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UpdatedAugust 22, 2026ReviewedAugust 23, 2026Where our FHA figures come from
FHA HECM Reverse Mortgage illustration — how the HECM program works for FHA borrowers in 2026
HECM

FHA Reverse Mortgage (HECM) Requirements for 2026

Convert home equity to cash without a monthly mortgage payment — for homeowners 62 and older

Short answer: homeowners 62 and older with substantial equity can convert it to loan proceeds with no required monthly mortgage payment, as long as they keep paying property taxes, insurance, and upkeep and live in the home.

The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is the FHA's reverse mortgage program. It allows homeowners aged 62 or older to convert part of their home equity into loan proceeds with no required monthly mortgage payment. The loan is repaid when the borrower sells the home, moves out permanently, or passes away. HECMs are the only federally-insured reverse mortgages in the U.S.

Talk to us about HECM

Send your details and a licensed loan officer reviews your scenario. Florida and Colorado only.

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Simply Approved Mortgages LLC arranges 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.

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Simply Approved Mortgages LLC | NMLS #2620881 — a mortgage broker, not a direct lender. Submitting this form is an inquiry only; it is not an application, quote, pre-approval, approval or commitment to lend. All loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Equal Housing Opportunity. See our Privacy Notice.

Quick answer

How does an FHA HECM reverse mortgage work?

The FHA HECM reverse mortgage lets homeowners age 62 and older convert equity into loan proceeds with no monthly mortgage payment required. HUD-approved counseling is mandatory before application, the home must remain your primary residence, and you must keep taxes, insurance and maintenance current. The balance grows over time and becomes due when the last borrower leaves the home.

What this means for your mortgage

If you are 62 or older and equity-rich but cash-tight, a HECM can remove the monthly mortgage payment while you keep living in the home.

Reviewed by the licensed mortgage team at Simply Approved Mortgages · Last verified August 23, 2026 against HUD Handbook 4000.1

Talk through a HECM
TL;DR

FHA HECM reverse mortgage: key points

  • Youngest borrower must be at least 62 years old
  • HUD-approved counseling is required before the application
  • No monthly principal and interest payment while the borrower occupies the home
  • Property taxes, insurance and upkeep remain the borrower's responsibility
  • Proceeds depend on age, home value, the HECM limit and expected rates
  • It is a non-recourse loan insured by FHA

FHA Loan Rates for HECM

Everything on this page about HECM comes back to one question: what does the loan actually price at? FHA pricing is set per scenario, so your credit profile, base loan amount, loan-to-value, property type, term and lock period all move the number you actually get. Run your scenario below and compare real FHA options side by side: note rate, provider APR, points or lender credit, and the payment that goes with each one.

Snapshot pricing unavailable

No current pricing snapshot — we never show sample rate figures.

Sample scenario: Florida primary residence, 30-year fixed FHA. Pricing is refreshed once every business day and can change between refreshes.

Loading the most recent FHA pricing snapshot…

Snapshot pricing is an example for the sample scenario described above. It is not a quote, an application, a pre-approval, a rate lock, an offer of credit or a commitment to lend, and it is not personalized to you.

APR is supplied by our pricing provider for the exact scenario priced. Other lender or third-party charges listed separately may not be reflected, and the final APR can change. Your final mortgage disclosures control.

A lender credit reduces eligible closing costs only. It cannot exceed those costs and is never cash back to the borrower.

Get my own FHA pricing

The three cards above are examples from the latest daily snapshot. Enter your own purchase price, down payment, credit score and location to see every eligible FHA option for your scenario, priced right now.

What is an HECM loan?

The FHA reverse mortgage — formally the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM — lets homeowners aged 62 and older convert part of their home equity into cash without a monthly mortgage payment. The loan is repaid when the last borrower sells, moves out permanently, or passes away.

HECM is the only reverse mortgage insured by the federal government, which brings consumer protections private products do not: a mandatory HUD-approved counseling session, a non-recourse guarantee so heirs never owe more than the home is worth, and a financial assessment that confirms you can keep paying taxes and insurance.

