HECM for Purchase — Home Reverse

Buy the Home You Want Without Monthly Payments

The HECM for Purchase program lets eligible homeowners 62 and older buy a new primary residence using reverse mortgage financing — keeping more cash in their pocket from day one.

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Senior couple exploring their home purchase options
What Is a HECM for Purchase?

A smarter way to buy your next home

Most people know a reverse mortgage as a way to access equity in a home they already own. What far fewer people realize is that the same government-insured program can also be used to purchase a brand new home.

The HECM for Purchase — sometimes called H4P — is a federally insured loan that allows homeowners aged 62 and older to buy a new primary residence using a combination of their own funds and reverse mortgage proceeds. The result: you move into your new home and make no monthly mortgage payments for as long as you live there.

It is a program specifically designed for the realities of retirement — giving you the freedom to right-size your home, relocate closer to family, or move into a more manageable property, all without the burden of a traditional monthly mortgage payment.

How It Works

See the difference for yourself

Here is how buying a home with a HECM for Purchase compares to a traditional mortgage purchase.

Traditional Mortgage

  1. 1Make a down payment
  2. 2Finance the remainder with a traditional mortgage
  3. 3Make monthly principal and interest payments for the life of the loan
  4. 4Build equity gradually over time through monthly payments

Outcome:

You own the home — but you have a monthly mortgage payment for years to come.

HECM for Purchase

  1. 1Make a larger one-time down payment (typically 45–62% of the price)
  2. 2Finance the remainder with a HECM reverse mortgage
  3. 3Move in — with no required monthly mortgage payment
  4. 4Preserve your remaining savings and cash flow for retirement

Outcome:

You own the home — but you DON'T have a monthly mortgage at any time in the future.

The Advantages

Why homeowners 62+ are choosing HECM for Purchase

Preserve Your Savings

With a traditional mortgage, a large portion of your savings goes toward monthly payments. With a HECM for Purchase, those savings stay in your pocket — available for healthcare, travel, emergencies, or simply peace of mind.

No Monthly Mortgage Payment

As long as you live in the home as your primary residence and meet your loan obligations, you are not required to make monthly mortgage payments. This is one of the most powerful financial advantages the program offers.

Government-Insured Protection

The HECM for Purchase is insured by the Federal Housing Administration. This means you will never owe more than the home is worth at the time the loan is repaid — regardless of what happens to the market.

Is This Right for You?

The HECM for Purchase was built for moments like these

Right-Sizing

“Our kids have moved out and we're rattling around in a five-bedroom house. We want something smaller, easier to maintain — and we don't want a new mortgage hanging over us in retirement.”

Relocating Closer to Family

“Our grandchildren are three states away. We've been thinking about moving closer for years. With a HECM for Purchase, we can make that move without depleting the savings we've spent a lifetime building.”

Upgrading for Accessibility

“Stairs are becoming a real challenge. We want a single-story home with wider doorways and a walk-in shower. We just didn't think we could afford to buy something new at this stage of life.”

A Simple Example

Here's what it could look like in practice

Every situation is different — this example is for illustrative purposes only. Your advisor will provide figures specific to your age, home value, and financial situation.

Home Purchase Price

$400,000

Estimated Down

$220K

Financed via HECM

$180K

Mortgage Payment

$0

The older the borrower, the less down payment is typically required — because older borrowers have a shorter expected loan term.

Disclaimer:

This example is for illustrative purposes only. Actual figures vary based on the borrower's age, current interest rates, home purchase price, and other factors. Contact a Home Reverse advisor for a personalized estimate.

Eligible Properties

What types of homes qualify?

The HECM for Purchase program covers a wide range of property types. Here is a quick overview — your advisor can confirm eligibility for your specific property.

Note:

Vacation homes, second homes, and investment properties are not eligible for the HECM for Purchase program.

Single-Family Homes

The most common property type. Standard single-family homes meeting HUD guidelines are fully eligible.

Approved Condominiums

Condominiums must be on the FHA-approved list. Your advisor can quickly verify whether a specific condo qualifies.

Townhomes

Owner-occupied townhomes and Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) that meet HUD guidelines are eligible.

Multi-Unit Properties

Owner-occupied 2 to 4 unit properties are eligible, provided the borrower occupies one of the units as their primary residence.

The Process

How to buy a home with a HECM for Purchase

01
02
03
04
05
Connect With an Advisor

Review your age, finances, and goals.

Get Pre-Qualified

Receive a pre-qualification letter for your offer.

Find Your New Home

Choose a qualifying property with your agent.

Complete HUD Counseling

Finish required no-cost counseling.

Close and Move In

Move in with no monthly mortgage payment.

Real Homeowners

Their Dream Retirement Home Without Monthly Payments

“We had no idea this program existed. We were about to take out a traditional mortgage at 68 years old. Our advisor at Home Reverse changed everything. We moved into exactly the home we wanted — and we haven't made a single mortgage payment since.”
Tom & Sandra R. — Scottsdale, AZ
Read Their Story

Frequently asked questions

Reverse mortgages can seem confusing. Here are answers to the questions homeowners ask most.

Yes, absolutely. With a reverse mortgage, you retain full ownership of your home. The lender does not own your home. You must continue to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintain the property — but the home remains yours for as long as it is your primary residence.
To qualify, the youngest homeowner generally must be 62 or older, live in the home as a primary residence, and have sufficient home equity. The property must also meet eligible FHA or lender guidelines, and borrowers need to stay current on taxes, insurance, and basic home maintenance.
A reverse mortgage typically does not require monthly mortgage payments. The loan is repaid when the home is sold, the borrower moves out permanently, or the final surviving borrower passes away. At that point, the loan balance is usually paid from the home sale proceeds.
Your heirs still have options. They can sell the home and keep any remaining equity after the loan is paid, refinance the balance to keep the property, or choose to walk away if the home value is less than the loan amount. FHA-insured HECMs protect heirs from owing more than the home's value.
The amount depends on several factors, including your age, home value, current interest rates, and existing mortgage balance. In general, the older the youngest borrower and the more equity available, the higher the potential loan amount.
A reverse mortgage may be a strong fit if you want to eliminate monthly mortgage payments, improve cash flow, supplement retirement income, or access home equity while staying in your home. The best way to know is to review your situation with a licensed advisor.
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