Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)

HECM (pronounced HEKUM) is the commonly used acronym for a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, a reverse mortgage created by and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

A HECM is not a government loan. It is a loan issued by a mortgage lender, but insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which is part of HUD. 

FHA collects a Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) at closing that equals two (2) percent of the home’s appraised value or FHA lending limit ($679,650), whichever number is less. FHA also collects an annual premium equal to 0.5 percent of the outstanding loan balance. Your loan balance thus increases by the amount of this fee. The insurance purchased by this fee protects the borrower (1) if and when the lender is not able to make a payment; and (2) if the value of the home upon selling is not enough to cover the loan balance. In the latter case, the government insurance fund pays off the remaining balance.

Currently, HECMs make up most reverse mortgages offered in America. HECMs come with rules and regulations that include a requirement that the borrower receive third-party counseling.

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This information is not intended to be a substitute for legal, tax or financial advice. Consult with a qualified attorney, accountant or financial advisor for additional legal or tax advice. These materials are not from HUD or FHA and were not approved by HUD or a government agency. * There are some circumstances that will cause the loan to mature and the balance to become due and payable. The borrower(s) must continue to maintain the home as their primary residence, pay for property taxes and insurance and maintain the property to meet HUD standards or risk default. Credit is subject to age, minimum income guidelines, credit history, and property qualifications. Program rates, fees, terms, and conditions are not available in all states and subject to change.