How much you can draw depends on the age of the youngest borrower, current expected interest rates, and the lesser of your home value or the HECM lending limit. Proceeds can come as a lump sum, monthly tenure payments, a growing line of credit, or a mix.

HECM key features and benefits

  • No monthly mortgage payment (you still pay taxes, insurance, and upkeep)
  • Choose lump sum, monthly payments, line of credit, or a combination
  • Non-recourse loan — you (or your heirs) never owe more than the home is worth
  • FHA-insured, so payments continue even if the lender fails
  • 2026 HECM lending limit: $1,249,125

Is a reverse mortgage the right choice for you?

Choose HECM if…

  • You are 62+ with significant equity and want to eliminate a monthly mortgage payment
  • You intend to stay in the home for the long term
  • You want a growing line of credit as a retirement safety net
  • You can comfortably keep up with taxes, insurance, and maintenance

Look at another option if…

  • You plan to move or sell within a few years — upfront costs will not pay off
  • Preserving maximum equity for heirs is your top priority
  • You are struggling to pay property taxes or insurance today
  • A smaller HELOC or downsizing would meet the same need for less cost
  • You need every dollar of available proceeds and a funded Life Expectancy Set-Aside would hold part of them back for taxes and insurance
Compare FHA vs conventional

Documents you need for an FHA HECM

The HECM package is lighter on income but heavier on property and counseling documentation.

Borrower

  • Photo ID and proof of age 62 or older for every borrower
  • Social Security card or number verification
  • HUD-approved counseling certificate
  • Award letters or statements for Social Security, pension, and retirement income
  • Two months of bank statements for the financial assessment
  • The most recent Life Expectancy Set-Aside (LESA) analysis, plus the signed borrower notice explaining it — required in the insurance-submission package under Handbook 4000.1 Update 18 (August 12, 2026)

Property

  • Current mortgage statement for any existing lien to be paid off
  • Homeowners insurance declarations page
  • Two years of property tax payment history
  • HOA or condo association statement if applicable
  • Trust documents if the home is held in a trust

Who an HECM loan is best for

Retirees 62+ who want to supplement retirement income, eliminate a mortgage payment, or age in place.

HECM requirements in 2026

  • All borrowers on title must be 62 or older
  • Home must be your primary residence
  • Must own home outright or have low remaining mortgage balance (paid off at closing)
  • Complete HUD-approved reverse mortgage counseling
  • Home must meet FHA property standards
  • Demonstrate ability to pay property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees

HECM pros and cons

What we like

  • No monthly mortgage payment required
  • Proceeds are loan advances, not income
  • Non-recourse — heirs never owe more than home value
  • Flexible payout options
  • Federally insured

Trade-offs to know

  • Upfront MIP (2%) and ongoing MIP (0.5% annual)
  • Closing costs are higher than a traditional mortgage
  • Loan balance grows over time as interest accrues
  • Reduces inheritance for heirs
  • Must maintain home, taxes, and insurance to avoid default

How an FHA HECM works

  1. 1

    HUD-approved counseling

    Every borrower completes an independent counseling session before an application can be taken.

  2. 2

    Financial assessment

    The lender reviews income, credit, and property charge history to confirm you can maintain taxes, insurance, and upkeep.

  3. 3

    Life Expectancy Set-Aside (LESA) determination

    The financial assessment produces a LESA analysis — money held back from your proceeds to pay property taxes and insurance. Under HUD Handbook 4000.1 Update 18 (August 12, 2026), the most recent LESA analysis and the borrower notice that explains it must be in the insurance-submission package. A LESA may be fully funded, partially funded, or not required.

  4. 4

    Appraisal and principal limit

    Your maximum draw is calculated from age, expected rate, and the lesser of value or the HECM limit.

  5. 5

    Pay off any existing mortgage

    Existing liens must be cleared with proceeds at closing; the remainder is yours.

  6. 6

    Choose your payout

    Lump sum, term or tenure payments, or a line of credit that grows over time.

  7. 7

    Stay current on obligations

    Keep paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA dues, and keep the home as your primary residence.

Typical HECM cost components

Illustrative only. Actual figures come from your loan estimate and the current expected rate.

