For many Orlando homeowners nearing or already in retirement, the house they live in represents more than just a place to call home. It’s a storehouse of value, equity built up over decades, that could provide financial flexibility when it’s needed most. That’s where reverse mortgages come in.
A reverse mortgage, particularly a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), allows homeowners aged 62 or older to access that equity without selling their home or taking on monthly payments. It’s a financial tool that’s become especially useful in places like Orlando, where home values have steadily increased, and cost-of-living pressures continue to rise.
Whether it’s used to pay off medical bills, fund home improvements, or simply stretch retirement income, a reverse mortgage can be a lifeline. But the key to unlocking its benefits lies in choosing the right lender, one that understands not just the product, but also the unique needs of Florida residents.
How Reverse Mortgages Work
At its core, a reverse mortgage allows homeowners to convert a portion of their home equity into cash while continuing to live in the home. The most common version is the federally insured HECM, backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
Eligibility Basics:
To qualify, you generally need to:
- Be 62 years or older
- Own your home outright or have significant equity
- Use the home as your primary residence
- Keep up with taxes, insurance, and property maintenance
Once approved, you can receive funds in various ways: a lump sum, monthly payments, a line of credit, or a combination of those. The loan balance doesn’t need to be repaid until the borrower moves out, sells the home, or passes away.
One of the reasons reverse mortgages are attractive is because they’re non-recourse loans. This means that if the loan balance ever exceeds the home’s value, you or your heirs won’t be held responsible for the difference.
Still, this is not a one-size-fits-all product. Reverse mortgages work best when they’re part of a broader financial plan, which is why the lender you choose makes all the difference.
Why Orlando Homeowners Are Turning to Reverse Mortgages
Orlando isn’t just a vacation destination, it’s also home to a large and growing population of retirees. From the quiet neighborhoods of Conway to the active adult communities in Lake Nona and Celebration, thousands of homeowners over 62 are sitting on decades of home equity. But in today’s economic climate, many are discovering that equity alone doesn’t pay the bills. That’s where reverse mortgages come into the conversation.
Rising Cost of Living
Florida has no state income tax, which is great for retirees. But the trade-off often comes in the form of higher-than-average property insurance, fluctuating utility costs, and rising prices on essentials like groceries and fuel. These everyday increases can put a real squeeze on fixed retirement incomes.
For many, Social Security checks just aren’t stretching as far as they used to. A reverse mortgage allows these homeowners to tap into the equity they’ve built, turning a portion of their home value into cash, without adding a monthly payment to their expenses.
Healthcare and Long-Term Care Costs
As homeowners age, the cost of healthcare becomes more than just a budget line, it becomes a defining part of their financial picture. Even with Medicare, there are out-of-pocket expenses for prescriptions, doctor visits, mobility aids, and in-home care. Long-term care facilities or part-time nursing services can quickly eat into savings, especially for couples where one partner needs more attention than the other.
In Orlando, with a high population of aging adults and access to excellent hospitals like AdventHealth and Orlando Health, many seniors prefer to age in place. A reverse mortgage gives them the ability to stay in their homes while funding modifications such as stair lifts, walk-in tubs, or in-home nursing support.
Lifestyle and Legacy Choices
Not every reverse mortgage is born out of financial stress. Many homeowners use this loan as a way to enjoy retirement more fully. Some take dream vacations they never had time for in their working years. Others help their kids with a down payment on a home, or set up an education fund for their grandkids.
Reverse mortgages offer the flexibility to do all of this, on your own terms. That’s a big deal for those who want to make the most of their golden years, without compromising the stability of their household.
Why Orlando Homeowners Are Turning to Reverse Mortgages (Part 3)
Tapping Into Orlando’s Booming Real Estate Market
If you’ve owned your home in Orlando for 10, 20, or even 30 years, chances are your property has appreciated significantly. Median home values have climbed steadily in areas like Winter Park, Dr. Phillips, and Lake Eola Heights, not just because of Florida’s population growth, but due to Orlando’s transformation into a year-round destination with robust infrastructure and a strong economy.
But here’s the issue: equity isn’t liquid. You can’t spend it unless you sell or borrow against it. For retirees who want to remain in their homes, or leave their property to heirs, a traditional sale isn’t an option. That’s where a reverse mortgage becomes not just practical, but empowering. You can stay put, live comfortably, and still access the wealth you’ve built in your home over decades.
Reverse mortgages allow you to tap into this stored value without giving up ownership or moving out. This has made them especially appealing in a hot real estate market like Orlando, where downsizing often means competing for limited inventory and moving into a smaller place at a higher cost.
