A reverse mortgage is not a desperate last resort although it should be the last choice taken when other acceptable options are available.

Best friend when the fit is perfect, a reverse mortgage can be a worst enemy in two situations:
1. When it is the best solution and is not considered fully, so lesser options, like selling and moving when you don’t want to or need to, are taken.

2. When a reverse mortgage is taken out, and it is not the best choice since there are other less-expensive, more flexible options that would have better suited financial, lifestyle and wealth management goals.

Use the accurate, comprehensive advice of professionals and your experience to make your own decisions. Determine the depth of understanding and experience a financial, lifestyle, or real estate professional has before you act to arrange or avoid a reverse mortgage. PROFESSIONAL WHO ARE SKILLED IN THEIR OWN FIELD DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY UNDERSTAND REVERSE MORTGAGES AND THE RELATED FINANCIAL, LIFESTYLE, AND WEALTH MANAGEMENT ISSUES.

How are you sure advisors fully understand your point of view on staying in the home you know and love?

For more on advisors and advice:  Reverse Mortgages: Best Friend, Worst Enemy...Your Choice!  Chapter Six: Getting Good Advice, page 91