Minimum age62
Upfront MIP2.0%Of the maximum claim amount
Annual MIP0.5%On the outstanding balance
Origination feeCapped by HUD
Counseling$125–$200HUD-approved agency
Monthly payment requiredNoneTaxes, insurance, and upkeep still required

How an HECM loan helps real borrowers

Illustrative examples built from published FHA rules to show how the math works. They are not customer stories, rate quotes, or guarantees — your numbers depend on credit, county limits, and pricing at the time you lock.

Retiree who is house-rich and cash-tight

The situation: A 72-year-old owns a $460,000 home with a $60,000 remaining mortgage and wants to eliminate the monthly principal-and-interest payment.

How the loan helps: A HECM pays off the existing mortgage first; the remaining principal limit can be taken as a line of credit or monthly draws. No monthly mortgage payment is required while the borrower lives in the home and keeps taxes, insurance, and maintenance current.

Home value
$460,000
Existing lien paid off
$60,000
Required monthly P&I after closing
$0
Minimum age
62

The outcome: Monthly cash flow improves immediately, with the loan repaid when the home is sold or the last borrower permanently leaves it.

Run this scenario with your numbers

Illustrative scenarios only — not quotes, rate locks, offers or commitments to lend. Figures use published FHA program rules and reference data; actual results vary by borrower, property, lender and program. Sources: HUD Handbook 4000.1 · HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05 (MIP) · HUD Mortgagee Letter 2025-23 (2026 loan limits)

Down payment assistance with this program

There is also a HECM for Purchase option that lets a 62+ buyer purchase a new primary residence with a large down payment and no monthly mortgage payment. For younger family members buying with FHA, the FHA DPA Program can cover the 3.5% down.

See all DPA options

HECM quick answers

Who qualifies for an FHA reverse mortgage?
Homeowners 62 or older with significant equity who occupy the home as their primary residence and can maintain taxes, insurance, and upkeep.
Can I lose my home with a HECM?
Only if you stop paying property taxes or homeowners insurance, let the home fall into disrepair, or stop living there as your primary residence.
Will my heirs owe money?
No. HECM is non-recourse — heirs can repay the balance or 95% of appraised value to keep the home, or sell and keep any remaining equity.
Is a HECM taxable income?
Reverse mortgage proceeds are loan advances, not income, so they are generally not taxable. Confirm with your tax advisor.

HECM frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for an FHA reverse mortgage?

Homeowners 62 or older with significant equity who occupy the home as their primary residence and can maintain taxes, insurance, and upkeep.

Can I lose my home with a HECM?

Only if you stop paying property taxes or homeowners insurance, let the home fall into disrepair, or stop living there as your primary residence.

Will my heirs owe money?

No. HECM is non-recourse — heirs can repay the balance or 95% of appraised value to keep the home, or sell and keep any remaining equity.

Is a HECM taxable income?

Reverse mortgage proceeds are loan advances, not income, so they are generally not taxable. Confirm with your tax advisor.

Do I still own my home?

Yes. You remain on title; the lender simply holds a mortgage lien.

What is HECM for Purchase?

It lets an eligible buyer purchase a new primary residence using a HECM plus a large down payment, with no required monthly mortgage payment afterward.

What is a Life Expectancy Set-Aside (LESA)?

A LESA is an amount held back from your HECM proceeds to pay property taxes and homeowners insurance over your expected life span. It comes out of the financial assessment and can be fully funded, partially funded, or not required. Since HUD Handbook 4000.1 Update 18 (August 12, 2026), the most recent LESA analysis and the borrower notice explaining it must be included in the HECM insurance-submission package. A funded LESA lowers the cash available to you but protects you from losing the home over unpaid property charges. This is educational information — Simply Approved Mortgages does not represent that it offers a HECM product until lender access and licensing are confirmed.

Who is eligible for a HECM?

Homeowners 62 or older with substantial equity in a principal residence, after completing HUD-approved counseling.

Is HUD counseling really required?

Yes. An independent HUD-approved counseling session is a condition of the program before an application can proceed.

Do I still own the home?

Yes. You remain on title. The loan becomes due when the last borrower permanently leaves the home or defaults on obligations.

What obligations remain?

Property taxes, homeowners insurance, any HOA dues, and maintaining the property. Failing to meet them can trigger default.