Emotional Value of Staying Home
It’s easy to focus on dollars and cents, but for many retirees, the value of staying in their home goes far beyond the financial. It’s where they raised their families, celebrated milestones, and built memories. It’s not just a house, it’s home.
In a city as vibrant and diverse as Orlando, moving out often means losing more than just square footage. It might mean giving up your community, your church, your routine. A reverse mortgage helps seniors stay in the place they love while improving their quality of life. They don’t have to leave the neighborhood or give up their independence just because retirement income feels tight.
Top 15 Reverse Mortgage Lenders in Orlando, Florida
Choosing the right lender isn’t just about rates, it’s about trust, transparency, and service that meets you where you are. With reverse mortgages, you’re not just getting a loan; you’re forming a long-term relationship with a provider who’ll walk you through everything from counseling to closing and beyond.
Below are 15 of the most respected reverse mortgage lenders serving Orlando seniors in 2025. At the top of our list is a firm that’s earned its reputation through a local-first, client-focused approach.
1. Select Home Loans (Editor’s Pick – Best Local Expertise & Personal Service)
If you’re looking for the reverse mortgage company that feels like a neighbor, because it is, then Select Home Loans should be your first call. Based right here in Florida, Select Home Loans understands the challenges and opportunities that come with retiring in the Sunshine State. From fluctuating property insurance rates to Florida-specific exemptions and homestead benefits, they don’t just “do reverse mortgages”, they help you strategize around them.
What really sets Select Home Loans apart is their personalized approach. You won’t get shuffled between departments or asked to navigate a website alone. Instead, you’ll be matched with a dedicated reverse mortgage specialist who will walk you through every step, from the mandatory HUD counseling to understanding loan disbursement options like lump sum, line of credit, or monthly payments.
They also offer:
- Free, no-obligation consultations
- Fast pre-qualification
- Assistance with FHA condo approval if needed
- Tailored options for people who want to leave the home to heirs
- Full transparency on fees, timelines, and repayment terms
With thousands of satisfied clients across Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach, Select Home Loans has become the go-to choice for Florida retirees who want knowledgeable advice without the corporate runaround.
📞 Call Select Home Loans at (888) 550-3296
📩 Or click here to request a free consultation
2. Mutual of Omaha Reverse Mortgage
A household name in the world of insurance and finance, Mutual of Omaha has also become one of the most trusted names in reverse mortgages. While they’re not Florida-based, they offer solid national coverage with a well-trained reverse mortgage team who understands state-specific issues like property taxes, insurance hurdles, and homestead laws.
One of the standout features of Mutual of Omaha’s reverse mortgage division is its extensive educational resources. Before you ever fill out a form, you can watch explainer videos, use retirement calculators, and download brochures that break down complex terms into plain English. For seniors who want to fully understand what they’re signing up for, this transparency is a big plus.
They also offer:
- Both fixed and adjustable-rate HECMs
- Optional reverse mortgage line of credit with growth potential
- A reliable customer support team and online portal
Though they lean slightly more corporate in feel, their systems and structure provide a comforting sense of stability, ideal for seniors looking for a well-established institution.
3. Longbridge Financial
Longbridge isn’t a household name, but it’s quickly becoming a major player in the reverse mortgage space, and for good reason. What they lack in national fame, they make up for in streamlined service and product flexibility.
Their standout feature? Custom-tailored reverse mortgage solutions, including “Platinum” products designed for higher-value homes and step-down loan options that allow borrowers to decrease loan payouts over time. This gives borrowers more control over how and when they use their home equity.
Why Florida seniors like Longbridge:
- They’re HUD-approved and specialize exclusively in reverse mortgages
- Their application process is one of the fastest and most straightforward
- They’re known for competitive closing costs and transparency
If you’re comfortable with a slightly more remote process (most paperwork is handled virtually), Longbridge can be a very attractive option, especially for those with valuable homes or unique borrowing goals.
4. AAG (American Advisors Group)
AAG has long positioned itself as the “go-to” reverse mortgage lender in the U.S., thanks to years of national advertising and a broad network of consultants. Based in California, their name is well-known, and their scale means they can offer a wide range of loan options, including proprietary reverse mortgages not available through the FHA.
For Florida borrowers, AAG stands out for its robust support network and strong online presence. If you like working through a combination of phone, online tools, and mailed documents, their hybrid system can be ideal.
