FHA-insured HECMs are not the only option. Proprietary jumbo reverse mortgages are built for homeowners with higher-value properties, and for borrowers as young as 55 in eligible states. These are private products, not FHA-insured, with their own guidelines.
A standard FHA HECM caps the value it will lend against at the 2026 FHA HECM lending limit of $1,249,125. If your home is worth well above that limit, a proprietary jumbo product may let you access significantly more of your equity than a HECM would permit.
If your home is valued above the FHA HECM lending limit, a proprietary jumbo reverse mortgage may allow you to access more of your equity than a standard HECM would. These are private loan products offered by select lenders, following their own guidelines, and available in most, but not all, states.
Unlike FHA HECMs, which require borrowers to be at least 62, some proprietary products are available to homeowners as young as 55 in states where the product is approved. That opens the door for earlier retirement planning, letting younger homeowners with significant equity begin accessing their home wealth before traditional HECM eligibility.
The simplest way to think about it: a HECM measures your equity against the FHA limit of $1,249,125, while a proprietary jumbo product can measure against a much higher ceiling, up to $4,000,000. For a home worth well over the FHA limit, that difference can be substantial.
Which product actually serves you best depends on your age, your home's value, your goals, and the rates and terms available when you apply. Sometimes the FHA HECM is still the better fit even on a high-value home; sometimes the proprietary product is. I'll run both sides so you can see the real numbers rather than a sales pitch. This is not a commitment to lend, and as with any reverse mortgage you remain responsible for property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and home maintenance.
Proprietary jumbo products are private, not FHA-insured, and they follow their own guidelines rather than HUD's. That means the consumer protections, costs, and terms can differ from a HECM, and availability varies.
Proprietary reverse mortgage products are not affiliated with or endorsed by HUD or FHA. Product availability, eligibility, and terms vary by state and lender. Contact me to discuss what is available in your area.
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