What is a LESA?

A Life Expectancy Set-Aside — funds held from the loan to pay taxes and insurance when the financial assessment indicates it is needed.

Can my heirs keep the house?

Heirs may repay the loan balance or 95% of appraised value, whichever is less, to keep the home, or sell and retain remaining equity.

Is a HECM non-recourse?

Yes. Neither you nor your heirs owe more than the home's value at sale when the loan comes due.

How are proceeds paid?

As a lump sum, term or tenure payments, a line of credit, or a combination, subject to program limits and first-year restrictions.

Ready to see what you qualify for?

Talk with a licensed FHA broker about your scenario. Licensed in Florida and Colorado.

Quick answers

Can the lender take my home?
Not while you live there and keep taxes, insurance and maintenance current; the loan becomes due when the last borrower permanently leaves.
Will my heirs owe more than the home is worth?
No. HECM is non-recourse, so repayment is limited to the home's value at the time the loan is settled.

Sources for this page

Program rules and figures on this page are taken from the primary government sources below, not from third-party summaries.

Simply Approved Mortgages is not affiliated with or endorsed by HUD, FHA, or any government agency.

Included with your FHA estimate

Get your FHA Pre-Approval Summary.

Complete the short form and we send back a full FHA breakdown: your county loan limit, the minimum FHA down payment, financed upfront MIP, monthly mortgage insurance, and an estimated payment — plus whether down payment assistance can cover your cash to close.

  • Maximum FHA loan amount for your county
  • Minimum FHA down payment and cash-to-close estimate
  • Upfront and annual MIP included
  • Estimated monthly payment with taxes and insurance
Get my FHA estimate

Takes about 3 minutes · No obligation · Summary emailed and shown on screen

Illustration only, generated from the information you enter. Not a Loan Estimate, pre-qualification, commitment to lend, or approval. Subject to appraisal, credit and income review, FHA guidelines, and final lender approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.

FHA Estimate Summary
Purchase price
$385,000
Down payment (3.5%)
$13,475
Base loan amount
$371,525
Financed UFMIP (1.75%)
$6,502
Est. monthly payment
Shown in your summary

Sample figures for illustration only — not a quote, rate lock, offer of credit or commitment to lend. Simply Approved Mortgages · NMLS #2620881 · Equal Housing Opportunity

Income documentation

Self-employed vs. W-2 employed: what it means for your FHA loan

The program you choose does not change how your income is documented — how you are paid does. FHA does not apply a different credit score, down payment or county limit to self-employed borrowers — it applies a different documentation standard.

FHA documentation differences between W-2 employed and self-employed borrowers
ItemW-2 employedSelf-employed
History requiredTwo-year employment history, with gaps explained. A job change inside the same field is usually fine.Generally two years of self-employment. A shorter history can sometimes be considered when there is documented prior experience in the same line of work.
How income is calculatedBase pay from pay stubs and W-2s. Bonus, overtime and commission generally need a two-year history to be averaged in.Net income from tax returns, averaged and adjusted for allowable add-backs such as depreciation. Write-offs that reduce taxable income also reduce qualifying income.
Documents that open the file30 days of pay stubs, two years of W-2s, and a verification of employment.Two years of personal and business returns, year-to-date P&L and balance sheet, and evidence the business is still operating.
Verification at closingThe employer is re-verified shortly before closing; do not change jobs mid-process without telling your loan officer.Continued existence of the business is re-verified close to closing, typically through a third-party or licensing check.
Most common delayUnexplained gaps, a new job with variable pay, or a VOE the employer never returns.A declining year over year, or a large deduction that removes the very income needed to qualify.
What we suggestGet the VOE moving on day one — it is the item most often outstanding at the end.Have your accountant produce the year-to-date P&L before you shop, so qualifying income is known before you write an offer.

