Home Equity Checklist for Your Retirement Plan

For most retirees, the home is the biggest asset they own, and it's often left out of the plan. Check any that apply, then talk them through with your financial professional.

Your home

• ☐ I'm 62 or older (or my spouse is), or I will be soon
• ☐ I plan to stay in this home for the long run
• ☐ My home has substantial equity (often half its value or more)
• ☐ I still have a mortgage payment I'd like to reduce or remove
• ☐ My current mortgage rate is low, and I'd like to keep it

Your income and investments

• ☐ I'm worried about selling investments in a down market
• ☐ I'd like to delay Social Security but need income until then
• ☐ My income is near a Medicare surcharge (IRMAA) threshold
• ☐ I'm considering Roth conversions
• ☐ I'm carrying high-interest debt into retirement

Your family and estate

• ☐ My home is in a trust
• ☐ My spouse is younger than me
• ☐ I've owned my home for decades, and selling would mean a large taxable gain
• ☐ My heirs may not want to keep the home
• ☐ I'd like to pay for in-home care someday so I can stay here

What your answers mean

If you checked three or more, it's worth a conversation about home equity options: a reverse mortgage, a HELOC, or a refinance. The goal isn't to take out a loan; it's to make sure your plan uses every resource you have.

Next step: ask your financial professional to book a 15-minute case review with The Mortgage Advisory at TheMortgageAdvisory.com/pros, or call (949) 649-4499.