Simply Approved Mortgages
Jumbo / proprietary

Jumbo reverse mortgage in 2026: proprietary alternatives for high-value homes

Last updated: · Reviewed by Simply Approved Mortgages (NMLS #2620881)

A jumbo (proprietary) reverse mortgage is a private, non-FHA-insured loan for high-value homes above the 2026 HUD HECM lending limit of $1,249,125 — and for homeowners as young as 55 in Florida and Colorado. We broker three structures: a fixed-rate first lien up to $4 million, an open-end line of credit, and a second lien that lets you keep your current mortgage. Here's how each one works and how they compare to the HECM.

Senior couple in front of luxury home considering a jumbo reverse mortgage
Definition

What is a jumbo reverse mortgage?

A jumbo reverse mortgage — also called a proprietary reverse mortgage — is a private home equity conversion loan for homeowners whose needs fall outside the FHA HECM box: a home value above HUD's Maximum Claim Amount, an age between 55 and 61, or a desire to keep an existing first mortgage in place. Where HECMs are capped at HUD's Maximum Claim Amount, proprietary first liens run up to $4 million.

Because these loans are private, they do not carry FHA insurance. The programs we broker include a contractual non-recourse feature — neither you nor your heirs have personal liability beyond the property — but that protection lives in the loan documents rather than in an FHA guarantee, and HUD's formal Eligible Non-Borrowing Spouse rules do not apply. We provide the specific product disclosures in writing before you apply.

Sources: NRMLA — National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association; CFPB — Reverse Mortgages

The three proprietary reverse mortgage structures we broker

Proprietary (also called jumbo or private) reverse mortgages are not FHA-insured. They come in three broad shapes. All three are available to Florida and Colorado homeowners, and all three carry a contractual non-recourse feature and no FHA mortgage insurance premium.

Proprietary fixed-rate reverse mortgage

A fixed-rate, first-lien proprietary reverse mortgage for higher home values and for borrowers who don't meet FHA HECM requirements — including borrowers age 55 to 61.

Minimum age (FL & CO)
55
Loan size
Minimum principal limit of $200,000. Loan amounts up to $4 million.
Rate
Fixed rate, set by the loan-to-value tier selected
Line of credit
No line of credit — a single disbursement
Mortgage insurance
No upfront or monthly FHA mortgage insurance premium
  • No lien seasoning requirement — mortgages and liens seasoned less than 12 months can be paid off with proceeds
  • Same financial assessment standards as the FHA HECM
  • Unlike a HECM, proceeds can be used to pay off debt at closing to help you income-qualify
  • Available in both Florida and Colorado

Best for: Higher-value homes above the FHA HECM lending limit, and borrowers 55–61 who aren't yet HECM-eligible.

Proprietary reverse mortgage line of credit

An open-end, adjustable-rate proprietary reverse line of credit: you draw at least 25% at closing and keep the rest available as a line you can draw and redraw.

Minimum age (FL & CO)
55
Loan size
Minimum principal limit of $200,000. Loan amounts up to $4 million.
Rate
Adjustable — 1-year CMT index plus your margin; rate resets monthly after closing with no periodic adjustment cap. Rate floor is the greater of the start rate minus 1.5% or 5.5%; lifetime ceiling is 5 percentage points above the initial rate.
Line of credit
Up to 75% of the principal limit stays available as a line of credit that grows monthly at a 1.5% annual rate for the first seven years. The line is active for 10 years and allows draws, repayments, and redraws.
Mortgage insurance
No upfront or monthly FHA mortgage insurance premium
  • 25% of the principal limit must be drawn at closing; the remaining 75% is available for future draws
  • Repayments reduce the balance and restore available credit (the line never exceeds the original principal limit plus growth)
  • Set-asides reduce the amount available in the line of credit
  • Available in both Florida and Colorado

Best for: Borrowers who want jumbo-level proceeds but prefer flexible access over one lump sum.