If you are W-2 employed

  • Pay stubs covering the most recent 30 days
  • W-2 forms for the last two years
  • A verification of employment; HUD Handbook 4000.1 Update 18 tightened the written and electronic VOE rules, so expect the employer record to be verified directly
  • Documentation of bonus, overtime or commission income if you want it counted

If you are self-employed

  • Two years of personal federal tax returns, all schedules
  • Two years of business returns for a partnership, S-corp or C-corp, plus K-1s
  • A year-to-date profit and loss statement and balance sheet
  • Business license, CPA letter or equivalent evidence the business is active

General FHA documentation guidance per HUD Handbook 4000.1, including Update 18 changes to written and electronic verification of employment. Requirements vary by borrower, property, lender and program, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Sources: HUD Handbook 4000.1

Run the numbers for your county

FHA payment, affordability, closing cost and refinance calculators for the United States

Prefilled with the 2026 HUD reference median of $415,000 for the United States, a 0.90% effective property tax rate and a directional $2,300 annual homeowners premium. Change any input — the interest rate is your own assumption, not an offer.

$
%

FHA minimum is 3.5% at 580+ credit.

%

Your assumption — not a quoted rate.

yrs
%
$
Estimated total monthly payment
$3,262
Principal & interest
$2,576
FHA annual MIP
$184
Property tax
$311
Homeowners insurance
$192
Down payment
$14,525
Loan amount incl. financed UFMIP
$407,483
See Today's Rates

Figures are illustrations based on the values you entered — not an offer, rate lock, or commitment to lend. Emailing your scenario sends it to a licensed loan officer in Florida or Colorado.

Estimates for general educational purposes only. Interest rates shown are assumptions you enter, not quoted rates, and nothing here is a rate lock, APR, payment quote, pre-approval, offer or commitment to lend. Results exclude HOA dues, flood or wind policies, mortgage insurance changes, points and lender-specific fees. FHA upfront MIP of 1.75% and annual MIP of 0.55% follow HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05 for a 30-year term at 3.5% down. Property tax and insurance inputs are directional state references, not a parcel-level bill. Eligibility, terms, conditions and availability vary by borrower, property, lender, loan program and state. All loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Equal Housing Opportunity. Sources: HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05 (MIP) · HUD Mortgagee Letter 2025-23 (2026 loan limits) · U.S. Census Bureau ACS · NAIC homeowners insurance · CFPB Closing Disclosure

Taxes, insurance and local expenses

What owning actually costs in the United States

Mortgage pricing moves the payment a little. Property tax and insurance move it a lot, and they are entirely local. These figures are built from the 2026 HUD county dataset for the United States and national tax and settlement conventions, reviewed August 23, 2026.

Estimated ownership costs in the United States on a $415,000 home
CostEstimateHow it works here
Property tax$311 / moAbout 0.90% effective on $415,000 — roughly $3,735 a year. Millage is set locally, so verify the parcel's actual bill.
Homeowners insurance$192 / moDirectional $2,300 a year for a single-family owner policy in the U.S.. Wind, hail and flood may be separate policies.
FHA annual mortgage insurance$184 / mo0.55% of the $400,475 base loan at 3.5% down, 30-year term, per HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05.
FHA upfront MIP$7,0081.75% of the base loan, normally financed into the $407,483 total loan amount rather than paid in cash.
State transfer / documentary taxVariesTransfer, deed, recordation and mortgage taxes are set state by state — several states charge none at all.
Settlement conventionTitle/escrow stateA title or escrow company customarily conducts the closing and issues the policy.

The expense buyers here miss most

Property tax and homeowners insurance vary far more between two states than mortgage pricing does — always re-price the escrow on the exact county before you write an offer.

How this affects the FHA file

Taxes and insurance are part of the qualifying payment, so a $503 escrow in your county consumes debt-to-income capacity before a single dollar of principal and interest is counted. Underwriting uses the post-closing figures, not the seller's current bill.

Estimates for general education only — not a quote, rate, APR, pre-approval, offer or commitment to lend. Property tax rates are effective rates derived from U.S. Census Bureau ACS data; actual millage is set by county, city, school and special districts. Insurance figures are directional annual premiums, not quotes. Transfer, deed, recordation and mortgage taxes summarise state-level statutes; counties and municipalities frequently add their own. Eligibility, terms, conditions and availability vary by borrower, property, lender, loan program and state, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS property tax data · NAIC Homeowners Insurance Report · CFPB — understanding closing costs

Simply Approved Mortgages Expert Insight
HECM commentary · Last reviewed August 23, 2026

HECM decisions should include the family

A HECM converts equity to income for borrowers 62 and older, with HUD-required counseling before application. Because the loan affects heirs and the property's future disposition, we encourage borrowers to include the people affected in the conversation early.

