Reverse Mortgages in San Diego, Explained on Your Terms.
If you're 62 or older, a reverse mortgage in San Diego can turn the equity you've spent decades building into retirement flexibility — with no required monthly mortgage payment. I lead with education, not pressure, so you can decide what's truly right for you.
- Education First
- Local to San Diego
- No Pressure, Ever
Is a reverse mortgage right for you?
A reverse mortgage isn't for everyone — but for the right San Diego homeowner, it can be a smart part of a retirement plan.
Retirees on a fixed income
You're house-rich but feeling inflation squeeze your monthly budget, and you'd like more breathing room.
Homeowners with a mortgage payment
You want to eliminate a required monthly mortgage payment and free up cash flow in retirement.
Those who want to age in place
You love your San Diego home and intend to stay for years — not sell and downsize.
Planners building a safety net
You want a standby line of credit for healthcare, emergencies, or to avoid selling investments in a down market.
Right-sizing buyers (62+)
You want to buy a home better suited to retirement using a reverse mortgage for purchase.
Families planning together
Adult children helping a parent weigh options, wanting an honest, no-pressure explanation first.
How a reverse mortgage works in San Diego
Four clear steps — with education and HUD-approved counseling built in.
- 1
Free strategy session
We talk through your goals, your home, and whether a reverse mortgage even fits — with zero pressure.
- 2
HUD-approved counseling
You complete independent counseling with a HUD-approved agency so you fully understand the loan.
- 3
Application & appraisal
We submit your application and order an appraisal to confirm your home's value and available proceeds.
- 4
Underwriting & closing
The loan is underwritten, you sign at closing, and your funds are set up as a lump sum, monthly payments, or a line of credit.
What a reverse mortgage can do for you
Supplement your cash flow
Turn equity into tax-free* proceeds to support day-to-day living, travel, or healthcare.
No required monthly payment
There is no required monthly mortgage payment — you still pay property taxes, insurance, and upkeep.
Stay in your home
Continue living in your home as long as it remains your primary residence and loan terms are met.
Keep ownership
You keep the title to your home. The loan is simply secured by the property, like any mortgage.
Flexible access to funds
Choose a lump sum, monthly advances, a growing line of credit, or a combination that fits your plan.
Non-recourse protection
It's a non-recourse loan — you or your heirs never owe more than the home's value at repayment.
*Reverse mortgage proceeds are generally not treated as taxable income. This is not tax advice — consult your tax professional about your situation.
Clearing up the biggest misconceptions
Myth
The bank takes ownership of my home.
Fact
You keep the title and ownership of your home. The loan is simply secured by the property, just like any other mortgage.
Myth
I could be forced out of my house.
Fact
You can stay as long as the home is your primary residence and you keep up with property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
Myth
I'll leave my heirs with a big debt.
Fact
A reverse mortgage is a non-recourse loan. Your heirs will never owe more than the home is worth, and they keep any remaining equity.
Myth
Reverse mortgages are only a last resort.
Fact
For many equity-rich San Diego homeowners, they are a proactive retirement-planning tool that protects cash flow and investments.
Buy a retirement home with a HECM for Purchase
Right-size into a home that fits this chapter of life — without a required monthly mortgage payment.
- 1
Get pre-qualified
We estimate your down payment and buying power under an H4P (HECM for Purchase).
- 2
Find your home
Shop for a right-sized primary residence with your real estate agent.
- 3
Counseling & offer
Complete HUD counseling and make an offer with confidence.
- 4
Close & move in
Combine your down payment with loan proceeds — no required monthly mortgage payment.
Already have a reverse mortgage?
Refinancing an existing HECM can make sense in the right situation. Here's when it's worth a conversation.
Tap more equity
San Diego home values have risen — a refinance may unlock more proceeds than your original reverse mortgage.
Improve your terms
A different rate structure or product may better fit your goals than the loan you have today.
Add a spouse or restructure
Life changes. Refinancing can add an eligible spouse or adjust how you draw your funds.
Reverse mortgage vs. HELOC vs. traditional mortgage
| Feature | Reverse mortgage | HELOC | Traditional mortgage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly mortgage payment | None required | Interest &/or principal due | Principal + interest due |
| Minimum age | 62+ | No age minimum | No age minimum |
| Repayment trigger | Sell, move out, or pass away | Fixed draw & repayment terms | Monthly until paid off |
| Income qualification | Financial assessment only | Full income & credit review | Full income & credit review |
| Non-recourse protection | Yes | No | No |
| Keep title to home | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Your questions, answered honestly
Reverse mortgage basics
Ownership, heirs & repayment
Purchase, refinance & costs
Hi, I'm Amanda LaRussa.
I'm a San Diego-based mortgage broker who believes reverse mortgages are too often misunderstood — and too important to get wrong. My approach is calm, patient, and education-first: I'll explain every option in plain language, involve your family and advisors when you want, and never pressure you toward a decision.
Amanda LaRussa, NMLS #2166834 — licensed to originate loans in California, Texas, Arizona, and Wisconsin.
What San Diego clients say
Verified reverse mortgage client stories are being collected — check back soon.
Client testimonial coming soon — real, consented reviews will appear here.
Client testimonial coming soon — real, consented reviews will appear here.
Client testimonial coming soon — real, consented reviews will appear here.
Let's talk through your options — no pressure.
Book a free, no-obligation strategy session, or call and we'll answer your questions about a reverse mortgage in San Diego.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend or an offer to extend credit. Reverse mortgages (HECMs) require borrowers to be 62 or older, occupy the property as a primary residence, and remain current on property taxes, homeowners insurance, and home maintenance. The 2026 FHA HECM lending limit is $1,249,125 and is subject to annual change. Equal Housing Lender. Amanda LaRussa, NMLS #2166834, with Edge Home Finance Corporation. State-specific disclosures and license numbers to be confirmed with compliance before publication.