Proprietary second-lien reverse mortgage

A fixed-rate second-lien reverse mortgage that lets you keep your existing low-rate first mortgage in place while accessing additional equity with no new required monthly payment.

Minimum age (FL & CO)
55
Loan size
Minimum principal limit of $50,000, with no minimum property value. Loan amounts up to $1,000,000.
Rate
Fixed rate
Line of credit
No line of credit — a single disbursement
Mortgage insurance
No upfront or monthly FHA mortgage insurance premium
  • Keep your existing first mortgage (fixed, fully amortizing ARM, or a HELOC in its repayment period) in place
  • Existing first lien must show a clean 24-month payment history; interest-only, balloon, negatively amortizing, private-lender, and reverse first liens are not eligible
  • Simplified financial assessment may be available; minimum credit score 640 (no rapid re-scores)
  • No servicing fee, no life-expectancy set-aside; repair set-asides are allowed
  • Eligible property types: single-family, PUD, condo/townhome, and 2–4 units — no manufactured homes
  • No additional subordinate liens permitted
  • Available in both Florida and Colorado (minimum age 55 in FL and CO)

Best for: Homeowners with a favorable first-mortgage rate who want to layer on access to equity without refinancing it away.

Proprietary reverse mortgages are private loans. They are not insured by FHA and do not carry HUD's formal Eligible Non-Borrowing Spouse protections; non-recourse is a contractual feature of the loan documents. Minimum age, loan limits, and availability vary by state and product and can change without notice. Figures shown are program parameters, not an offer, commitment to lend, or estimate of your proceeds. As with any reverse mortgage, you must keep paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues, and maintaining the home.

Free with your estimate

Get your Reverse Mortgage Estimate Summary.

Complete the short estimate form and we send back a full HECM summary: your estimated principal limit, complimentary home value estimate, payoff of any existing mortgage, and estimated proceeds available to you.

  • Complimentary home value estimate
  • Estimated principal limit for your age
  • Existing mortgage payoff included
  • Lump sum, line of credit, or monthly options
Get my estimateTakes about 3 minutes · Summary emailed and shown on screen

Illustration only, generated from the information you enter. Not a loan estimate, pre-qualification, commitment to lend, or approval. Subject to HUD counseling, appraisal, credit and income review, and final lender approval. You remain responsible for property taxes, insurance, and home maintenance.

Estimate summary

Home value estimate
$412,000
Youngest borrower age
72
Estimated principal limit
$219,400
Existing mortgage payoff
$68,000
Estimated proceeds available
$151,400

Simply Approved Mortgages • NMLS #2620881 • Equal Housing Opportunity

FHA HECM vs. proprietary reverse mortgage: side by side

Both are reverse mortgages, and both require you to keep paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues, and maintenance. Where they differ is insurance, cost caps, age, loan size, and how protected the line of credit is.

Comparison of FHA-insured HECM and proprietary reverse mortgage features
FeatureFHA HECMProprietary (non-FHA)
Insured by FHAYes — HUD insures the loanNo — a private loan, non-recourse by contract
Minimum age62 for every borrower on title55 in Florida and Colorado (varies by state)
Maximum home value usedCapped at the FHA lending limit of $1,249,125 for 2026No FHA cap; principal limits up to $4 million
Minimum loan sizeNone$200,000 principal limit on first-lien products ($50,000 on the second-lien product)
Mortgage insurance2% upfront plus 0.50% annual ongoing MIPNone
Origination feeHUD formula, $2,500 to $6,000Not capped by HUD — up to 4–5% of the principal limit, with a $30,000–$60,000 ceiling
Payout optionsLump sum, line of credit, tenure, term, or a combinationFull draw on the fixed products; line of credit on the adjustable product
Line of credit growthUnused line grows at the note rate plus 0.50% ongoing MIPUnused line grows at 1.5% a year for the first seven years; draws allowed for 10 years
Can the lender freeze the line?NoYes — the unused line can be suspended, like a HELOC
Non-borrowing spouseHUD's formal Eligible Non-Borrowing Spouse deferral protections applyNo HUD deferral rules; protections depend on the loan contract and state law
CounselingHUD-approved HECM counseling requiredCounseling still required, no waivers
HeirsMay pay the lesser of the balance or 95% of appraised valueSame 95% option, as a contract term rather than an FHA rule

