Simply Approved Mortgages

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Seniors & Retirement

Jumbo Reverse Mortgage — Proprietary Reverse Loans for High-Value Homes

A jumbo reverse mortgage is a private, non-FHA reverse loan for homeowners whose property value exceeds the FHA HECM maximum claim amount — with proceeds available up to roughly $4,000,000 and no FHA mortgage insurance premium.

Quick answerSummary

A jumbo or proprietary reverse mortgage is a private product for higher-value homes above the federally insured HECM lending limit. Because it is not FHA insured, terms, borrower age minimums, protections, and costs are set by the lender rather than by HUD. Comparing it to a HECM matters before deciding.

  • ✓Jumbo (proprietary) reverse mortgages are private products, not FHA-insured HECMs, and are not backed by HUD or the federal government.
  • ✓They exist because the FHA HECM maximum claim amount is capped at $1,249,125 for 2026 — value above that cap generates no additional HECM proceeds.
  • ✓Program proceeds commonly reach about $4,000,000, with no FHA up-front or annual mortgage insurance premium.
  • ✓Minimum age is 62 on most programs, with some products available at 55 or 60 in select states; you must still pay property taxes, insurance, any HOA dues, and maintain the home.
SA

Written by

Simply Approved Mortgages Team

Licensed Loan Officers · NMLS# 2620881

12 min read·Independently researched · No paid product placement
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Illustration only, generated from the information you enter. Not a rate quote, lock, loan estimate, pre-qualification, offer, approval, or commitment to lend. Figures are subject to credit, income, asset and property review and full lender underwriting; binding numbers appear on your Loan Estimate.

Scenario summary

Purchase price entered
$412,000
Down payment entered
$20,600
Estimated loan amount
$391,400
Estimated cash to close
$14,300
Programs reviewed
4

Sample layout with example figures — your own numbers replace these. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC · NMLS #2620881 · Equal Housing Opportunity.

What a jumbo reverse mortgage is

A jumbo reverse mortgage — the industry term is a proprietary reverse mortgage — is a privately underwritten reverse loan designed for homes worth more than the FHA program can serve. Like a HECM, no monthly principal and interest payment is required while an eligible borrower lives in the home as a principal residence; the balance grows with accrued interest and is repaid when the last borrower permanently leaves the home, sells, or passes away.

Unlike a HECM, a jumbo reverse mortgage is not insured by FHA and is not a HUD program. Simply Approved Mortgages is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of HUD, FHA, or any government agency. Protections, disclosures, counseling requirements, and non-recourse language vary by product and are governed by the individual program's note and state law — read them before you sign.

Why the FHA cap creates the need for a jumbo product

FHA calculates HECM proceeds from the lesser of the appraised value or the annual maximum claim amount, which is $1,249,125 for 2026. A home appraised at $2,400,000 is therefore treated the same as a home appraised at $1,249,125 for proceeds purposes — the extra equity does nothing. Proprietary programs underwrite to the actual value, which is why they exist.

How proceeds are determined

  • Age of the youngest borrower: older borrowers qualify for a higher percentage of value. This is the single largest driver.
  • Appraised value: proprietary programs use the real appraised value rather than an FHA cap, subject to the program's own maximum.
  • Expected interest rate: higher rates reduce the principal limit factor, so proceeds move with the market.
  • Existing liens: any current mortgage must be paid off from the proceeds at closing. What remains is available to you.

Jumbo reverse vs. FHA HECM — the practical differences

  • Value served: HECM proceeds stop at the FHA maximum claim amount; jumbo programs underwrite the full appraised value up to the program cap.
  • Mortgage insurance: HECM charges an up-front and an annual FHA mortgage insurance premium. Jumbo programs charge none, though pricing is built into the rate and margin instead.
  • Minimum age: HECM requires 62. Some proprietary programs open at 55 or 60, but only in states where that product is approved.
  • Property types: HECM requires FHA-approvable property, including FHA condo approval. Several jumbo programs accept non-FHA-approved condos, which is a common reason borrowers choose them.
  • Draw options: HECM offers a growing line of credit, term, and tenure payments. Jumbo products vary: many are lump-sum fixed-rate closings, and only some offer a line of credit.
  • Insurance backstop: HECM's FHA insurance guarantees the borrower's line of credit and the non-recourse protection. Jumbo protections come from the private lender and the note terms, not the federal government.

Obligations that do not go away

A reverse mortgage of any kind is still a mortgage lien on your home. You must keep property taxes and homeowners insurance current, pay any HOA or condo dues, maintain the property in good repair, and continue to occupy the home as your principal residence. Failing to meet these obligations can make the loan due and payable and can lead to foreclosure. Extended absence from the home, including a long-term care stay beyond the program's allowance, can also trigger repayment.

