By Tyler Plack
Tyler Plack is the President of South River Mortgage. Tyler holds an active FHA Direct Endorsement (DE) underwriting certification and is the author of The Retirement Solution: Maximizing Your BenefitTyler is a seasoned entrepreneur and real estate investor renowned for his expertise in reverse mortgages and his commitment to addressing seniors' equity challenges. Tyler brings a unique perspective to his ventures, having built several successful companies throughout his career. His insights are frequently sought by industry publications, where he is recognized for his vast knowledge in the realm of reverse mortgages.
An avid investor in income-producing properties, Tyler is dedicated to helping seniors navigate their financial needs with compassion and expertise. When Tyler is not helping solve America's retirement crisis, he is a skilled pilot flying airplanes for fun.
If you own a high-value home, you may have already run into a frustrating problem.
Your house might be worth $1 million—or much more—but a standard reverse mortgage treats it like it’s worth far less.
That’s because FHA reverse mortgages come with a government cap. And once your home value goes past that limit, a lot of your equity simply doesn’t count.
That’s where jumbo reverse mortgages come in.
They were created specifically for homeowners with higher-value properties who want access to more of their home equity—and fewer restrictions.
Let’s walk through what they are, how they work, and whether one might make sense for you.
What Is a Jumbo Reverse Mortgage?
A jumbo reverse mortgage is a reverse mortgage designed for homes worth more than the FHA lending limit.
In 2025, that FHA limit is $1,209,750.
If your home is worth more than that, a traditional reverse mortgage may leave a large chunk of your equity untapped. A jumbo reverse mortgage removes that ceiling.
Think of it this way:
A regular reverse mortgage puts a cap on how much of your home’s value counts.
A jumbo reverse mortgage doesn’t.
Why This Matters for High-Value Homes
If your home is worth $400,000, the FHA limit doesn’t matter much.
But if your home is worth $1.5 million, $2 million, or more, the difference can be dramatic.
With a jumbo reverse mortgage, you may be able to:
- Access more cash
- Avoid certain government fees
- Get funds earlier in the process
- Qualify at a younger age in some cases
Jumbo Reverse Mortgage vs. Standard Reverse Mortgage (HECM)
Here’s the homeowner-level comparison—no technical fluff.
Jumbo Reverse Mortgage
- Often available starting at age 55
- No government lending cap
- No FHA mortgage insurance premiums
- More flexible access to funds early on
- Higher interest rates in many cases
Standard Reverse Mortgage (HECM)
- Minimum age 62
- Lending capped by the government
- Requires mortgage insurance
- Lower interest rates
- Built-in government protections
Neither option is “better” across the board. The right choice depends on your home value, goals, and priorities.
What Does “Proprietary Reverse Mortgage” Mean?
You’ll often hear the terms “jumbo” and “proprietary” used together.
In plain English:
- Proprietary means it’s not insured by the government
- Jumbo usually means the loan goes above the FHA limit
In practice, they’re usually talking about the same thing: a private-market reverse mortgage for higher-value homes.
Are You Eligible for a Reverse Mortgage?
(Find out in 60 seconds)
Pros and Cons (From a Homeowner’s Point of View)
Pros
- Access more of your home equity
- No FHA mortgage insurance costs
- Often available at a younger age
- No limit on how much you can receive in the first year
- Same basic borrower protections as standard reverse mortgages
Cons
- Interest rates may be higher
- Not available in every state
- Fewer lenders offer them
- Best suited for higher-value homes
Should I Get a Jumbo Reverse Mortgage or a Standard One?
This is where many people get surprised.
If your home value is just slightly above the FHA limit, a standard reverse mortgage may actually give you better overall results due to lower rates—even with the cap.
If your home value is well above the limit and your goal is maximum cash access, a jumbo reverse mortgage may make more sense.
That’s why side-by-side comparisons matter. You don’t want to guess—you want to see real numbers.
What About the Future of Jumbo Reverse Mortgages?
The jumbo reverse mortgage market has matured significantly over the past two decades.
Early versions came and went as lenders exited the space. Today’s programs are more conservative, more regulated, and designed with long-term sustainability in mind.
At South River Mortgage, we’ve taken a cautious approach and only offer jumbo programs that meet strict standards for borrower protections and long-term stability.
Who Typically Uses a Jumbo Reverse Mortgage?
This option often appeals to homeowners who:
- Own higher-value homes
- Live in high-cost areas
- Want to unlock equity without selling
- Prefer fewer government restrictions
- Want access to more funds upfront
It’s not about being flashy—it’s about fit.
Ready to See What Your Home May Qualify For?
If your home value is above the FHA limit, you owe it to yourself to explore all your options—jumbo and standard.
At South River Mortgage, we’ll run the numbers both ways and explain the tradeoffs clearly, so you can make a decision that actually fits your goals.
Call (844) 230-6679 or start with a quick eligibility check to see what may be possible.