What every proprietary reverse mortgage has in common

  • Proprietary reverse mortgages can be used to refinance the home you already own or to buy a home (a proprietary reverse for purchase), the same two purposes a HECM allows.
  • Independent reverse mortgage counseling is still required. There are no counseling waivers on proprietary loans, and the certificate is generally good for 365 days (shorter in some states). Non-borrowing spouses and anyone on title must be counseled too.
  • There is no minimum credit score, but a borrower with a median score of 600 or below is required to take a fully funded life-expectancy set-aside (LESA) to pay property taxes and insurance.
  • A loan with a LESA carries a rate about 0.25 percentage points higher, and partial LESAs are not offered.
  • Bankruptcy, collections, and charge-offs do not automatically disqualify you; waiting periods and letters of explanation apply.
  • Unlike a HECM, proceeds may be used to pay off other debts at closing without reducing the principal limit — which can help you qualify.
  • There is no general lien-seasoning requirement, so a mortgage taken out in the last 12 months can still be paid off — but refinancing one reverse mortgage into another requires 12 months of seasoning.
  • Like a HECM, these are negatively amortizing loans: interest and fees are added to the balance each month, so the balance grows over time and your equity generally shrinks.
  • Non-recourse is a contractual feature of the loan documents rather than an FHA guarantee. After a due-and-payable event, heirs may keep the home by paying the lesser of the loan balance or 95% of the appraised value.
  • On the proprietary line of credit, the lender may freeze or suspend the unused line the way a HELOC lender can. An FHA HECM line of credit cannot be frozen or cancelled by the lender.
  • Origination fees are not capped by HUD. On a proprietary line of credit the fee can run up to the lesser of 5% of the principal limit or $60,000; on the fixed products it can run up to 4% of the principal limit with a $30,000 cap. A HECM origination fee is capped between $2,500 and $6,000. Some states cap the fee lower.
  • On the fixed products, rate and proceeds move together: accepting a higher rate can raise the principal limit, and choosing a lower rate lowers it. Ask to see both side by side.
  • Eligible: single-family homes, PUDs and townhomes, FHA/Fannie Mae/lender-approved condos, and 2–4 unit properties on a refinance.
  • Not eligible: manufactured homes as the subject property, and homes operated as short-term rentals.
  • You must occupy the home as your principal residence and keep paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues, and maintenance.
  • Minimum age is 55 in Florida and Colorado, the states we're licensed in. Other states differ — 60 in Louisiana and Washington, and 62 in New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Texas.

Program parameters shown are current as of the date of this page and can change without notice. This is educational information, not an offer, a commitment to lend, or an estimate of your proceeds. Simply Approved Mortgages is a licensed mortgage brokerage; loans are funded by third-party lenders.

Step by step

How does a jumbo reverse mortgage work?

  1. 1

    Confirm home value & age eligibility

    Jumbo makes sense when home value clearly exceeds the HECM limit, when the youngest borrower is 55–61, or when you want to keep your existing first mortgage.
  2. 2

    Order an approved appraisal

    High-value properties often require an additional appraisal or appraisal review.
  3. 3

    Complete counseling

    These loans are not FHA-insured, but the programs we broker still require independent reverse mortgage counseling, and there are no counseling waivers. Certificates are generally valid for 365 days (shorter in some states), and non-borrowing spouses and everyone on title must be counseled.
  4. 4

    Financial assessment

    First-lien proprietary programs use the same financial assessment standards as the FHA HECM. The second-lien program may qualify for a simplified assessment and requires a minimum 640 credit score.
  5. 5

    Close

    Loan documents include the contractual non-recourse language and your ongoing property-charge obligations.
  6. 6

    Receive proceeds

    A single disbursement on the fixed-rate and second-lien structures; a 25% draw at closing with the balance in a line of credit on the open-end structure.
Benefits

Benefits of a jumbo reverse mortgage

Loan amounts up to $4 million

First-lien proprietary programs reach far above the HUD HECM cap, with a $200,000 minimum principal limit.

