Published Article
Reverse Mortgages, Reframed: What the Industry Gets Wrong and What It Needs to Understand
Read Time: 1 minMember Jim Milano (Washington, DC) co-authored a thought leadership piece published on the Chrisman Commentary Daily Mortgage News, “Reverse Mortgages, Reframed: What the Industry Gets Wrong and What It Needs to Understand,” on December 23, 2025.
Reverse mortgages remain one of the most misunderstood products in residential lending. Even seasoned mortgage professionals often approach them with hesitation, influenced by outdated perceptions, incomplete information, or reputational concerns. That hesitation is understandable. Reverse mortgages differ from forward loans in structure, servicing, and borrower experience.
When properly understood and responsibly delivered, however, reverse mortgages can serve as an effective and powerful financial planning tool for older homeowners.
The following provides a practical framework for understanding how reverse mortgages actually work, where key risks and protections exist, and what lenders need to consider before entering the space.