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Counseling, heirs, and the payoff

Independent reverse mortgage counseling is required on FHA HECMs and is required or strongly encouraged on most proprietary programs; many lenders will not proceed without a counseling certificate. When the loan becomes due, heirs typically may repay the balance, refinance the home, or sell it and keep any remaining equity. Whether the loan is non-recourse — meaning the debt cannot exceed the home's value at payoff — depends on the specific program's terms and applicable state law, so confirm it in writing for the product you are offered.

Rates, proceeds, and program parameters shown anywhere on this site are illustrative and not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate or program disclosure. Consult a tax advisor about how loan proceeds interact with your situation and a benefits advisor about needs-based programs such as Medicaid or SSI.

How proprietary jumbo reverse mortgages differ from an FHA HECM

A jumbo reverse mortgage is a private, non-FHA loan product, so it is governed by each lender’s own program rules rather than HUD’s HECM regulations, with a few consumer protections still applying at the federal level.

What it isHow it actually worksPublished by
Not FHA-insuredJumbo, or proprietary, reverse mortgages are not insured through FHA’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program and are not subject to HUD’s HECM claim amount limits or FHA mortgage insurance premiums.Lender program guidelines (vary by investor)
HECM claim amount ceiling comparisonFHA HECMs are capped by a nationwide maximum claim amount set annually by HUD; proprietary jumbo products exist specifically to serve homes valued above that ceiling.U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Handbook 4000.1
Minimum age requirementsProprietary reverse products set their own minimum borrower age, which some programs set below the HECM’s statutory minimum age of 62 and others set at or above it.Lender program guidelines (vary by investor)
Counseling is not federally mandated the same wayHUD-approved reverse mortgage counseling is a federal requirement for HECMs; proprietary products are not bound by that same federal counseling mandate, though many lenders require it as a condition of their own program.U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Handbook 4000.1
Non-recourse structure varies by lenderHECMs are non-recourse by federal regulation, meaning the borrower or estate never owes more than the home’s value at repayment; proprietary programs may or may not offer the same non-recourse protection, and that term is set by the individual lender’s note.Lender program guidelines (vary by investor)
Reg Z disclosure still appliesReverse mortgages secured by a dwelling remain subject to Regulation Z’s reverse mortgage disclosure requirements regardless of FHA insurance status.Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Regulation Z (12 CFR 1026)
Property eligibilityProprietary programs commonly accept higher-value single-family homes, condominiums, and sometimes properties that would not meet FHA condominium approval, subject to each lender’s own property standards.Lender program guidelines (vary by investor)
Occupancy requirementLike a HECM, proprietary reverse mortgages generally require the property to be the borrower’s primary residence.Lender program guidelines (vary by investor)

Program parameters above are published by the agencies and enterprises named in the right-hand column and can change. They describe program rules, not an offer; eligibility, terms, conditions, and availability vary by borrower, property, lender, loan program, and state, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval.

Why jumbo reverse mortgages exist at all

FHA’s HECM program is capped by a nationwide maximum claim amount that HUD adjusts annually. On a home worth well above that ceiling, a HECM only unlocks proceeds calculated against the capped claim amount, not the home’s full value, which leaves substantial equity on the table for owners of higher-value homes. Proprietary jumbo reverse mortgages were built to serve exactly that gap: private lenders extending reverse mortgage credit against home values above the FHA ceiling, using their own underwriting standards rather than HUD’s HECM rules.

What you give up by stepping outside the FHA program

The HECM program carries specific federal consumer protections built into its structure: a statutory non-recourse guarantee, mandatory HUD-approved counseling before application, and standardized principal limit factors published by HUD. Stepping into a proprietary jumbo product means those specific federal program guarantees no longer automatically apply — the non-recourse feature, if offered, is a contractual term set by that individual lender rather than a federal regulation, and counseling requirements are set by the lender’s own policy rather than a HUD mandate. This does not mean proprietary products are unsafe; it means the protections come from the specific lender’s contract and from general Regulation Z disclosure rules rather than from HECM-specific federal program design, and reading the note’s recourse language carefully is essential.

Who this product is actually built for

A jumbo reverse mortgage tends to make sense for an older homeowner whose primary asset is a high-value home, who wants to convert home equity into liquidity without selling, and whose home value comfortably exceeds the FHA HECM ceiling by enough that a HECM would leave meaningful equity unaddressed. It tends not to make sense for someone with a home valued near or below the FHA limit, since a HECM in that case typically offers the added federal protections of the HECM program without meaningfully sacrificing proceeds. Because these are lender-specific proprietary products, terms, non-recourse features, and eligibility vary significantly, making direct comparison across lenders essential before choosing one.

