WTF is a reverse mortgage?

Reverse mortgages may be the most misunderstood – and the most maligned – financial product out there. But for those who are certain they are simply a scam, shrug off your perceptions for a moment and consider this: Would the U.S. government really endorse a scam for the last 30 years? Not likely. While unforeseen problems with the loan have largely been resolved, the sour scent of foul play lingers. To clear the air, here is a list of facts curated specifically to address the questions of what, exactly, is a reverse mortgage.