for homeowners who want to use their equity to support ongoing expenses or long-term plans.

How Do Reverse Mortgages Work?

Reverse mortgages are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and are designed for homeowners age 62 and older.

Instead of making monthly principal and interest mortgage payments, borrowers receive funds based on a percentage of the home’s value and the age of the youngest borrower. As funds are accessed and interest accrues, the loan balance increases over time.

Borrowers can continue living in the home and retain ownership, as long as they meet ongoing obligations such as paying property taxes, insurance, and maintaining the home.

The reverse mortgage is repaid when the last surviving borrower sells the home, passes away, or no longer occupies the home as their primary residence.

Key Benefits of a Reverse Mortgage

Reverse mortgages are designed to provide financial flexibility for homeowners in retirement while allowing them to remain in their home.

They may be used in a variety of ways, such as refinancing an existing mortgage, increasing monthly cash flow, covering expenses like healthcare or home updates, or supporting broader financial planning goals.

  • No Monthly Principal and Interest Mortgage Payments Required: Borrowers are not required to make monthly principal and interest payments, which can help reduce ongoing financial obligations.
  • Stay in Your Home Long Term: Homeowners retain ownership and can continue living in the home as long as they meet program requirements.
  • Access Home Equity Without Selling: A reverse mortgage allows homeowners to convert a portion of their home’s value into usable funds without needing to sell the property.
  • Flexible Payout Options: Funds can be received as a line of credit, monthly payments, a lump sum, or a combination, depending on financial preference.
  • Improve Cash Flow in Retirement: Eliminating an existing mortgage payment and accessing additional funds can help support day to day expenses or long-term financial plans.
  • Federally Insured with Built-in Protections: Reverse mortgages are backed by the federal government and include safeguards designed to protect borrowers throughout the life of the loan.

What Are the Requirements for a Reverse Mortgage in Wisconsin and Minnesota?

Reverse mortgages follow specific guidelines to ensure the program is used appropriately and that borrowers are positioned for long term success.

  • Age Requirement: At least one borrower must be age 62 or older to qualify for a reverse mortgage.
  • Primary Residence Requirement: The home must be the borrower’s primary residence, and occupancy must be maintained throughout the life of the loan.
  • Home Equity: Borrowers must have sufficient equity in the home, either by owning it outright or having a low remaining mortgage balance that can be paid off at closing.
  • HUD Approved Counseling: Borrowers are required to complete independent counseling with a HUD approved counselor before moving forward with the loan.
  • Financial Assessment: A financial review is completed to determine the borrower can continue paying property taxes, insurance, and maintaining the home.
  • Ongoing Responsibilities: To keep the loan in good standing, borrowers must stay current on property taxes and insurance, maintain the home, and continue living in the property.

What to Expect During the Reverse Mortgage Process

The reverse mortgage process is designed to ensure borrowers fully understand the loan and feel confident in their decision.

  • HUD Approved Counseling: The process begins with independent counseling from a HUD approved advisor to review how the loan works and confirm it fits the borrower’s goals.
  • Application and Financial Review: Borrowers complete an application and provide financial information to confirm the ability to meet ongoing obligations such as taxes and insurance.
  • Home Appraisal: An FHA appraisal is completed to determine the home’s value and confirm it meets program requirements.
  • Loan Options and Structure: Borrowers review available payout options, such as a line of credit, monthly payments, or lump sum, to choose what best fits their needs.
  • Final Approval and Closing: Once approved, the loan is finalized and funds are made available based on the selected payout structure.

Reverse Mortgage

Moving Your Next Chapter Forward

Whether looking to improve cash flow, cover expenses, or stay in a home long term, borrowers can expect a thoughtful and personalized experience. With local lenders who understand the Wisconsin and Minnesota communities, Forward Bank is here to help homeowners move forward with clarity and confidence.

Insurance and Investment products are: Not FDIC Insured. May Lose Value. Are Not Financial Institution Guaranteed. Are Not A Deposit. Are Not Insured By Any Federal Government Agency.