Check where pricing sits before you decide

Review current rate context, then start a request so your own credit, income, and property details drive the numbers. Illustrative only — not a quote or commitment to lend.

What underwriting reviews on a proprietary reverse mortgage

Reverse mortgage underwriting focuses less on income replacement and more on residual capacity to pay ongoing property charges.

Type of income or evidenceHow it is documentedWhy it works for this product
Residual income and financial assessmentIncome, assets, and credit history reviewed to assess capacity to continue paying property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.Reverse mortgages still require a financial assessment to reduce the risk of tax and insurance default after closing.
Property tax and insurance payment historyRecords showing timely payment history on the current or prior residence.A pattern of tax or insurance delinquency is a key underwriting concern since those obligations continue after the reverse mortgage closes.
Property appraisalFull appraisal establishing the home’s current value.Determines the amount of proceeds available under the specific proprietary program’s principal limit calculation.

Documentation requirements vary by lender, program, and file. The list above describes what underwriting commonly accepts, not a determination about your income or your approval.

Proprietary jumbo reverse mortgage versus an FHA HECM

The choice usually comes down to home value relative to the FHA HECM ceiling and how much you value the HECM’s federal program protections.

OptionUsually the better choice whenWhat you give up
FHA HECMYour home value is at or below the current FHA maximum claim amount and you want the HECM’s statutory non-recourse feature and mandatory counseling.Proceeds are calculated against the capped claim amount, not full value, and FHA mortgage insurance premiums apply.
Proprietary jumbo reverse mortgageYour home value substantially exceeds the FHA ceiling and you want proceeds calculated against a higher value.No FHA insurance backing; non-recourse protection and counseling requirements depend on the individual lender’s program.

A worked example: why value relative to the ceiling matters

Illustrative only. Not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend; figures are round numbers used to show the method, and binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate.

A homeowner’s property is valued well above the current FHA HECM maximum claim amount published by HUD for the year. Under a HECM, proceeds are calculated using that capped claim amount, regardless of the home’s higher actual value. Under a proprietary jumbo reverse mortgage, the lender’s own principal limit calculation may apply to the full appraised value instead, though the resulting proceeds depend entirely on that lender’s specific program terms, which should be compared directly against the HECM alternative before choosing.

Illustrative only. Figures are examples used to show the arithmetic and are not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend; binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate.

How this applies in Florida and Colorado

Florida. Florida has a significant population of homeowners in higher-value coastal and waterfront properties where home values commonly exceed the FHA HECM ceiling, making jumbo reverse mortgages a relevant option; Florida homestead protections and property tax exemptions for seniors should also be reviewed against how the reverse mortgage’s tax-payment requirements interact with them.

Colorado. Colorado mountain resort communities and parts of the Front Range include homes valued well above the FHA HECM ceiling, making jumbo reverse mortgages relevant there as well; borrowers should confirm how a proprietary lender treats seasonal or secondary-home restrictions, since occupancy as a primary residence is generally required.

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC arranges residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado, so the two applications above are the ones we can act on for a consumer file. Business-purpose loan products may be arranged in additional states only where permitted by applicable law and pursuant to applicable licensing requirements or exemptions.

How to evaluate a jumbo reverse mortgage

Because these are lender-specific products, comparison shopping and counseling matter even where not federally required.

  1. Confirm your home’s value against the current FHA HECM ceiling. Understand whether a HECM already reaches most of your equity or leaves a meaningful gap.
  2. Request proprietary program terms from multiple lenders. Principal limit factors, non-recourse provisions, and fees vary significantly by lender.
  3. Ask directly whether the loan is non-recourse. Do not assume this HECM feature carries over; confirm it in the specific loan’s note.
  4. Seek independent counseling even if not required. A HUD-approved reverse mortgage counselor can help you understand the tradeoffs even on a non-HECM product.
  5. Review the financial assessment results. Understand what residual income and payment history requirements the lender applied.
  6. Compare total proceeds against a HECM alternative. Run both scenarios before committing to the proprietary product.
  7. Review closing disclosures carefully. Confirm fees, servicing terms, and repayment triggers before signing.

Get a written summary of your options

Tell us the scenario you are working on and a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer reviews it against real program guidelines, with no obligation.

Mistakes that cost people money on this

  • Assuming a proprietary jumbo reverse mortgage is automatically non-recourse like a HECM.
  • Skipping independent counseling because it is not federally required for this product.
  • Not comparing proceeds against what a HECM would offer before assuming jumbo is better.
  • Underestimating the ongoing requirement to keep paying property taxes and insurance.
  • Failing to shop multiple proprietary lenders, whose terms can vary significantly.

Is this the right move for your situation?