Available from age 55 in FL and CO

Seven years earlier than the FHA HECM's hard 62 minimum. Minimum age varies by state — some states require 60 or 62.

No FHA mortgage insurance premium

No upfront and no monthly FHA MIP on any proprietary structure.

Keep your existing mortgage

The second-lien structure sits behind a first mortgage you like, starting at a $50,000 minimum with no minimum property value.

No lien seasoning requirement

On the fixed-rate first lien, mortgages and liens seasoned less than 12 months can still be paid off with proceeds — and proceeds can retire debt at closing to help you income-qualify.

Condo flexibility

Proprietary programs use the investor's own condo review instead of FHA project approval, and generally only require HOA dues to be current at closing.

Eligibility

Who qualifies for a jumbo (proprietary) reverse mortgage?

  • Age 55+ in Florida and Colorado

    The proprietary programs we broker generally start at 55 in FL and CO. Minimum age is product- and state-specific; a HECM always requires 62.

  • Primary residence with substantial equity

    First-lien programs require a $200,000 minimum principal limit; the second-lien program starts at $50,000 and has no minimum property value.

  • Eligible property type

    Single-family, PUD (attached or detached), condominiums and townhomes, and 2–4 unit owner-occupied. Manufactured homes are not eligible.

  • Financial assessment

    Same standards as the FHA HECM on first liens. The second lien requires a minimum 640 credit score and a clean 24-month history on the existing first mortgage.

  • Second-lien specifics

    The existing first lien must be a fully amortizing fixed or ARM loan, or a HELOC in its repayment period. Interest-only, balloon, negatively amortizing, private-lender, and reverse first liens are not eligible, and no additional subordinate liens are permitted.

Glossary

Key reverse mortgage terms

Proprietary Reverse Mortgage
Private (non-FHA) reverse mortgage product. Not government insured.
Contractual Non-Recourse
Language in the loan documents limiting collection to the property, so neither you nor your heirs have personal liability. Comparable in effect to FHA HECM non-recourse, but contractual rather than federally insured.
Principal Limit
The maximum amount the product will lend, based on age, home value, and the product's loan-to-value table. First-lien proprietary programs require a $200,000 minimum.
Second Lien
A reverse mortgage recorded behind your existing first mortgage, so the first mortgage stays in place and no new monthly payment is required.
Set-Aside
Funds reserved from the principal limit — for repairs, or for property charges — that reduce what is available to you.
HECM Limit
HUD's 2026 Maximum Claim Amount of $1,249,125, the cap above which jumbo becomes relevant.
Comparison

HECM vs. jumbo reverse mortgage

FeatureHECMJumbo / Proprietary
Minimum age62 (all borrowers on title)55 in FL and CO; varies by state and product
Maximum loan amountPrincipal limit based on a $1,249,125 Maximum Claim AmountUp to $4M (first lien) / $1M (second lien)
Minimum loan amountNo program minimum$200,000 first lien / $50,000 second lien
FHA insuranceYesNo
Initial MIP2% of MCANone
Annual MIP0.5%None
Line of creditYes, on adjustable-rate HECMs — grows at note rate + 0.5%Only on the open-end structure — 1.5% annual growth for 7 years, 10-year draw window
First-year disbursement cap60% (or obligations + 10%)No FHA cap; the open-end structure requires a 25% draw at closing
CounselingHUD-approved counseling requiredNot federally mandated; usually required by product or state
Keep an existing first mortgage?No — the HECM must be in first lien positionYes, with the second-lien structure
Non-Borrowing SpouseHUD rules (formal)Contractual, product-specific
At a glance

