GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Reverse Mortgage Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Reverse Mortgage Statistics

  • As of 2020, more than one million reverse mortgages, or Home Equity Conversion Mortgages, have been issued in the U.S.
  • The average age of a reverse mortgage borrower is 73.
  • Around 49% of retired homeowners considering a reverse mortgage do so to pay off debts.
  • In 2019, there were 31,274 Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) endorsed.
  • People living in urban areas are 6% more likely to take up a reverse mortgage than those living in rural areas.
  • In 2018, over 33,000 reverse mortgages defaulted, marking a 12% increase from the previous year.
  • Almost one in five, or 18%, of reverse mortgage foreclosures between 2009 and 2016 were due to borrowers not meeting residency requirements.
  • In 2019, 45% of reverse mortgage counseling clients had an annual income of less than $30,000.
  • Minnesota saw a 50% increase in reverse mortgage growth in 2020.
  • Generally, approximately 95% of borrowers have $100K - $300K home equity when applying for a reverse mortgage.
  • In 2018, Texas experienced over 30% increase in reverse mortgages originated.
  • In 2017, Florida had the highest volume of reverse mortgages with 3,534 loans.
  • About 70% of the time, reverse mortgages are structured as a line of credit.
  • At the end of 2021, about 5.5% of reverse mortgages were in serious default.
  • As of 2016, approximately 10% of all reverse mortgages written in America were tax-and-insurance defaults.
  • Nearly 1 in 10 reverse mortgage borrowers in the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program lost their homes due to unpaid taxes or insurance.
  • By 2017, approximately 18% of reverse mortgage borrowers who sought help from HUD were in foreclosure.
  • More than $17.5 billion was lent for reverse mortgages in United States (2018).

Our Newsletter

The Business Week In Data

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!

Table of Contents

Get ready to demystify the intriguing world of reverse mortgages. Our deep dive into reverse mortgage statistics promises an insightful journey that discloses the intricate details, trends, and fascinating changes this unique home loan solution has experienced over the years. This blog post is specifically designed to educate and provide valuable financial insights to homeowners, financial advisors, and curious readers who are seeking an in-depth understanding of reverse mortgages within the current economic landscape.

The Latest Reverse Mortgage Statistics Unveiled

As of 2020, more than one million reverse mortgages, or Home Equity Conversion Mortgages, have been issued in the U.S.

Tapping into the heart of reverse mortgage trends, the revelation that over one million Home Equity Conversion Mortgages have been issued in the U.S. as of 2020 paints a vivid portrait of the growing significance of this financial instrument for the American population. An essential piece of the puzzle in understanding the financial decision-making strategies of senior citizens, this number marks a significant milestone and provides a robust indicator of proliferating desire among older homeowners to capitalize on their greatest financial asset – their home. It unfolds a story of financial empowerment and flexibility, and signals a broader shift in how homeowners approach wealth management and retirement, transforming the landscape of the contemporary mortgage industry. This fact lays the groundwork for a comprehensive exploration of reverse mortgage statistics and their implications, driving the narrative on the evolving homeownership and financial management patterns.

The average age of a reverse mortgage borrower is 73.

Understanding the average age of a reverse mortgage borrower at 73 punctuates the prominent role such financial tool plays amongst older adults. It is significant in the discussion as it sheds light on the age bracket most reliant on this financial strategy — a tangible hint at an age where a fixed or additional income becomes invaluable. In effect, it paints a revealing picture of the societal economic dynamic, highlighting that the majority of reverse mortgage borrowers are those within retirement age, possibly struggling to maintain financial stability with traditional retirement funding.

Around 49% of retired homeowners considering a reverse mortgage do so to pay off debts.

Taking a closer lens to the realm of reverse mortgages, it’s conceivable to perceive the subtle force driving nearly half of retired homeowners to entertain this option. The statistic reveals an interesting insight – an impressive 49% of retirees are motivated by the desire to pay off debts. This piece of information is alarmingly significant; it reflects the precarious financial balance that retirees often find themselves in, subsequently urging them into embracing reverse mortgages as a lifeline. Tied up into this economical entanglement, this key information adds another layer of comprehension to the broader dialogue about reverse mortgages, allowing us to understand better the circumstances that obligate individuals to seek such financial solutions.

