Senior Home Equity Exceeds Record $11.81 Trillion

Homeowners 62 and older saw their housing wealth grow by 1.95 percent or $226 billion in the third quarter to a record $11.81 trillion from Q2 2022, according to the latest quarterly release of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA)/ RiskSpan Reverse Mortgage Market Index (RMMI).

The RMMI rose in Q3 2022 to 413.22, another all-time high since the index was first published in 2000. The increase in older homeowners’ wealth was mainly driven by an estimated 1.95 percent or $268 billion increase in home values, offset by a 1.93 percent or $42 billion increase in senior-held mortgage debt.

“Multiple studies published over the past couple of years highlight the challenges faced by women to save for retirement because of competing priorities, such as caring for children or an aging parent or relative,” said NRMLA President Steve Irwin. “Nevertheless, they own a substantial asset, their home. Therefore, when meeting with a financial planner, or other trusted advisor, it’s very important to consider home equity as a strategic asset that can be used to help enhance retirement security.”

About Reverse Mortgages

Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners who are 62 and older with significant home equity. They are a versatile financial tool that seniors can use to borrow against the equity in their home without having to make monthly principal or interest payments as with a traditional “forward” mortgage or a home equity loan. Under a reverse mortgage, funds are advanced to the borrower and interest accrues, but the outstanding balance is not due until the last borrower leaves the home, sells or passes away.

To date, more than 1.3 million households have utilized an FHA-insured reverse mortgage to help meet their financial needs. For more information, visit www. ReverseMortgage.org