Our recommendation

Complete HUD counseling and involve your family before applying.

Simply Approved Mortgages · licensed mortgage broker · NMLS #2620881 · Equal Housing Opportunity
Ask Simply AI

Ask SAM anything about FHA loans in the United States

SAM is the Simply Approved Mortgages AI assistant, grounded in HUD Handbook 4000.1 and the 2026 HUD county limit file. It answers general FHA questions instantly. A licensed loan officer reviews every scenario before any terms are confirmed.

Hi — I'm SAM. Ask me about FHA loan limits, credit, mortgage insurance, down payment assistance or what an underwriter will need from you. General education only: I don't quote rates, and nothing I say is an offer or commitment to lend.

General information only — not advice, a quote, or an offer of credit.

Popular on this page

Ask Simply AI provides general educational information about FHA loan programs. 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. 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.

Down Payment Assistance

The FHA DPA Program

Short on cash to close? Ask about the FHA DPA, offered through Simply Approved Mortgages: 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% of your loan amount toward your down payment and closing costs, structured as a 10-year repayable second lien at your first-mortgage rate + 2%. FICO 580+, primary residence only — it's an option on every loan program on this site.

How it works

Three tiers. Real money toward your home.

  • 2.5% / 3.5% / 5% of the lesser of purchase price or appraised value
  • Pairs with FHA, Conventional, VA, and USDA first mortgages
  • 10-year repayable second lien — no silent forgivable strings
  • Available to FICO 580+ primary-residence buyers
Full DPA program details
Not available in: New York, Washington, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. All loans subject to underwriting approval and program guidelines.
Amount calculator & eligibility checker

See how much assistance you may qualify for

Enter a purchase price, pick an assistance tier, and confirm property and residency. Results are illustrative — not a quote or commitment.

Simply Approved Mortgages DPA

DPA amount calculator & eligibility checker

Estimate 3.5% assistance on the lesser of price or appraisal, layered over a 30-year fixed FHA first mortgage.

Estimated DPA
$14,000
3.5% of $400,000
2nd-lien P&I
$174
10-yr · 8.500%

Amount calculator

Assistance tier
Lesser of price or appraisal
$400,000
DPA at 3.5%
$14,000
2nd-lien term
10-year fixed, repayable
2nd-lien rate
8.500%
Monthly P&I
$174/mo

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

Eligibility checker

Documentable qualifying income?

Willing to complete homebuyer education before closing?

Property in NY, WA, USVI, Guam, MP, or AS?

Answer each question above to see your preliminary result.

See Today's Rates

Figures are illustrations based on the values you entered — not an offer, rate lock, or commitment to lend. Emailing your scenario sends it to a licensed loan officer in Florida or Colorado.

Preliminary self-check only — no credit pulled. Not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Simply Approved Mortgages is not affiliated with HUD, FHA, VA, USDA, FHFA, or any government agency. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS# 2620881.

Our pricing philosophy

Transparency. Simplicity. Consumer Choice.

At Simply Approved Mortgages, we believe borrowers deserve clear information, professional guidance, and access to competitive mortgage solutions.

Our company is built around a straightforward philosophy: provide transparent mortgage guidance, maintain a consistent compensation structure on most transactions, and help borrowers make informed financing decisions based on their individual needs and goals.

For many mortgage transactions, Simply Approved Mortgages typically operates using a lender-paid compensation structure of approximately 1.50%. Actual compensation may vary based on lender requirements, loan program, state regulations, loan amount, and other transaction-specific factors.

We believe transparency helps consumers better understand the mortgage process and make informed decisions when comparing financing options.

Our promise

Mortgage financing should be understandable, transparent, and focused on helping consumers make informed decisions.

Our goal isn't to maximize compensation per transaction. Our goal is to build lifelong client relationships through transparency, service, and competitive mortgage solutions.