In 2019, there were 31,274 Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) endorsed.

Adorning the crown in a blog post around Reverse Mortgage Statistics is the data that signals a substantive transaction volume in this market. Drawing from the official ledger of 2019, an interesting insight pops out showcasing an endorsement of as many as 31,274 Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM). This number not only sketches a vivid picture of the significant role played by HECM in the landscape of reverse mortgages but also underscores its growing popularity and acceptance, thereby making a deeper inference into the consumer behavior trends in the mortgage industry. No wonder, such an impactful information underscores the relevance and vitality of the niche market that is driven by reverse mortgages.

People living in urban areas are 6% more likely to take up a reverse mortgage than those living in rural areas.

Drawing attention to the intriguing intricacy that urban dwellers are 6% more likely to opt for reverse mortgages compared to their rural counterparts offers valuable insights for a post dissecting Reverse Mortgage Statistics. Shining a light on this demographic bias, this statistic uncovers the evolving patterns of reverse mortgage adoption, potentially fuelled by city-specific factors such as property values, cost of living, or access to information. As a crucial strategic influencer, this data not only heightens our understanding, but also aids in calibrating marketing approaches and policy-making processes to cater to this nuanced preference gap more effectively.

In 2018, over 33,000 reverse mortgages defaulted, marking a 12% increase from the previous year.

Delving briefly into the figures, the startling revelation that more than 33,000 reverse mortgages defaulted in 2018, an upswing of 12% from the previous year, shines a noteworthy spotlight on the reverse mortgage industry. This conspicuous upward trajectory signals an escalating trend, highlighting potential risks and underlying issues associated with reverse mortgages, thus emphasizing the quintessential need for deeper research and understanding. In the broader fabric of a blog post about Reverse Mortgage Statistics, this particular statistic serves as a poignant keystone, inviting readers to consider the complexities and potential pitfalls of this financing tool, while providing a sobering perspective on its real-life impacts.

Almost one in five, or 18%, of reverse mortgage foreclosures between 2009 and 2016 were due to borrowers not meeting residency requirements.

Within the panorama of reverse mortgage statistics, the notable figure that 18% of foreclosures from 2009 to 2016 resulted from borrowers failing to fulfill residency prerequisites serves as a stark reminder of the intricate rules governing such mortgages. This staggering percentage elucidates a common pitfall, highlighting the utmost importance of understanding and complying with residency obligations in order to avoid foreclosure. Consequently, it underscores a call to action for potential reverse mortgage borrowers, their advisors, and policy makers to attentively scrutinize these stipulations, fostering a more informed and proactive approach to reverse mortgages. Such a forensic insight into the repercussions of non-compliance can lead to enhanced borrower education, improved regulatory oversight, and potentially, a reduction in such foreclosures in the future.

In 2019, 45% of reverse mortgage counseling clients had an annual income of less than $30,000.

Uncovering a critical reality amid the realm of reverse mortgages, the statistic unveils the fact that in 2019, 45% of reverse mortgage counseling clients were grappling with an annual income of less than $30,000. This intriguing data chunk exposes how reverse mortgages significantly cater to the financial needs of those earning modest incomes, providing a safety net for the economically vulnerable. Such a trend inversely imply the substantive need for effective counseling, good decision-making frameworks, and risk awareness among these clients to keep potential financial mishaps at bay. This eye-opening statistic is a clear bellwether of the socio-economic dynamics coursing the veins of the reverse mortgage landscape, reinforcing the relevance and urgency of the subject matter at hand.

Minnesota saw a 50% increase in reverse mortgage growth in 2020.

The surge of 50% growth in reverse mortgages in Minnesota in 2020 represents a significant trend within the sphere of Reverse Mortgage Statistics. This figure is not merely a number; instead, it gives a unique insight into the changing patterns of retirement strategies among local homeowners. It illustrates that a larger proportion of seniors in Minnesota are leveraging their home equity to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in their golden years. This underscores a burgeoning dependence on reverse mortgages in the region, potentially signaling a shift in traditional retirement planning and highlighting more real-life applications of reverse mortgages. This information is of great significance in gauging the evolving financial strategies and fiscal health of retirees in the Midwestern region and potentially beyond.