Benefits of AAG include:
- A variety of HECM and jumbo products
- Detailed online learning tools
- Access to experienced reverse mortgage counselors
- Dedicated team members for every step of the process
That said, because of their size, some borrowers report a more impersonal feel than they’d prefer. If you’re seeking high-touch, local service, a company like Select Home Loans may still be the better fit.
5. Finance of America Reverse (FAR)
Finance of America Reverse (FAR) is a standout for tech-savvy seniors or families helping manage a loved one’s finances. Their online tools, calculators, and quote engines make it easy to explore your reverse mortgage options before ever speaking to an agent. And once you do, FAR’s loan officers are well-versed in both FHA-insured HECMs and proprietary products like their HomeSafe suite, which includes jumbo reverse mortgages for higher-value properties.
Orlando homeowners have found FAR useful when dealing with more complex financial needs, like refinancing an existing reverse mortgage, using a reverse line of credit to manage retirement cash flow, or securing a lump sum payout for renovations or medical expenses.
Why borrowers choose FAR:
- Flexible payout options (lump sum, line of credit, tenure)
- Tools to simulate future equity usage
- Excellent for high-value homes (including those above FHA caps)
- Reputable underwriting with a track record of consistency
While FAR doesn’t have as strong a local presence as some other lenders, their national strength and innovation-first approach still make them a solid contender.
6. Liberty Reverse Mortgage
Liberty has built its reputation on speed, customer service, and simplicity. They offer standard reverse mortgage products with a focus on getting homeowners through the process quickly, often in less time than the industry average.
Liberty is often recommended for retirees who:
- Have already done their research
- Want a fast approval process
- Value personal attention from start to finish
What makes Liberty particularly appealing to Orlando-area borrowers is their focus on clarity. Every step of the loan process is broken down clearly, and customer service is available by phone to walk you through requirements like counseling, appraisal, and closing.
Additional perks:
- Mobile notary service in some areas
- Clear loan estimates with no surprises
- HUD-approved lender with thousands of completed reverse mortgages
Liberty may not offer as many proprietary loan variations as others on this list, but for traditional FHA-backed HECMs, they’re fast, fair, and highly rated by users.
7. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
Though better known for forward mortgages, Fairway has grown a respected reverse mortgage division that has served hundreds of Florida homeowners. Their appeal lies in the combination of local loan officers and the backing of a large, national company.
Fairway is especially strong in:
- Hybrid family planning – helping seniors and their adult children understand how a reverse mortgage can fit into overall estate planning
- Education – their loan officers often host free seminars and webinars for retirees in Florida communities
- Local experience – including direct experience in communities like Lake Nona, Kissimmee, and Winter Garden
With Fairway, borrowers often feel like they’re working with someone “in their corner,” especially when trying to make sense of multiple loan options or comparing fixed vs. adjustable rates.
8. Open Mortgage
Open Mortgage combines technology with personal service to deliver a modern but friendly borrowing experience. Their Orlando team supports both digital-first customers and those who prefer in-person discussions.
Why borrowers appreciate them:
- Easy-to-use online tools for estimates and documents
- Local understanding of Florida tax and insurance needs
- Flexible options for payout method and timing
They’re a solid mid-sized alternative, more personal than a big national lender but backed by strong resources.
9. Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC (RMF)
RMF is deeply specialized in reverse mortgages, and their resources reflect it, with in-depth calculators and clear explanations of payout scenarios.
What sets RMF apart:
- Offers both HECM and proprietary loan products
- Great communication when explaining complex terms
- Known for working well with condo owners and varying property types
If you want a lender focused solely on reverse mortgages and full of specialized options, RMF is worth considering.
10. Nationwide Equities
While not a household name, Nationwide Equities stands out through tailored service. They’re a favorite among financial advisors in Orlando, especially for older clients with sophisticated planning goals.
Top features:
- Custom payout structures to match retirement strategies
- Strong understanding of retirement distributions and trust guidelines
- Boutique feel with robust support
Nationwide Équities can be a great choice for homeowners looking for a more financial-planning-focused approach.
11. American Advisors Group (AAG)
As one of the largest reverse mortgage lenders in the U.S., AAG offers name recognition, nationwide reach, and a massive educational library. While they may not have the same local-first touch as Select Home Loans or some Orlando-based lenders, their strength lies in reliability and breadth of options.
Highlights:
- Helpful for seniors new to reverse mortgages
- Large customer service team and support center
- TV advertisements have made them a go-to for many first-time inquiries
Orlando borrowers who prefer a well-known brand may feel more comfortable with AAG’s extensive process and national support.
