Reverse Mortgage Document Checklist

At Retirement Relief Reverse Mortgages, we believe the loan process should be simple, transparent, and stress-free.

Whether you're retired, still working, or living on Social Security or pension income, we'll help you understand which documents may be needed to explore your reverse mortgage options.

You don't need to gather everything before contacting us. Our team will provide a personalized checklist based on your situation and loan program.

1. Personal Identification
To verify your identity and eligibility, we may request:

• Government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport
• Social Security number for identity and eligibility verification
• Proof of age, if not established by your identification
• Marriage certificate, divorce decree, trust documents, or other legal documentation, if applicable

2. Property & Mortgage Information
Because a reverse mortgage is based in part on your home's value and available equity, we may request:

• Most recent mortgage statement for any existing loans
• Most recent property tax bill
• Homeowners insurance declaration page
• HOA statement, if applicable
• Information about existing HELOCs or other liens
• Property ownership or trust documentation, if applicable

If you own your home free and clear, that's perfectly fine! You can still explore your reverse mortgage options.

3. Income & Financial Information
Unlike a traditional mortgage, a reverse mortgage generally does not require monthly principal and interest payments. However, lenders may still evaluate your financial situation and ability to meet ongoing property obligations.

Depending on your circumstances, we may request:

• Social Security or retirement benefit statements
• Pension or annuity income statements
• Recent bank statements 
• IRA, 401(k), or other investment account statements
• Pay stubs or tax returns, if you're still employed or self-employed
• Documentation of other income, if applicable

Important: You do not need to be employed to qualify for a reverse mortgage. Retirement income and eligible assets may be considered during the financial assessment.

4. Reverse Mortgage Counseling
For an FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), independent counseling with a HUD-approved reverse mortgage counselor is required.

After completing counseling, you'll receive a certificate confirming your participation.

We'll help explain how to locate an approved counseling agency and what to expect during the session.

Counseling requirements for proprietary reverse mortgages may differ by program.

5. Additional Documents, If Applicable
Depending on your property and financial situation, the lender may request additional information, such as:

• Bankruptcy or loan modification documentation
• Divorce or separation agreements
• Trust or power-of-attorney documents
• Documentation of outstanding judgments or liens
• Explanations of certain credit or financial circumstances
• Additional property or occupancy information

Not every borrower will need these documents. We'll let you know exactly what applies to your situation.