The honest answer depends on the file. These are the patterns we see on both sides.

Usually a good fit when

  • Your home’s value substantially exceeds the current FHA HECM maximum claim amount.
  • You want liquidity from home equity without selling and have a stable ability to keep paying taxes and insurance.

Usually not the right move when

  • Your home value is close to or below the FHA HECM ceiling, where a HECM likely serves you as well or better.
  • You are not comfortable proceeding without the HECM’s statutory non-recourse guarantee unless the specific lender offers an equivalent term.

None of this is a determination about your file. A Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer can run your actual numbers and show you what your disclosures would say.

Expert Insight
For Jumbo Reverse Mortgage — Proprietary Reverse Loans for High-Value Homes, start with the program's purpose, eligibility rules, required documentation, property restrictions, and total cost rather than one advertised feature. A Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer can compare those requirements with the actual borrower and property scenario before an application is submitted. Everything on this page is educational and illustrative — it is not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend, and your binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate.
Simply Approved Mortgages Team
Licensed Loan Officers • NMLS# 2620881

Qualifications & requirements

Jumbo Reverse Mortgage qualifications: what you actually need to qualify

RequirementTypical standardNotes
Minimum age62 typical; 55 or 60 on select programs*Earlier ages are only available where that specific product is approved. *Program and state dependent.
Maximum proceedsUp to about $4,000,000Varies by program; the youngest borrower age and rate drive the actual figure.
Insuring agencyNone - private programNot FHA-insured and not a HUD program. Not affiliated with any government agency.
Mortgage insuranceNo FHA up-front or annual MIPProgram cost is reflected in rate and margin instead.
OccupancyPrincipal residenceContinuous occupancy is a loan condition.
Property typesSFR, PUD, many condos, some 2-4 unitSeveral programs accept condos without FHA project approval.
Existing liensMust be paid off at closingPayoff comes from loan proceeds; remaining funds go to you.
Credit and incomeFinancial assessment requiredLenders verify willingness and capacity to pay taxes, insurance, and upkeep.
CounselingRequired or strongly encouragedIndependent reverse mortgage counseling certificate is standard before processing.
Draw structureLump sum on most programs; line of credit on someFewer payout options than an FHA HECM.
Monthly P&I paymentNot required while conditions are metInterest accrues and the balance grows over time.
Repayment triggerSale, permanent move-out, or death of last borrowerDefault on taxes, insurance, HOA, or upkeep can also trigger it.

FHA HECM maximum claim amount of $1,249,125 for 2026 per HUD. Proprietary reverse mortgage parameters vary by lender and state; all figures illustrative.

What you can do with this loan

✓

Access equity in a home worth well above the FHA HECM maximum claim amount.

✓

Eliminate a required monthly principal and interest payment on an existing mortgage in retirement.

✓

Fund in-home care, home modifications, or long-term living expenses without selling the home.

✓

Bridge the gap for a borrower aged 55 to 61 where a qualifying program is approved in that state.

✓

Refinance an existing reverse mortgage on a high-value property into a larger private program.

✓

Access equity in a condo that does not have FHA project approval.

Pros & cons — honest tradeoffs

Pros — Pros & cons

  • +Serves home values far above the FHA HECM limit, where a HECM leaves equity untouched.
  • +No FHA up-front or annual mortgage insurance premium.
  • +No required monthly principal and interest payment while loan conditions are met.
  • +Some programs open at age 55 or 60 rather than 62, where approved.
  • +Many programs accept condos without FHA project approval.
  • +Closing costs on some proprietary programs are lower than a comparable HECM because MIP is absent.

Cons / watch-outs — Pros & cons

  • −Not FHA-insured — protections come from the private note and state law, not the federal government.
  • −Fewer payout options; several programs are lump-sum only with no growing line of credit.
  • −The loan balance grows over time, reducing the equity available to you and your heirs.
  • −Property taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and maintenance remain your obligation, and default can lead to foreclosure.
  • −Program availability is limited by state and by property type.
  • −Proceeds may affect eligibility for needs-based benefit programs; independent advice is important.
Wholesale advantage

Compare loan officer compensation on your mortgage quote

Loan officer compensation is part of the cost of a mortgage. On eligible residential loans, Simply Approved Mortgages generally uses 1.5% lender-paid compensation. Enter the compensation shown on another lender's Loan Estimate to see the difference in dollars.

Simply Approved Mortgages compensation (1.5%)$4,500
Quote you entered (2.75%)$8,250

Compensation difference on this illustration: $3,750.

How lower compensation can help you

Room for a lower rate

When less compensation is built into pricing, there can be room for a lower interest rate, which may lower your monthly payment.

