HUD-Approved Counseling

Nonprofit

Since 1974

Reverse mortgage counseling for a More Secure Retirement

Are you 62 or older and weighing a reverse mortgage as part of your retirement plan? Reverse mortgage counseling from Credit.org gives you the clear, unbiased guidance you need before signing on the dotted line.

This program lets you tap into your home equity to supplement retirement income, eliminate other debt, or cover monthly expenses. Through our HUD-approved reverse mortgage counseling session, you will gain a clear understanding of what a reverse mortgage is, how it works, and whether a reverse mortgage loan fits your long-term financial needs.

Credit.org is a nonprofit, HUD-certified housing counseling agency and a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). We have provided trusted reverse mortgage counseling for more than 50 years.

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency

NFCC Member

501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Service overview

Your guided counseling experience

Our HUD-certified counselors provide unbiased, expert guidance to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your home equity.
Discover
Step 01
Understand
Step 02
Move Forward
Step 03
  • Step 01

    Explore Your Reverse Mortgage Options to Find the Right Fit

    Learn how it works and what benefits a reverse mortgage loan can provide, such as accessing funds from your equity while continuing to live in your home. Our reverse mortgage counseling is designed to explain the pros and cons so you can decide if this type of loan fits your financial goals.
  • Step 02

    Achieve Clarity for a More Secure Retirement

    Our HUD-certified housing counseling team walks you through the loan types, terms, interest rates, and repayment structure. You will learn how the details of your reverse mortgage loan impact your equity, retirement plans, and long-term financial well-being.
  • Step 03

    Take the Next Step Toward Confident Retirement Planning

    Leave your reverse mortgage counseling appointment with confidence and a personalized summary of your options. Whether you are planning to age in place, travel more, or simply reduce financial stress, our counseling team will help you move forward with peace of mind.
Your journey

Start Your Reverse Mortgage Counseling Journey with Clear Guidance and Support

Clear guidance and support at every step — from your first question to your final certificate.
  • Step 01

    Start With the Basics of a Reverse Mortgage

    Your counseling session starts with the fundamentals. Learn how it allows you to convert home equity into income. This counseling appointment gives you a clear answer to what it is and what benefits the loan might bring.
  • Step 02

    Choose the Right Type of Reverse Mortgage

    Mortgage counseling helps you understand reverse mortgage options like HECM and proprietary loans. Learn about eligibility, benefits, and key details to choose the best option for your financial needs.
  • Step 03

    Discuss Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

    Your counseling team will explain the risks, benefits, and long-term impact of a reverse mortgage. They’ll also discuss alternative options to help you make an informed financial decision.
  • Step 04

    Get Your HECM Certificate & Retirement Guidance

    After your counseling session, you’ll receive the required HECM counseling certificate needed to move forward with the reverse mortgage process. The session also helps you better understand how your home equity may support your retirement goals.
  • No sales pressure. No lender bias.

    Explore your reverse mortgage options with our certified counsellors.
Why counseling matters

Gain Confidence Through Reverse Mortgage Counseling

Working with a certified housing counselor ensures you have the knowledge, documentation, and confidence to make the best decision for your retirement.

Personalized Guidance from HUD-Certified Housing Counseling

Unlike generic online resources, a HUD-certified housing counselor provides one-on-one guidance tailored to your unique financial situation, home value, income, and long-term retirement goals.

Unbiased, Nonprofit
Counseling

Credit.org is an independent nonprofit financial counseling agency with no lender affiliation. We have no sales pressure — only clear, honest facts to help you make the right decision for your future.

Fulfill the HUD Counseling Requirement

A reverse mortgage lender cannot process your HECM loan without a completed counseling certificate. Our session fulfills this federal requirement and gives you the documentation you need to move forward.

Explore Every Option Before You Decide

Your counselor will walk you through the pros, cons, and alternatives — including downsizing, home equity loans, or debt management programs — so you can be absolutely certain a reverse mortgage is right for you.

Flexible Scheduling That Fits Your Life

Book your counseling session at a time that works for you. We offer convenient appointment scheduling so you can get the guidance you need without disrupting your daily routine.

Protect Your Long-Term Financial Health

Understanding the full impact of a reverse mortgage on your estate, heirs, and retirement income is essential. Our counseling ensures you enter this decision with complete clarity and confidence.