Why compensation transparency matters

Understanding all aspects of the financing process

Many borrowers spend significant time comparing interest rates, but may be less familiar with how mortgage companies and loan originators are compensated.

Compensation structures can vary among lenders, mortgage brokers, banks, credit unions, and other mortgage providers. Compensation is only one component of a mortgage transaction and should be evaluated alongside interest rates, APR, lender fees, discount points, closing costs, loan features, and overall loan suitability.

At Simply Approved Mortgages, we believe consumers benefit from understanding all aspects of the financing process before making a decision.

Interactive illustration

See how compensation scales by loan amount

Move the slider to compare a hypothetical 1.50% Simply Approved Mortgages compensation structure with a hypothetical 2.75% used by some other lending options. For educational purposes only.

$400,000
$50,000$2,000,000
Typical market comp at 2.75%$11,000
Simply Approved Mortgages at 1.50%$6,000
Potential closing cost difference
Hypothetical impact on lender compensation only
~$5,000

For illustration only. Figures are hypothetical and not a quote, offer, rate lock, or guarantee of savings. Lender compensation is one component of closing costs; actual loan terms, interest rates, fees, APR, and total costs vary by program, loan amount, credit qualifications, property, occupancy, state, and market conditions.

Illustrative compensation comparison

Comparing a hypothetical 1.50% to a hypothetical 2.75%

The example below compares a hypothetical 1.50% compensation structure used by Simply Approved Mortgages to a hypothetical 2.75% structure used by some other lending options, solely for educational purposes.

Loan AmountSimply Approved Mortgages (1.50%)Other lending options (2.75%)Difference
$250,000$3,750$6,875$3,125
$350,000$5,250$9,625$4,375
$500,000$7,500$13,750$6,250
$750,000$11,250$20,625$9,375
$1,000,000$15,000$27,500$12,500

These examples are illustrative only and are intended to demonstrate how different compensation percentages may produce different compensation amounts based on loan size.

These examples do not represent borrower fees, interest rates, APR, closing costs, loan terms, pricing, or savings, and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that any borrower will receive lower costs or better loan terms.

Our commitment to borrowers

Our goal is to provide

  • Professional mortgage guidance
  • Transparent communication throughout the loan process
  • Access to a broad range of mortgage programs
  • Competitive financing options based on borrower qualifications
  • A streamlined application and approval experience
  • Support for homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate investors
A team-focused approach

Support for every type of borrower

Whether you're purchasing a home, refinancing an existing mortgage, consolidating debt, or financing an investment property, our team is committed to helping you evaluate available options and make informed decisions.

Compare more than just the interest rate

When evaluating mortgage options, borrowers should consider the complete financing package

  • Interest Rate
  • Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
  • Lender Fees
  • Discount Points
  • Closing Costs
  • Loan Features and Flexibility
  • Prepayment Terms
  • Product Eligibility Requirements
  • Customer Service and Support

The most appropriate mortgage solution depends on each borrower's individual financial circumstances, objectives, qualifications, and preferences.

Important Disclosure: Simply Approved Mortgages LLC typically utilizes a lender-paid compensation structure of approximately 1.50% on many mortgage transactions; however, compensation may vary based on lender requirements, loan program, state law, loan amount, borrower qualifications, and other transaction-specific factors. Compensation is only one component of mortgage pricing and does not, by itself, determine interest rates, APR, lender fees, closing costs, loan terms, or overall borrower costs. The information provided on this page is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as mortgage advice, a commitment to lend, an offer to extend credit, a rate quote, a loan approval, or a guarantee of savings. All mortgage loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting requirements, property approval, and program eligibility guidelines. Borrowers should carefully review all disclosures, including the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure, before proceeding with any mortgage transaction. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC • NMLS #2620881 • Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Simply Approved Mortgages • NMLS #2620881 • Licensed in Colorado and Florida

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Simply Approved Mortgages LLC arranges 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.

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Simply Approved Mortgages LLC | NMLS #2620881 — a mortgage broker, not a direct lender. Submitting this form is an inquiry only; it is not an application, quote, pre-approval, approval or commitment to lend. All loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Equal Housing Opportunity. See our Privacy Notice.

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