Possible credits toward closing

Depending on the rate you choose, pricing can sometimes include a lender credit toward third-party closing costs, so you may bring less cash to closing.

More purchasing power

A lower rate means a lower monthly payment, which can lower your debt-to-income ratio and may help you qualify for more home on the same income.

Wholesale, not retail

As a mortgage broker we compare pricing from wholesale lenders instead of offering a single bank’s retail pricing.

Tip: On page 2 of your Loan Estimate, look at Section A, "Origination Charges." If the lender pays the loan officer, that compensation usually does not appear there as its own line; it is built into the interest rate. That is why comparing the rate and any lender credits side by side matters.

Get a second opinion on your Loan Estimate

Already have a Loan Estimate from another bank or broker? Share it with a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer, who will compare the rate, fees and credits side by side with options we can arrange. No cost to request a review.

Illustration only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend; binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate. Lender-paid compensation is paid by the lender, not directly by you, and is part of the loan's pricing, so the loan is not free of costs. A lower compensation figure does not by itself guarantee a lower rate or lower closing costs; individual results vary by credit, loan type, property and market conditions. Residential lending in FL and CO only. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC · NMLS #2620881 · Equal Housing Opportunity.

Worked example

How this loan actually works — a full example

A 72-year-old homeowner owns a $2,300,000 primary residence with a $310,000 remaining mortgage. She wants to eliminate the monthly principal and interest payment and hold reserves for future in-home care.

Inputs

Appraised value
$2,300,000
Youngest borrower age
72
Existing mortgage balance
$310,000
FHA HECM maximum claim amount
$1,249,125 (2026)
Illustrative principal limit factor
43% of value*

Calculation

  1. 1
    HECM proceeds basis (capped at maximum claim amount)
    $1,249,125
  2. 2
    Illustrative HECM principal limit (43%)
    about $537,000
  3. 3
    Jumbo proceeds basis (actual value)
    $2,300,000
  4. 4
    Illustrative jumbo principal limit (43%)
    about $989,000
  5. 5
    Less existing mortgage payoff
    -$310,000
  6. 6
    Illustrative funds available after payoff (jumbo)
    about $679,000 before closing costs
Outcome
Because the FHA cap ignores value above $1,249,125, the proprietary program reached substantially more of this homeowner's equity. Actual principal limit factors depend on age and the expected rate at the time of application. *Illustrative only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend.

Illustrative only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate.

Purchase market update

What buyers should know this month

November 2026

30-Yr Fixed · national avg

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15-Yr Fixed · national avg

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2026 buying power

Conforming baseline: $832,750
FHA floor / ceiling: $541,287 – $1,249,125

What it means for purchase buyers in November 2026: Conventional fixed rates move weekly with the bond market, so the number you see today is the national average — not your locked rate. Federal loan limits for 2026 are published by FHFA and HUD; high-cost counties carry higher caps. Page reviewed November 2026 (2026 program year). Sources: Freddie Mac PMMS, FHFA, HUD. Individual results vary.
✓

Above the FHA cap

HECM proceeds stop at the $1,249,125 maximum claim amount for 2026.

✓

No FHA insurance premium

Proprietary programs carry no up-front or annual FHA MIP.

✓

Age 55+ in select states

Most programs require 62; some open earlier where approved.

Get Ready

Document Checklist for Jumbo Reverse Mortgage

Gathering these documents up front helps your Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer issue a stronger pre-approval and move Jumbo Reverse Mortgage to Clear-to-Close faster. Actual items required vary by scenario — your loan officer will confirm the final list.

Borrower Eligibility

  • ✓Government-issued photo ID for all borrowers (age 62+ for FHA HECM; some proprietary jumbo reverse products allow age 55+)
  • ✓Social Security card or ITIN
  • ✓HUD-approved reverse mortgage counseling certificate (required for HECM; often required for proprietary reverse)

Financial Assessment

  • ✓Income documentation (Social Security award letter, pension, employment, 1099-R)
  • ✓2 months of bank statements
  • ✓24-month property tax and homeowners insurance payment history
  • ✓Credit authorization

Subject Property

  • ✓Most recent statement on any existing mortgage (to be paid off at closing)
  • ✓Current homeowners insurance declarations page
  • ✓Recent property tax bill
  • ✓HOA statement (if applicable)

Reverse-Specific Items

  • ✓Non-borrowing spouse identification (for eligible non-borrowing spouse protections)
  • ✓Trust or POA documentation (if title is held in a living trust)
  • ✓FHA case number (HECM) or investor case file (proprietary reverse)

Educational checklist only. Not a commitment to lend and not a complete list of conditions. Documentation requirements are governed by agency guidelines (Fannie Mae Selling Guide, FHA Handbook 4000.1 incl. Update 18 (August 12, 2026), VA Lender's Handbook, USDA HB-1-3555) and individual investor overlays. Your Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will provide your specific document list based on your scenario.

Credit Documentation & Monitoring

Credit Reports and Credit Monitoring for Jumbo Reverse Mortgage

Credit is one of the four underwriting buckets every lender reviews — and one of the few you can actively improve before you apply. Monitoring your credit throughout the process helps you catch errors, fraud, and score changes early, which protects your approval timeline and your rate.

Step 1 · Lender Pull

Ordering Credit for Your Pre-Approval File

Once you sign your loan application (Form 1003) and disclosures, your Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer orders a tri-merge residential mortgage credit report (RMCR) from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This is a hard inquiry, but FICO's model treats mortgage inquiries within a 45-day window as a single event, so shopping lenders during that window will not stack on your score.

  • What we need from you: signed borrower authorization, government-issued photo ID, Social Security number (or ITIN), and current address.
  • What the report shows underwriters: middle FICO score, open tradelines, minimum payments, late history, collections, public records, and recent inquiries.
  • How long it's valid: 120 days for conventional loans and for FHA/VA/USDA (HUD guidelines, VA Lender's Handbook Ch. 4). Older reports must be re-pulled before closing.
  • Rapid rescore: if a legitimate error is on your report, we can request a rapid rescore in 3–7 business days after you supply documentation from the creditor.
Pay for Your Credit Report →

This link redirects to our third-party credit vendor's payment portal. You pay the report fee directly so we can pull your tri-merge credit report for your pre-approval file. A credit pull is required for underwriting; this is not a commitment to lend.

Step 2 · Self-Check

Review and Monitor Your Credit at MyITINCredit.com

Before we pull your file, review and monitor your credit at MyITINCredit.com. Their $1 promotional trial gives you tri-bureau visibility plus ongoing credit monitoring so you can catch changes, disputes, or new accounts as they appear — not after they've already delayed your loan.

  • Verify accuracy: confirm names, addresses, SSN/ITIN, and every open account belong to you.
  • Dispute errors: the Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you the right to dispute inaccurate items directly with the bureau — no charge.
  • Address collections and charge-offs: a settled or paid collection can be documented in advance so it does not stall underwriting.
  • Pay down utilization: credit-card balances reported below 30% of the limit typically produce the strongest scores.
  • Avoid new credit: do not open new cards, finance a car, or co-sign for anyone from now through closing.
  • Monitor continuously: credit monitoring alerts you to new inquiries, balance changes, and potential identity theft while your loan is in process.
Check & Monitor Your Credit at MyITINCredit.com →

MyITINCredit.com is a service operated by Simply Approved Corporation (a DBA of that entity), which is the parent company of Simply Approved Mortgages LLC. Simply Approved Mortgages may receive subscription revenue if you choose to enroll. Credit monitoring through MyITINCredit.com is optional and is not required to apply for or obtain a mortgage with us. Promotional pricing, trial terms, and monitoring features are set by MyITINCredit.com and subject to change.

Why credit monitoring matters during a mortgage — A single new collection, missed payment, or unauthorized inquiry can change your qualifying score or trigger additional underwriting conditions. Typical minimum scores* — Conventional 620, FHA 580 (3.5% down) or 500 (10% down), VA no HUD minimum (most lenders 580–620), USDA typically 640, Jumbo 680–740, Doctor Mortgage 680–700+, Non-QM/DSCR varies by program, ITIN 620–680 alternative credit. Investor and lender overlays apply; individual results vary. Not a commitment to lend.

Cost and payment tools

Run your payment, affordability, closing cost and refinance numbers

Monthly payment, affordability, closing costs, refinance break-even and early payoff, all on one screen. This page is not written for one state, so property tax, insurance and transfer or recording charges start at neutral placeholder assumptions rather than published averages — Transfer, documentary-stamp and recording charges are set by your state and county — enter your own figure, or open the state page for a sourced seed. Insurance and tax assumptions vary widely by state, county and property, so replace these starting values with quotes for your address. Every figure is an illustrative estimate, not a quote, lock, offer, approval, or commitment to lend.

Your inputs

Home price$400,000
$
Down payment %5%
%
Property tax %/yr (your assumption)1%
%
Homeowners insurance $/yr$2,000
$
HOA / condo dues $/mo$0
$
Assumed interest rate6.5%
%
Term (years)30yrs
yrs

Estimated result

Down payment
$20,000
Loan amount
$380,000
Principal & interest
$2,402
Property tax
$333/mo
Homeowners insurance
$167/mo
Estimated total monthly
$2,902/mo

Reference sources: Tax Foundation — property taxes paid as a percentage of owner-occupied housing value, NAIC — Homeowners Insurance Report, CFPB — Understanding your Loan Estimate.

