The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Reverse Mortgages

What are they? How do they work? What do they do?

There are more than 100,000 active reverse mortgages in the U.S. today, and the number is growing. If Social Security benefits are excluded, about half of all senior citizens would fall below the poverty line based on their income, and for many people over 65, much of their wealth is concentrated in their home equity. As health care costs rise, many people are turning to reverse mortgages for supplemental income. This book outlines, informs, counsels, and lays out the facts on reverse mortgages.
-Anticipation of Social Security problems is increasing the popularity of reverse mortgages
-More people are expected to turn to reverse mortgages to supplement their income
-The Consumers Union of U.S. Inc. says that AARP, HUD, Fannie Mae, and the reverse mortgage industry all agree on the importance of high-quality reverse mortgage counseling and information

Jennifer Pokorny is a branch manager with Carteret Mortgage, specializing in reverse mortgages. She has 25 years experience in all facets of the industry, working with property management before becoming project engineer for a commercial construction company. She has also worked as a freelance writer and editor for 10 years.