Generally, approximately 95% of borrowers have $100K – $300K home equity when applying for a reverse mortgage.

Highlighting the statistic that roughly 95% of applicants bear $100K – $300K in home equity when enlisting for a reverse mortgage underscores a significant trend in the housing and financial markets. It paves the way to understand the economic landscape of typical reverse mortgage borrowers, and their capacity to draw from substantial equity in their homes, providing insights into the attractiveness and feasibility of reverse mortgages. Furthermore, it aids financial institutions and policy-makers in assessing product suitability and potential risk factors, while assisting prospective applicants in benchmarking their financial standing against others. Finally, this figure supports broader discussions on wealth accumulation through home ownership and the utilization of this asset in retirement planning, a key focus of our blog post on Reverse Mortgage Statistics.

In 2018, Texas experienced over 30% increase in reverse mortgages originated.

Highlighting the 2018 scenario where Texas saw a surge in reverse mortgages by over 30% presents an intriguing trend for readers invested in Reverse Mortgage Statistics. It underscores the shifting financial and real estate landscape, the potential growth of this specific mortgage market, and the potential opportunities or risks for borrowers, lenders, and investors alike present in Texas. It acts as a remarkable precedent for future market predictions, and sets a critical base for understanding the social, economic, and demographic factors influencing these changing homeowner behaviors, which are essential insights for anyone involved or interested in the ‘reverse mortgage’ world.

In 2017, Florida had the highest volume of reverse mortgages with 3,534 loans.

Highlighting Florida’s towering number of reverse mortgages in 2017, an impressive 3,534 loans, serves as testament to the popularity and practice of this specific type of loan in the area. As a hot spot, Florida’s data creates a significant benchmark, reflecting the applicability of such financing options, keen interest among homeowners, and the active market state. This particular piece of information, consequently, delivers significant insights and analysis metrics in the discourse of reverse mortgage statistics, helping broaden comprehension of market trends, consumer behavior, and geographic factors in the reverse loan industry.

About 70% of the time, reverse mortgages are structured as a line of credit.

Highlighting that nearly 70% of the time, reverse mortgages are structured as a credit line provides a crucial insight into the preferred setup of these financial solutions by most borrowers. This data point offers a snapshot of the current customers’ propensity and their strategic choice in optimizing the potential benefits of reverse mortgages. An understanding of this trend could elucidate the product’s appeal to prospective borrowers, while allowing finance companies to effectively tailor their marketing strategies and product offerings. It paints a significant picture regarding consumer behavior in the reverse mortgage landscape contributing significantly to the blog post’s in-depth understanding and analysis of reverse mortgage statistics.

At the end of 2021, about 5.5% of reverse mortgages were in serious default.

In the vibrant tapestry of Reverse Mortgage Statistics, the standout thread of 5.5% of reverse mortgages being in serious default as of the end of 2021 provides deep insights into the risks associated with this financial tool. Unpacking this crucial statistic highlights the potential pitfalls lurking beneath the allure of reverse mortgages, as a noteworthy portion of borrowers could be grappling with substantial repayment challenges. By shining a light on these dark corners, this statistic essentially shapes the narrative, simultaneously offering lessons for potential borrowers, informing policy discussions, and influencing strategies for lenders in the reverse mortgage space.

As of 2016, approximately 10% of all reverse mortgages written in America were tax-and-insurance defaults.

This startling statistic, highlighting that approximately 10% of all reverse mortgages written in America by 2016 were facing tax-and-insurance defaults, serves as a keynote to understanding trends within the reverse mortgage industry. Its relevance in a blog post about Reverse Mortgage Statistics seeks to illustrate the potential risks involved with this financial pathway—especially when defaulting on property taxes and insurance—giving readers an informed viewpoint on this particular aspect. Therefore, while reverse mortgages can be attractive for home equity conversion, this statistic underlines possible implications, making it a critical consideration in the decision-making process.

Nearly 1 in 10 reverse mortgage borrowers in the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program lost their homes due to unpaid taxes or insurance.