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Access equity on homes above the HUD HECM lending limit — up to $4 million on a first lien
  • Available from age 55 in Florida and Colorado (the HECM requires 62)
  • No FHA upfront or monthly mortgage insurance premium
  • Condo flexibility — FHA project approval is not required, and HOA dues generally only need to be current at closing
  • The second-lien structure lets you keep a favorable existing first mortgage
  • No lien seasoning requirement on the fixed-rate first lien; proceeds can retire debt at closing to help you income-qualify

Cons

  • Not FHA-insured — non-recourse is contractual rather than federally guaranteed
  • No HUD Eligible Non-Borrowing Spouse framework
  • First-lien programs require a $200,000 minimum principal limit
  • Fewer programs available, so less pricing competition than the HECM market
  • The fixed-rate and second-lien structures disburse once — no line of credit
  • Manufactured homes are not eligible
Real-world scenario

Illustrative example: a high-value home above the HUD cap

On a high-value home well above HUD's HECM Maximum Claim Amount, a HECM's Principal Limit is capped based on the MCA ($1,249,125 in 2026). A proprietary first lien can recognize the higher value and lend up to $4 million, so the resulting principal limit can be materially larger — the actual figure depends on the age of the youngest borrower, the home value, current rates, and the product's loan-to-value table.

This example is educational only and does not represent an offer, estimate of proceeds, or an available product. Ask us to run the HECM and the proprietary options side-by-side, with written figures, before deciding.

Illustrative example only. Actual figures depend on age, home value, current expected rate, and HUD lending limits at closing.

Industry expertise

Expert insight from Simply Approved Mortgages

We rarely lead with jumbo at Simply Approved Mortgages. The HECM remains the gold standard because of FHA's non-recourse guarantee, formal Eligible Non-Borrowing Spouse protections, and consumer-protection rules that proprietary products cannot always replicate. We use jumbo only when the borrower's home value, age, and proceeds need genuinely demand it — and only after showing you the HECM comparison side-by-side.

Always run both scenarios. The right answer is whichever delivers the proceeds you actually need with the strongest consumer protections at the lowest lifetime cost.

Simply Approved Mortgages NMLS #2620881. Reverse mortgage loans funded by third-party HUD-approved HECM lenders.

Free with your estimate

Your numbers plus the 2026 Reverse Mortgage Guide.

Request your estimate and we include the 21-page plain-English guide: who qualifies at 62+, what a HECM costs, payout options, ongoing obligations, and the questions to ask before you sign.

  • 21-page guide, no jargon
  • HUD/FHA program rules explained
  • Costs and fees broken down
  • Questions to ask any loan officer
Send me the guideFree · No obligation · No hard credit pull

Illustration only, generated from the information you enter. Not a loan estimate, pre-qualification, commitment to lend, or approval. Subject to HUD counseling, appraisal, credit and income review, and final lender approval. You remain responsible for property taxes, insurance, and home maintenance.

Estimate summary

Home value estimate
$412,000
Youngest borrower age
72
Estimated principal limit
$219,400
Existing mortgage payoff
$68,000
Estimated proceeds available
$151,400

Simply Approved Mortgages • NMLS #2620881 • Equal Housing Opportunity

Talk with a loan officer

Still wondering if a reverse mortgage is right for you?

Every situation is different — your age, your home value, your existing mortgage, your retirement goals, and your heirs all matter. A Simply Approved Mortgages reverse mortgage loan officer will walk you through your numbers in plain English, explain HUD counseling, and lay out the alternatives so you can make an informed decision. No pressure, no obligation, no hard credit pull.