Your reverse mortgage counseling session starts at $199 for HECM and $229 for proprietary programs (non-HECM). Each session provides HUD-approved
guidance tailored to your housing goals.

* The $199 HECM counseling fee may be reduced or waived based on financial hardship, program eligibility, or available grant funding.

Tools & guidance

Resources to help you prepare with confidence

From eligibility checklists to equity calculators, access clear, unbiased tools that help you understand your options before your counseling session.

Educational Guides & Checklists

Download comprehensive reverse mortgage guides, eligibility checklists, and planning worksheets to feel fully prepared before your counseling session.
12+ guides
Explore

Home Equity Calculator

Estimate your borrowing potential, explore repayment scenarios, and understand how different loan types affect your home equity over time.
Free to use
Explore

Video Education Library

Watch expert-led videos explaining reverse mortgage fundamentals, the counseling process, and real homeowner success stories — at your own pace.
20+ videos
Explore

Finance Blog

Expert articles on home equity, retirement planning, and financial wellness for seniors.

Planning Tools

Budget worksheets, retirement planners, and decision-making frameworks.

Courses

Self-paced educational courses covering reverse mortgage fundamentals and beyond.

Resource Center

Complete library of downloadable guides, forms, and reference materials.
Need personalized guidance?

Speak directly with a certified housing counselor

Financial tools

Explore reverse mortgage estimates with guidance

Use our educational calculator to better understand how home value, available equity, interest rates, and loan costs may affect a reverse mortgage estimate. These numbers are examples only and should be reviewed with a certified housing counselor.

  • Smart Retirement Planning

    See how a reverse mortgage could impact your long-term financial security and provide extra cash flow when you need it most.
  • Clear Financial Insights

    Understand how much equity you can access and how it could supplement your retirement income.
  • Personalized Loan Estimates

    Get a tailored breakdown of potential loan amounts, interest rates, and repayment scenarios based on your home's value.
Explore Educational Calculator

Always Free

No Obligation

Confidential

For Educational Guidance

  • Estimated Home Value

    Based on market data
$425,000
Sample estimate - actual values vary

Estimated Available Equity

~$210,000

Estimated Monthly Payment Option

~$1,050

Interest Rate Range

6.5% - 7.2%
These are sample estimates for illustration only. Speak with a certified counselor for accurate figures based on your situation.
Want personalized guidance?

Speak with a certified housing counselor to review your situation, questions, and next steps.

Common questions

Reverse mortgage counseling FAQs

Quick answers to the questions we hear most often from homeowners like you.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a Reverse Mortgage?

To qualify, you must be 62 or older, own your home, and live in it as your primary residence. Reverse mortgage counseling with a HUD-certified counselor will confirm your eligibility and walk you through next steps.

Why Speak with a Counselor from a HUD-Approved Agency?

A HUD-certified counselor ensures you fully understand the risks, costs, and benefits so you can make a confident, informed decision. HUD requires this counseling before any HECM loan can close, and proper counseling protects you from costly mistakes.

How Do I Know If a Reverse Mortgage Is Right for Me?

Our HUD-approved counselors will help you assess your finances, explain the pros and cons, and guide you through the decision based on your goals and needs. We cover alternatives like downsizing, home equity loans, or debt management programs so you can compare all your options.


Will I Still Have an Estate to Leave to My Heirs?

Yes. Any remaining home equity after repaying the reverse mortgage loan and interest goes to your estate or heirs when the home is sold or vacated. Counseling can also help you plan ahead so your loved ones know what to expect.

How Long Does the Counseling Session Take?

A typical HECM counseling session lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. We take the time needed to ensure you fully understand every aspect of the reverse mortgage, explore alternatives, and answer all your questions thoroughly.

What Do I Need to Prepare Before My Counseling Appointment?

Bring your current mortgage statement, property tax information, and a list of any questions you have. Our counselors will guide you through everything else — no financial expertise needed.

Still have questions?

Our certified housing counselors are here to help with
personalized guidance and clear answers to all of your
reverse mortgage questions.
Take the first step

Ready to understand your reverse mortgage options?

Start with a free educational course or speak with a certified housing counselor for personalized guidance.

Private & confidential

Educational guidance

HUD-approved agency

No lender sales pressure

50,000+
People helped yearly
Trusted guidance from certified housing counselors
50+
Years of experience
Helping homeowners make confident, informed decisions
4.9/5
Client satisfaction
Based on thousands of counseling sessions