12. GoodLife Home Loans
GoodLife is a newer but fast-growing name in the reverse mortgage space. They offer a simplified application process and quick turnaround times, which appeals to homeowners who value efficiency.
Why Orlando retirees consider GoodLife:
- Offers competitive rates with transparent terms
- Fast document processing for eligible applicants
- Solid customer reviews for communication
They may not offer as many product variations, but for straightforward HECMs, they’re an efficient option.
13. Homebridge Financial Services
Homebridge is a well-established lender that offers both traditional and reverse mortgage solutions. While not a specialist in reverse loans, they do bring local lending experience and solid customer service, especially for borrowers who already have a relationship with the company.
Key strengths:
- Helpful for borrowers transitioning from a forward mortgage
- Friendly, regionally-based loan officers
- Clear step-by-step process
Orlando homeowners who want the simplicity of using one lender for all loan types might appreciate Homebridge’s all-in-one approach.
14. Sun American Mortgage Company
Sun American is known for their personalized service and long-standing experience in the reverse mortgage world. While smaller in size, they offer a boutique feel and specialize in educating seniors throughout the loan process.
Why they stand out:
- Deep focus on education and senior financial health
- Available in Florida with dedicated support
- Flexible communication styles, phone, in person, or video
They may not be headquartered in Florida, but their senior-first model has earned praise in communities like Orlando and Winter Park.
15. Quontic Bank
Quontic Bank rounds out the list with a focus on digital borrowers. They’re ideal for retirees who are tech-savvy and want to manage everything from application to funding online.
Appeals to borrowers who:
- Prefer online communication
- Want a fast and secure process
- Appreciate mobile-friendly tools and dashboards
While Quontic may not offer the same depth of guidance as a more hands-on lender, they’re a strong pick for confident, independent homeowners in the Orlando area.
What to Look for in a Reverse Mortgage Lender in Orlando
Not all reverse mortgage lenders are created equal, especially in a market as diverse as Orlando. When comparing your options, here are a few essential qualities to look for:
1. Local Expertise
Florida has unique property tax rules, insurance requirements, and senior exemptions that can impact loan eligibility. A lender who understands these local nuances, like Select Home Loans, can guide you with more precision.
2. HUD Approval & HECM Specialization
The safest reverse mortgages are backed by the federal government through the HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) program. Make sure your lender is FHA-approved and experienced in navigating these loans.
3. Personalized Support
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Look for a company that provides one-on-one service, clear communication, and options tailored to your specific retirement goals.
4. Transparent Fees & Flexibility
Ask for a full breakdown of fees, closing costs, and ongoing servicing terms. Great lenders won’t pressure you, they’ll inform you. Whether you’re choosing a lump sum, line of credit, or monthly payments, flexibility matters.
Florida-Specific Tips for Reverse Mortgage Borrowers
Living in Florida comes with a few quirks that impact reverse mortgages. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering one in the Orlando area:
Watch for Property Tax Breaks
Florida offers homestead exemptions and senior discounts on property taxes. These can improve loan eligibility and reduce long-term costs. A good lender will help you factor this into your loan.
Be Smart with Condo Eligibility
Not all condos qualify for reverse mortgages. The condo building must be FHA-approved. If not, you may need a proprietary (non-HECM) reverse mortgage. Lenders like Select Home Loans can help you assess your condo’s status and explore all options.
Weigh the Pros and Cons of Loan Types
Florida retirees often consider whether to take a lump sum, line of credit, or monthly disbursements. Each has pros and cons depending on your health, income needs, and legacy plans. It’s worth sitting down with a local expert who can walk you through real scenarios.
Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?
A reverse mortgage isn’t for everyone, but for many Florida seniors, it’s a powerful tool to unlock financial freedom without giving up their home.
It can:
- Eliminate monthly mortgage payments
- Offer supplemental income
- Fund renovations or healthcare
- Provide peace of mind for retirement
That said, the lender you choose makes all the difference. That’s why Select Home Loans is our top recommendation in Orlando. They combine local understanding, personalized service, and a simple process that puts your needs first.
Get a Free Reverse Mortgage Consultation Today
If you’re even thinking about a reverse mortgage, don’t make a decision without speaking to the specialists at Select Home Loans. They’ll break down your options in plain English, and help you make the right move for your future.
📞 Call (888) 550-3296 or
💬 Request a free quote at SelectHomeLoans.com
There’s no pressure. Just helpful advice from people who truly care about Florida seniors.