  • Personalized HECM estimate based on your actual age and home value
  • Complimentary home value estimate when you provide your address
  • Side-by-side comparison of HECM vs. HELOC vs. cash-out refinance vs. downsizing
  • Help scheduling independent HUD-approved counseling
FAQ

Jumbo reverse mortgage FAQ

What is a jumbo reverse mortgage?
A jumbo (proprietary) reverse mortgage is a private, non-FHA-insured loan that lets homeowners borrow against equity above HUD's HECM lending limit. We broker three structures: a fixed-rate first lien, an open-end line of credit, and a second lien that sits behind your existing mortgage. All three are available in Florida and Colorado.
What is the minimum age for a jumbo reverse mortgage?
In Florida and Colorado, the proprietary programs we broker generally start at age 55 — seven years earlier than the FHA HECM, which requires every borrower on title to be at least 62. Minimum age is set by each product and by state law (some states require 60 or 62), so we confirm the exact requirement in writing before you apply.
How much can you borrow with a jumbo reverse mortgage?
First-lien proprietary programs run from a $200,000 minimum principal limit up to $4 million. The second-lien program starts at $50,000 and goes up to $1,000,000. Your actual proceeds depend on the age of the youngest borrower, home value, current rates, and the product's loan-to-value table.
Is a jumbo reverse mortgage FHA insured?
No. Jumbo reverse mortgages are private products and are not federally insured. The programs we broker include a contractual non-recourse feature — neither you nor your heirs have personal liability beyond the property — but that protection comes from the loan documents, not from FHA, and HUD's formal Eligible Non-Borrowing Spouse rules do not apply.
Are jumbo reverse mortgage costs higher than a HECM?
The cost structure is different rather than uniformly higher. Proprietary programs charge no upfront or monthly FHA mortgage insurance premium, which removes a large HECM cost, but fixed rates are tier-based and origination is set by the product. We run a HECM and proprietary comparison side-by-side on the same borrower and property before you decide.
Can I keep my current mortgage and still get a reverse mortgage?
Yes — that is exactly what the second-lien proprietary reverse mortgage is for. You keep your existing first mortgage in place and take a fixed-rate second-lien reverse mortgage behind it, with no new required monthly payment. Your existing first lien must be a fully amortizing fixed or ARM loan (or a HELOC in its repayment period) with a clean 24-month payment history.
What property types are eligible for a jumbo reverse?
Single-family homes, PUDs, condominiums and townhomes, and 2–4 unit owner-occupied properties are typically eligible. Manufactured homes are not. Proprietary programs use the investor's own condo review, so a condo does not have to be FHA-approved, and HOA dues generally only need to be current at closing.
Is counseling required on a jumbo reverse mortgage?
Proprietary reverse mortgages are not FHA-insured, so HUD's HECM counseling mandate does not automatically apply — but most programs and several states still require independent counseling. We confirm the requirement for your specific product and state before you apply, and we recommend counseling either way.
Is a jumbo reverse mortgage better than a HECM?
Only when your situation calls for it: a home value clearly above the HUD HECM lending limit, an age between 55 and 61, a need to keep an existing first mortgage in place, or a loan amount the HECM cannot reach. The HECM's FHA insurance, mandatory HUD counseling, and formal Eligible Non-Borrowing Spouse rules remain the strongest federal consumer protections on any reverse mortgage.
Next step

See How Much Home Equity You Could Access in 2026

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Free with your estimate

See your reverse mortgage numbers on paper.

A licensed Simply Approved Mortgages loan officer reviews your estimate with you — line by line — so you can compare a HECM against a HELOC, a refinance, or staying put.

  • Side-by-side payout comparison
  • Upfront and ongoing cost estimate
  • HUD counseling walked through
  • Answers to your heirs questions
Talk to a loan officerMon–Fri, 8 AM – 7 PM ET · No obligation

Illustration only, generated from the information you enter. Not a loan estimate, pre-qualification, commitment to lend, or approval. Subject to HUD counseling, appraisal, credit and income review, and final lender approval. You remain responsible for property taxes, insurance, and home maintenance.

