Whether you’re seeking to eliminate monthly mortgage payments, fund home renovations, or simply improve your financial flexibility in retirement, a reverse mortgage can be a valuable tool. Below, we’ve illustrated some real-life example scenarios (with hypothetical figures) to show how seniors can benefit from this financial solution

Scenario 1: Eliminating Monthly Mortgage Payments
- John Bosworth, Age 68
- Home Value - $250,000
- Home Equity - $210,000
- Approximate Mortgage Balance - $40,000
The Details:
John is a widower who lives at home alone in Caldwell, Idaho. He would like to stay in his home but is having trouble making payments and meeting expenses. His monthly mortgage payment is $611. Even with both Social Security income and pension, he is still short by $187 per month.
The Solution:
Scenario 2: Funding Home Renovations
- Craig Jenkins, age 82, and Sylvia Jenkins, age 79 (Reverse Mortgages are calculated using the age of the youngest home owner.)
- Home Value - $375,000
- Home Equity - $375,000
The Details:
Craig and Sylvia own their ranch style home in Meridian, Idaho, outright. Their monthly cost of living includes medical charges for an ongoing illness. They realize their income needs bolstering and want to access a portion of their home equity without creating a monthly payment.
The Solution:

Scenario 3 - Down Payment Funds Solution
- Steve and Mary Appleton, ages 75 and 76
- Reverse Mortgage for Purchase Price of $650,000
- Down payment funds from reverse mortgage
The Details:
The Solution:
Scenario 4 - Bridging Gap for Social Security Payments
- Mark and Lisa Wunder, ages 65 and 62
- Seeking an early retirement
- Bridging the age gap for Social Security payouts
The Details:
The Solution: