Using a Reverse Mortgage on Your Primary Residence

One important rule about reverse mortgages is that they can only be used on your primary residence—not on a second home, rental, or investment property. That means you must live in the home as your main place of residence in order to qualify.

A Real-Life Strategy: Turning Home Equity Into Investment Capital

Here’s a real-world example of how this works:
In this video, I share how my dad used a reverse mortgage on his primary residence to unlock the equity in his home. He then took that money and purchased an investment property for cash.

The result?

  • His primary home has no monthly principal and interest payment (just property taxes and homeowners insurance).
  • He owns the investment property outright, with no mortgage on it—just the standard property-related expenses.

This smart move allowed him to generate long-term wealth without taking on new monthly debt.

Why This Strategy Works

A reverse mortgage can be a powerful tool—not just for eliminating mortgage payments, but also for leveraging equity to create new financial opportunities. For people nearing or in retirement, this kind of strategy can:

  • Free up monthly cash flow
  • Enable debt-free investing
  • Help build passive income through rental properties
  • Provide greater financial freedom

It’s crucial to work with a trusted professional to explore how a reverse mortgage fits into your overall financial plan.

Important Note: Reverse Mortgages Must Be on Your Primary Home

To be clear, you cannot get a reverse mortgage on a rental or vacation home. It must be your main residence. But once you’ve accessed your equity, what you do with those funds—including investing—is up to you.