Aging in Place with Reverse Mortgage vs Selling Calculator
This free calculator helps you compare the financial and lifestyle impact of two major retirement paths: aging in place using a reverse mortgage to fund in-home care, or selling your home and moving to a retirement community or care facility. Simply enter your age, home value, current balance, and select your reverse mortgage product type (such as FHA HECM or Proprietary Jumbo). Then, input your expected in-home care hours, care type, and home upgrade costs, or test what selling your home and moving into an independent or assisted living facility would look like. The calculator compares both scenarios side by side, showing how much equity you retain, your monthly and 10-year costs, and how long your sale proceeds would last in a retirement community. You will also see how a reverse mortgage can help eliminate your monthly mortgage payment, cover in-home care expenses, and support a financially and emotionally balanced retirement plan. This tool is ideal for retirees evaluating the true cost of staying home versus selling, giving you a clear picture of your options before making one of life’s biggest financial decisions.
❓ FAQ Section
How does this calculator compare aging in place and selling my home?
The calculator estimates the monthly and long-term financial outcomes of staying in your current home versus selling and moving into a retirement or care facility. It factors in home value, in-home care costs, reverse mortgage proceeds, taxes, and sale proceeds to show which option better fits your financial and lifestyle goals.
How does a reverse mortgage help with aging in place?
A reverse mortgage allows you to eliminate your monthly mortgage payment and access a portion of your home equity as tax-free funds. These funds can be used to cover in-home care, home upgrades, or other living expenses, helping you stay in your home longer while maintaining financial flexibility.
What happens if I sell my home instead of using a reverse mortgage?
If you sell, you’ll access your home equity as cash proceeds but may also face capital gains taxes and housing costs in your new community. The calculator estimates how many years your sale proceeds could cover living expenses in a retirement or assisted living facility.
Does the calculator account for emotional or quality-of-life factors?
While the calculator focuses on financial outcomes, it helps clarify trade-offs so you can consider emotional and lifestyle aspects with better context. Many retirees find that aging in place offers comfort and familiarity, while selling can provide convenience and reduced upkeep.
Which option is better: staying home or moving?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on your health, finances, support network, and personal preferences. This calculator gives you the numbers you need to start the conversation with family or advisors and make a confident, informed decision.
How do I get a personalized reverse mortgage quote?
After reviewing your estimate, you can request a free, no-obligation consultation with a licensed Reverse Mortgage Advisor to receive a detailed analysis.
Disclaimer: For Educational Purposes Only
The information, tools, and calculators available on The Retirement Dilemma website are provided exclusively for educational and informational purposes. Their goal is to help you understand how a reverse mortgage may fit within your overall retirement strategy. This material should not be considered financial, legal, or tax advice.
All content is developed and reviewed by reverse mortgage professionals with decades of combined experience in mortgage lending, underwriting, and real estate. However, every financial situation is unique. We strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, attorney, Reverse Mortgage Advisor, or a HUD-approved housing counselor before making any financial decisions related to reverse mortgages.
To maintain accuracy and reliability, our educational content references well-established and nationally recognized sources, including HUD, CFPB, AARP, and other trusted organizations specializing in retirement and housing.
Our mission is to provide unbiased, transparent, and practical education—empowering you to make informed, confident decisions about your financial future.
