A reverse mortgage lets homeowners aged 62 or older borrow against their home equity without making monthly principal and interest payments, but it is still a loan that grows over time and must be repaid. If you live in Palm Coast and are weighing a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, this page covers how it works, the HUD-approved counseling you must complete first and the ongoing obligations that come with it in Florida.
Call to speak with a licensed loan officer about reverse mortgage in Palm Coast. Programs vary by borrower, property and investor.
Older homeowners in Palm Coast
In Palm Coast, 45% of owner-occupied homes are headed by someone 65 or older, and 38% of owner-occupied homes have no mortgage. 2024 HMDA data for Flagler County show 33 reverse mortgages.
How a HECM reverse mortgage works
With a traditional mortgage, you pay the lender each month and your balance falls. With a reverse mortgage, the lender advances money to you, and the balance rises as interest, mortgage insurance and any fees are added. You keep title to the home.
No monthly principal and interest payment is required while at least one borrower lives in the home as a primary residence and meets the loan terms. You may make voluntary payments if you choose. The loan generally becomes due when the last borrower sells, moves out for an extended period or passes away. How much you can access depends on the age of the youngest borrower, the home value and other factors set by HUD and the lender.
Start your application in a few minutes. A licensed loan officer reviews it and follows up with your options.
- Takes a few minutes
- Reviewed by a licensed loan officer
- No obligation to proceed
Prefer to talk first? Call (888) 912-6746. Applying is not a loan approval or commitment to lend; programs vary by borrower, property and investor. ClearPoint Mortgage Advisors, NMLS #173855. Properties in FL, NY, NJ, PA, CT and VA only.
Counseling first, then payout choices
Before any lender can take a HECM application, you must meet with a counselor approved by HUD. The session is designed to make sure you understand the loan, its costs and the alternatives. It is your chance to ask hard questions without a sales pitch. Bringing family members can help everyone understand the plan.
Payout options give you flexibility. A line of credit lets you draw only what you need, and unused credit may grow over time under program rules. Monthly advances can supplement retirement income. A single lump sum is also possible but may limit future access. Talk through how each choice interacts with taxes and benefits, and for tax questions talk to a tax professional.
Who this tends to fit
- You are married and want to understand protections for a spouse who is not on the loan
- You want to pay off an existing mortgage to remove a required monthly principal and interest payment
- You would like a line of credit available for future expenses such as home modifications or care at home
- You are a homeowner aged 62 or older buying a new primary residence through HECM for Purchase
- The youngest borrower on title is 62 or older and plans to stay in the home long term
Local offices and Florida rules to know
- Property assessment: Flagler County Property Appraiser. The Flagler County Property Appraiser's Office in Bunnell handles homestead exemption applications for Flagler County property owners.
Florida property tax relief: Owners who make a Florida property their permanent residence (or a dependent's) may qualify for the homestead exemption, applied for through the property appraiser in the county where the property is located.
Your ongoing duties and what happens to the home in Palm Coast
A reverse mortgage does not relieve you of homeownership costs. You must keep paying property taxes, homeowners insurance and any flood insurance or association dues, and you must maintain the home in reasonable repair. Falling behind on these obligations can put the loan into default and may lead to foreclosure. Lenders review your finances during the application to judge whether you can keep up, and some borrowers are required to set aside funds for taxes and insurance.
When the loan comes due, the home is usually sold to repay it, or heirs may pay it off and keep the property. HECMs are non-recourse loans, so the amount owed generally cannot exceed the home's value at the time it is sold.
Before you call
- Questions about heirs, estate plans and any public benefits you receive
- Notes on how you would prefer to receive funds: line of credit, monthly advances, lump sum or a mix
- Your HUD-approved counseling certificate, or a plan to schedule the session
- The current balance and statement for any existing mortgage or lien on the home
- Recent property tax bills and your homeowners and flood insurance declarations
Questions Palm Coast borrowers ask about reverse mortgage
Why is HUD-approved counseling required?
A reverse mortgage is a complex decision with long-term effects on your finances and estate. HUD requires a session with an independent, HUD-approved counselor before you apply so you understand how the loan works, what it costs, how the balance grows and what alternatives exist. The counselor does not work for the lender. You will receive a certificate showing you completed counseling, which the lender needs before moving forward.
What protections exist for a spouse who is not on the loan?
HUD rules provide protections for an eligible non-borrowing spouse, often a spouse who is younger than 62 when the loan closes. If certain conditions are met and the spouse is named in the loan documents, they may be able to stay in the home after the borrower dies, as long as they keep up with taxes, insurance and upkeep. They cannot draw additional funds. Ask the counselor and lender to explain these rules for your situation.
Who can get a HECM reverse mortgage?
The youngest borrower must be 62 or older, the home must be your primary residence and you need substantial equity. The property must meet FHA standards, and eligible types include single-family homes, some two-to-four unit homes you live in, and certain condominiums and manufactured homes. You must also complete HUD-approved counseling and show you can keep paying property taxes, insurance and upkeep. Approval is subject to the lender's review.
Can I use a reverse mortgage to buy a home?
Yes. A HECM for Purchase lets borrowers aged 62 or older buy a new primary residence and finance part of the price with a reverse mortgage, paying the rest from savings or the sale of a prior home. This can help when downsizing or moving closer to family without taking on a required monthly principal and interest payment. The same counseling, occupancy and ongoing cost obligations apply.
Get answers about reverse mortgage for a home in or around Palm Coast. Subject to credit approval; programs vary.
Other loan options in Palm Coast
LendersCompaniesBrokersHome loansRefinanceCash-out refinanceHELOCHome equity loanFHAVAFirst-time buyerConstructionRenovation
Reverse Mortgage near Palm Coast
- Reverse Mortgage in Flagler Beach, FL (8 mi)
- Reverse Mortgage in Ormond-by-the-Sea, FL (17 mi)
- Reverse Mortgage in St. Augustine Shores, FL (19 mi)
- Reverse Mortgage in Ormond Beach, FL (19 mi)
- Reverse Mortgage in St. Augustine Beach, FL (21 mi)
- Reverse Mortgage in St. Augustine South, FL (22 mi)
- Reverse Mortgage in Holly Hill, FL (24 mi)
- Reverse Mortgage in St. Augustine, FL (25 mi)
Related guides
- Reverse Mortgage Pros and Cons: What to Know About a HECM
- HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: Which Way to Tap Your Equity
- Closing Costs Explained
Reverse Mortgage across Florida · Reverse Mortgage guide · Florida overview
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates
- 2024 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data for Flagler County