Assumptions, methodology, and limitations

Principal and interest use the standard amortization formula on the loan amount you enter. This page does not target a single state, so the property tax and insurance fields start at neutral placeholder assumptions rather than published averages — replace them with figures for your own address, or open the matching state page for sourced seeds. Closing costs apply your state's transfer / documentary-stamp practice (0.00% of price used as the buyer-side seed) plus typical title, recording, appraisal, credit and prepaid escrow lines. Refinance break-even divides your entered costs by the monthly payment difference. Early payoff runs a month-by-month amortization with your extra principal.

These tools do not include mortgage insurance, funding or guarantee fees, HOA special assessments, flood or windstorm premiums, seller credits, lender credits, discount points, or county and municipal charges specific to your parcel. Statewide averages will not match any individual property. Figures are estimates only.

Illustrative only. Binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate, and terms vary by borrower, property, lender, program, and state.

Turn these estimates into real numbers

Send your scenario to a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer and get a written summary back, or compare where rates sit today. Educational only — not a quote, lock, offer, approval, or commitment to lend.

FAQs reviewed by Simply Approved Mortgages · November 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers written by licensed loan officers.

A HECM is insured by FHA and calculates proceeds from a capped maximum claim amount, currently $1,249,125. A jumbo (proprietary) reverse mortgage is a private, non-FHA loan that underwrites the actual appraised value, so it can serve high-value homes that a HECM cannot.
Ask Sam AI

Ask SAM anything about mortgages

SAM is the Simply Approved Mortgages AI assistant. It answers general questions using the reviewed guides published on this site and links you to the primary government source. It is educational only — it does not quote a rate, payment, APR, approval or commitment to lend. A Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer reviews every scenario before any terms are confirmed.

Hi, I'm SAM — an AI assistant for Simply Approved Mortgages. I can explain loan programs, closing costs, DTI, down payments and which calculator or guide to use. I'm not a licensed loan officer, and nothing here is a quote, approval or commitment to lend.

SAM is an AI assistant — not a licensed loan officer, attorney, CPA or financial adviser. Answers are educational only, are not a quote, lock, offer or commitment to lend, and material loan terms must be reviewed by a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer. Never share SSN/ITIN, date of birth, account numbers or passwords in chat. Residential mortgage loans are arranged in Florida and Colorado. Start My Approval.

Ask Sam AI provides general educational information only. It is an automated assistant, may be incomplete or out of date, and does not provide legal, tax or financial advice. Nothing it produces is a rate quote, APR, pre-approval, offer or commitment to lend. Never share a Social Security number, ITIN, date of birth, account number or password in chat. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (NMLS #2620881) arranges residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado. Eligibility, terms, conditions and availability vary by borrower, property, lender, loan program and state, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Sources & Citations

  1. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — HUD Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program
  2. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — CFPB: reverse mortgage disclosures and considerations
  3. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — HUD-approved housing counseling agencies
  4. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Regulation Z reverse mortgage disclosure rules

Sources: government and agency publications listed above. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by HUD, FHA, VA, USDA, or any government agency. Program rules change; the published source text governs.

Trusted government resources

These independent government resources can help you research mortgage programs, rates, and your rights before you apply.

Simply Approved Mortgages is not affiliated with HUD, the CFPB, the FTC, the VA, or any other government agency. Links are provided for your independent verification.

How this page connects

Where this fits in the jumbo and high-balance lending library

This page sits inside our Jumbo and high-balance lending coverage.

What most readers open next

Explore the full guide

Keep reading — the rest of the buying playbook

Each of these is a deep-dive on one piece of the purchase mortgage process. Bookmark whichever you need next.

Internal library

Related mortgage guides across our library

Follow the next relevant guide for your scenario.

Pre-Approval Request

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Complete this short request and a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will personally review your scenario. The form only asks what your program actually needs. Submitting it is not an application for credit and is not a commitment to lend.

Reverse mortgage (HECM)

Tell us about your scenario

The form below is tailored to Reverse mortgage (HECM) — only the questions and documents your program needs.

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See your options — one short screen
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Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is licensed to arrange residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado only. We ask first so we never collect a mortgage inquiry we are not licensed to act on.

HECM sizing depends on the youngest borrower age, home value, and current expected rate.

What's your goal?
Property being refinanced

Enter the property address. We'll pull an automated home value (AVM) after you submit — no charge to you and no impact to your credit. You'll see your estimated AVM value on the confirmation screen once you submit.

Estimated home value$450,000
$
Current mortgage balance$250,000
$

A range is enough here — no credit report is pulled and your credit is not affected.