This significant percentage, indicating that nearly 1 in 10 reverse mortgage borrowers in the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program lost their homes due to unpaid taxes or insurance, casts a compelling light on the inherent risks associated with reverse mortgage programs. In a blog post about Reverse Mortgage Statistics, it provides readers with a sobering perspective, illustrating that despite the often alluring promise of financial liberation through home equity, engaging in such schemes can potentially backfire, leading to severe and heartbreaking consequences. Owing to unpaid taxes or insurance, several borrowers have fallen victim to losing their homes, making this statistic a crucial reality check for any potential reverse mortgage participant.

By 2017, approximately 18% of reverse mortgage borrowers who sought help from HUD were in foreclosure.

Unfurling the fabric of reverse mortgage data reveals an important thread: Approximately 18% of reverse mortgage borrowers who sought assistance from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) were in foreclosure by the year 2017. This nugget of information casts a significant light on the risks and challenges of taking out a reverse mortgage. For many, this path may initially look like an escape route from financial pressures during retirement, however, these figures send a stark warning about the potential pitfalls of this choice. Emphasizing the value of informed decision-making, this statistic nudges blog readers to consider all perspectives when contemplating a reverse mortgage, whether positive or negative, thereby ensuring careful, well-thought-out financial planning for the future.

More than $17.5 billion was lent for reverse mortgages in United States (2018).

Highlighting the hefty figure of $17.5 billion in reverse mortgages originating from the United States in 2018 serves as a telling indicator of its significance in the nation’s economy, as well as its rising popularity among older homeowners. Such a substantial volume illuminates the substantial role that these flexible, equity-tapping financial products play in reshaping retirement conceptions and strategies. It provides a benchmark for comparison with subsequent years, and contextualizes further discussions around potential factors contributing to this trend, like shifts in demographic profiles or economic conditions. This salient fact sets the stage for a deeper dive into the different dimensions and impacts of reverse mortgages in the American societal context.

Conclusion

The analysis of reverse mortgage statistics reveals intriguing trends in the financial landscape. The data indicates a rising interest in reverse mortgages particularly among the older populace, illustrating its potential as a viable financial management tool. However, it’s essential to approach reverse mortgages judiciously as it could also imply risk factors such as declining home equity. Thorough research, careful planning and professional consultation, therefore, become paramount in leveraging reverse mortgages effectively for financial security in later years.

References

0. – https://www.www.bankingexchange.com

1. – https://www.www.consumerfinance.gov

2. – https://www.www.cnbc.com

3. – https://www.www.barrons.com

4. – https://www.www.mortgagecalculatorplus.com

5. – https://www.www.ageinplace.org

6. – https://www.www.nytimes.com

7. – https://www.www.usatoday.com

8. – https://www.www.hudexchange.info

9. – https://www.www.cbsnews.com

10. – https://www.reversemortgagedaily.com

11. – https://www.www.americanadvisorsgroup.com

12. – https://www.www.dispatch.com

FAQs

What is a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a type of loan that allows homeowners aged 62 or over to convert a portion of their home's equity into cash. This type of mortgage is called a 'reverse' mortgage because instead of the homeowner making payments to the lender, it's the lender that makes payments to the homeowner.

Who is eligible for a reverse mortgage?

Homeowners who are at least 62 years old, own their home outright or have a low mortgage balance, and live in the home as their primary residence are typically eligible for a reverse mortgage.

What can the funds from a reverse mortgage be used for?

There are no restrictions on how the funds from a reverse mortgage can be used. Homeowners can use the money for everyday living expenses, medical bills, home improvements, travel, or even to pay off existing debts.

Do I have to repay a reverse mortgage?

Yes, a reverse mortgage must eventually be repaid. Repayment is typically required when the last surviving homeowner moves out of the home permanently, sells the home, or passes away. At that point, either the homeowner or their estate must repay the loan.

What are the risks associated with a reverse mortgage?

While a reverse mortgage can provide needed cash flow, it also comes with risks. These include the potential for high fees, the depletion of home equity, and the possible requirement to move out if you can no longer afford tax and insurance payments. It's important to speak with a financial advisor before pursuing a reverse mortgage.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!