Reverse Mortgage Academy

Understand reverse mortgages before making a decision.

Learn how reverse mortgages work, what responsibilities come with them, and whether this option may fit your financial goals. Credit.org's free educational course gives homeowners and families clear, unbiased information before moving forward.

This course is for educational purposes only and does not replace HUD-required HECM counseling.

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency

NFCC Member

501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Understand how home equity may fit into your retirement planning

About the course

Learn how reverse mortgages work before making a decision

The Reverse Mortgage Academy is a free educational course from Credit.org, a nonprofit HUD-approved housing counselingagency. The course helps homeowners age 62 and older understand reverse mortgages, including how they work, who may qualify, costs, responsibilities, alternatives, and key questions to consider.

  • No sales pressure. No lender bias.

    Just clear education to help you make an informed decision.

  • Nonprofit & unbiased

    No lender affiliation or sales pressure

  • Certified counselors

    HUD-approved housing counseling agency

  • Self-paced learning

    Complete chapters on your schedule

  • Free educational course

    No cost to complete the online learning modules.
Course curriculum

What you'll learn

Four carefully structured chapters designed to take you from curious to confident.
Preview the course
  • Chapter 01

    Basics of Reverse Mortgages

    Gain a foundational understanding of reverse mortgages — what it is, how it works, and how reverse mortgages may allow homeowners to use a portion of their home equity. This chapter simplifies complex concepts to give you clarity and confidence.
  • Chapter 01

    Eligibility and Process

    Learn what qualifies you for a reverse mortgage and walk through the application process step-by-step. Discover the financial aspects, including costs, fees, and payment options.
  • Chapter 01

    Benefits, Risks, and Alternatives

    Explore the key advantages of reverse mortgages, potential risks to consider, and alternative solutions that may better suit your needs. This chapter ensures you make the most informed decision possible.
  • Chapter 01

    Decision-Making and Next Steps

    Put your knowledge into action by exploring whether a reverse mortgage aligns with your goals. Our certified housing counselors provide one-on-one education, empowering you with the pros and cons to make the right decision.

  • No sales pressure. No lender bias.

    Just clear education to help you make an informed decision.
Start FREE Course

100% Free

No Obligation

No Pressure

Expert guidance

Why speak with a certified housing counselor?

The online course is a great start — but a one-on-one conversation with a counselor can
make all the difference in your final decision.

Personalized answers, not generic advice

A certified counselor provides one-on-one guidance tailored to your unique financial situation. Every recommendation is based on your home value, income, goals, and comfort level - not a one-size-fits-all script.

Ask questions and get real solutions

Get immediate answers to your concerns with expert insights that go beyond general online information. No question is too small - counselors explain complex topics in clear, plain language you can understand.

Understand your best options

Explore how a reverse mortgage compares to other financial solutions with professional guidance. You will leave with clarity on what works best for your situation, your family, and your long-term goals.

Ready for personalized guidance?

Talk with a certified housing counselor to review your situation,
questions, and next steps.
Schedule Counseling Appointment
Schedule Counseling Appointment
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.

Schedule Counseling Appointment