Reviewed by NMLS-licensed advisors
Turn the equity in your home into the retirement you planned for.
Golden Roof Equity is the calm, independent guide to reverse mortgages — written for homeowners 60 and over, their adult children, and their advisors. No pressure. No spin.
Quick estimate
See what you could qualify for
Four questions. No credit pull. Two minutes.
- Your age & co-borrower
- Estimated home value
- Current mortgage balance
- ZIP code
How it works
Three steps from question to clarity
- 1
Learn the basics
Get a plain-English picture of what a reverse mortgage really is — and isn't.
- 2
Check eligibility
Take our quiz or run an estimate. No credit pull, no obligation.
- 3
Talk to a counselor
Required HUD-approved counseling is your safety net. We'll help you find one.
The reality
House rich, cash poor in retirement?
For millions of Americans 60+, the largest asset on the balance sheet is the house — and the smallest line item is monthly cash flow. A reverse mortgage is one tool to bridge that gap, but it's not the only one, and it's not right for everyone.
Read the deep dive63%
of retirement wealth is in home equity
30 yrs
a retirement may last today
70%
will need long-term care of some kind
FHA-insured
is the most common HECM program
Explore
Start with the topic on your mind
Free calculator
Get an estimate of available funds — no credit pull, no email required to see your number.
Open the calculatorReverse mortgage vs. the alternatives
HELOC, cash-out refi, downsizing, sale-leaseback, home equity investments — side-by-side, in 60 seconds.
Compare optionsAn honest take
Is it right for you?
We'd rather you walk away than take a loan that won't serve you. Here's the unvarnished version.
Often a fit when
- You plan to stay in your home for many more years.
- You have meaningful equity and a manageable existing mortgage.
- You need cash flow, not a one-time lump sum.
- You've completed HUD-approved counseling and feel clear-headed.
Often not a fit when
- You expect to move within a few years.
- Leaving the home debt-free to heirs is your top priority.
- You're already struggling with property taxes or insurance.
- You're being rushed by a salesperson. (Walk away.)
"Golden Roof Equity is the first reverse mortgage site I'd hand to a client without a disclaimer."
"Plain English. No high-pressure pitch. Exactly what my parents needed."
"Independent, accurate, and reviewed by people who actually do this work."
Frequently asked questions
No. With a reverse mortgage, you retain title to your home. The lender places a lien against it — the same kind of lien a traditional mortgage involves.
Curious what you might qualify for?
Get a free, no-obligation estimate. Takes about two minutes — no credit pull required.