Estimated monthly payment at these numbers
$0

Illustrative estimate only — not a quote, rate lock, offer of credit, or commitment to lend.

Submitting this form is not an application for credit and is not a commitment to lend. No credit report is pulled at this step.

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  1. 1Sign in to your Google account and search a mortgage topic such as "mortgage rates".
  2. 2Select the icon next to "Top stories" to open the preferred sources panel.
  3. 3Search for Simply Approved Mortgages, tick the box, and save.

Preferred sources is a Google Search feature controlled entirely by you and by Google. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (NMLS #2620881) does not control search results and makes no representation about how or whether our content will appear. Educational content only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend.

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Licensing & Disclosures

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Equal Housing Opportunity

Broker identification. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is a mortgage broker and is not a direct lender. We arrange residential mortgage loans with third-party wholesale lenders and do not make the lender's final credit decision or fund the loan. We arrange residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado. Business-purpose mortgage products may be arranged in additional states only where permitted by applicable law and pursuant to applicable licensing requirements or exemptions.

Credit and program terms. All loans are subject to lender credit approval, underwriting, acceptable appraisal or valuation when required, title review, insurance, and supporting documentation. Eligibility, programs, rates, APRs, points, lender credits, fees, payments, terms, loan amounts, down-payment requirements, mortgage insurance, and availability may vary based on borrower, property, occupancy, credit profile, loan-to-value ratio, debt-to-income ratio, lender, loan program, and state and may change without notice. Not all applicants, properties, products, or programs will qualify or be available in every state. Nothing on this site constitutes a loan approval, rate lock, offer, commitment to lend, guarantee of approval, or guarantee of terms or closing.

Rates, payments and calculators. Rates, APRs, payments, down payments, loan amounts, home values, estimated equity, savings, affordability estimates, closing costs, and other calculator or scenario results displayed on this site are estimates or illustrations unless expressly stated otherwise. Actual loan terms may differ. Taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, association dues, lender charges, broker compensation, discount points, third-party charges, and other costs may apply. Advertised rates, payments, APRs, down payments, and other credit terms are subject to the assumptions and disclosures presented with the applicable advertisement. Applicable loan terms and disclosures will be provided as required for the particular transaction.

Mortgage products. FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, jumbo, non-QM, HELOC, reverse mortgage, down-payment-assistance, investment-property, DSCR, and other mortgage products referenced on this site are subject to their individual eligibility, underwriting, property, occupancy, and program requirements. Product availability varies by lender and jurisdiction. References to a mortgage product or program do not constitute a determination that a borrower or property qualifies.

Government-backed programs. Government-backed or government-insured mortgage programs referenced on this site may be subject to requirements established by the applicable government agency in addition to lender requirements. Government insurance or guaranties generally protect participating lenders against certain losses and do not constitute a guarantee of borrower approval.

Business-purpose products. DSCR, investment-property, and other business-purpose mortgage products referenced on this site are intended for qualifying business-purpose transactions. Business-purpose loans may be subject to different requirements and protections than consumer-purpose residential mortgage loans. Borrowers are responsible for accurately disclosing property occupancy and intended use.

Down payment assistance. Down payment or closing-cost assistance programs referenced on this site may be administered by governmental entities, housing finance agencies, nonprofit organizations, lenders, or other third parties. Program availability, funding, assistance amounts, eligibility requirements, repayment or forgiveness provisions, and other terms vary and may change or become unavailable without notice. Listing or referencing a program does not guarantee funding, eligibility, or mortgage approval.

Government affiliation. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is not a government agency and is not affiliated with, acting on behalf of, sponsored by, or endorsed by HUD, FHA, VA, USDA, or any other federal, state, or local government agency. References to government agencies, programs, benefits, data, forms, or resources are provided for informational purposes and do not imply government sponsorship or endorsement of Simply Approved Mortgages LLC.

Fair lending. Equal Housing Opportunity. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC conducts business in accordance with applicable federal and state fair-housing and equal-credit-opportunity laws and does not discriminate on any prohibited basis.

No professional advice. Content on this site is educational and general in nature and is not legal, tax, accounting, financial, investment, estate-planning, or individualized government-benefits advice. Consumers should consult appropriate qualified professionals regarding their individual circumstances.

Third-party content. References or links to government agencies, lenders, assistance programs, products, services, or other third-party websites are provided for informational purposes or convenience. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC does not control and is not responsible for third-party content, availability, accuracy, or privacy practices.

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Simply Approved Mortgages LLC, 633 W 5th St, Ste 2600, Los Angeles, CA 90071 · 877-813-7219 · support@simplyapprovedmortgages.com. State licensing details available at the NMLS Consumer Access link above. © 2026 Simply Approved Mortgages LLC.

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