Estimate summary

Home value estimate
$412,000
Youngest borrower age
72
Estimated principal limit
$219,400
Existing mortgage payoff
$68,000
Estimated proceeds available
$151,400

Simply Approved Mortgages • NMLS #2620881 • Equal Housing Opportunity

Free reverse mortgage calculator

Estimate what you could qualify for in about a minute

Enter a few details about your age, home, and goals. We'll show you an estimated HECM benefit, a complimentary home value estimate, and connect you with a Simply Approved Mortgages reverse mortgage loan officer.

From the blog

Related reverse mortgage articles, rate updates & HECM guides

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Documentation

Documents required for a reverse mortgage

When you apply for a HECM reverse mortgage, your lender will request documents that verify your identity, property ownership, income, and assets. Gathering these in advance can speed up your estimate and application.

  • Government-issued photo ID

    Current driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID.

  • Social Security number verification

    Social Security card or award letter showing your SSN.

  • Current mortgage statement

    Most recent statement if refinancing; purchase agreement if buying.

  • Homeowner’s insurance declarations page

    Shows current coverage, premium, and mortgagee clause.

  • Property tax statement or receipt

    Latest county tax bill showing taxes are current or payment history.

  • Bank statements

    Last 1-2 months to verify closing funds and residual reserves.

  • Investment or retirement accounts

    Recent statements for IRA, 401(k), brokerage, or other liquid assets.

  • HOA or condo information

    Homeowners association statement or condo questionnaire if applicable.

  • Trust or title vesting documents

    Required when the home is held in a living trust or entity.

  • Flood insurance declaration

    Current policy if the property is in a flood zone.

  • HUD-approved counseling certificate

    Required before loan application. Obtained from a HUD-approved reverse mortgage counselor.

Learn more about HUD-required counseling

Credit & pre-approval

Why we pull credit for your reverse mortgage pre-approval

HUD requires a Financial Assessment for every HECM reverse mortgage, including a review of your credit history and record of paying property taxes and homeowners insurance. As part of our standard broker/lender pre-approval process, we typically order a tri-merge credit report through a HUD-approved credit vendor to verify identity, review obligations, and confirm that you can continue paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance after closing. Whether a tri-merge is required, and any fees, are set by the wholesale lender and credit vendor — not by HUD as a stand-alone rule.

Pay for your credit report — SmartPay

Simply Approved Mortgages uses MeridianLink SmartPay to securely collect the credit report fee for your reverse mortgage pre-approval. Payment goes directly to the credit vendor — not to us — and unlocks a tri-merge credit report (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) that your loan officer uses to complete the broker/lender pre-approval file for HUD's Financial Assessment.

  • Secure, PCI-compliant checkout hosted by MeridianLink
  • Standard step in our broker/lender pre-approval process (not a HUD stand-alone requirement)
  • Optional — you can decline; your loan officer will explain any impact on your options
Pay for credit report securely

You'll be redirected to cic.meridianlink.com (SmartPay).

Check your credit first — $1 trial at MyITINCredit

Before you apply, it's smart to know exactly where your credit stands. MyITINCredit offers a $1 trial for 15 days that includes all three credit reports and scores (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), plus ongoing credit monitoring so you can catch errors, dispute inaccuracies, and watch for identity theft.

  • See all 3 bureau reports & scores before your lender does
  • Ongoing monitoring alerts you to new accounts or score changes
  • Fix errors early — cleaner credit can widen your reverse mortgage options
Start $1 / 15-day trial

You'll be redirected to myitincredit.com. Third-party service — terms apply.

Credit report fees are paid directly to the credit vendor. Simply Approved Mortgages (NMLS #2620881) does not profit from the credit pull. MyITINCredit is an independent third-party service; pricing, terms, and features are set by that provider.

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Next step

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