Boulder Reverse Mortgage — Access Your Equity With No Monthly Payments
Boulder Seniors Who Put Their Equity to Work
David, age 68, retired from the University of Colorado after 30 years of teaching. His North Boulder home is worth $890K with no mortgage. His daughter needed tuition help for a graduate program, and he wanted to purchase a rental property for long-term income. A HECM reverse mortgage gave him $200K — $80K for his daughter's tuition and $120K as a down payment on a Longmont rental.
Janet and Robert, both 72, have lived on Mapleton Hill since 1985. Their home is now worth $1.5M — paid off entirely. They wanted to fund extensive home renovations to age in place and establish a financial safety net. A jumbo reverse mortgage provided $650K — $180K for renovations and $470K as a growing line of credit.
These are illustrative examples based on typical Boulder scenarios. Actual amounts depend on age, home value, interest rates, and program-specific factors.
"Most Boulder seniors I talk to are surprised by how much equity they can access and how simple the process is. The fear is almost always worse than the reality."
Bobby Friel
CO Home Equity · Founder
Boulder Neighborhoods — What Seniors Can Access
| Neighborhood | Median Value | Typical Senior Equity | HECM Access (est.) | Jumbo Access (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mapleton Hill | $1.4M | $900K+ | $550K (at limit) | $600K–$800K |
| Chautauqua | $1.2M | $750K+ | $500K–$550K | $500K–$650K |
| South Boulder | $850K | $500K+ | $340K–$425K | N/A (under HECM limit) |
| North Boulder | $780K | $450K+ | $310K–$390K | N/A |
| University Hill | $650K | $350K+ | $260K–$325K | N/A |
These are approximate ranges based on age 70, current rates, and estimated equity. Your actual numbers depend on your specific age, home value, and existing mortgage balance. The equity review is free.
Two Types of Reverse Mortgage — Which Fits Your Boulder Home?
HECM — For Most Boulder Homes
FHA-Insured Reverse MortgageCovers most Boulder homes. FHA-insured with non-recourse protection. Age 62+. Line of credit grows over time.
- •Age: 62+
- •Loan limit: Up to $1,249,125 (2026 FHA limit)
- •FHA-insured with non-recourse protection
- •Disbursement: lump sum, monthly payments, line of credit, or combination
- •Line of credit grows over time (unused portion increases)
- •HUD-approved counseling required
- •Mortgage insurance premium: 0.50% annually
Jumbo — For High-Value Properties
Proprietary Reverse MortgageFor select high-value Boulder properties above the $1.25M HECM limit. Age 55+ in Colorado. No mortgage insurance.
- •Age: 55+ in Colorado
- •Loan limit: Up to $4,000,000
- •No FHA mortgage insurance premiums — saves thousands
- •No origination fees on certain programs
- •Non-recourse protection (same as HECM)
- •Line of credit option available
| Factor | 🏛️ HECM | 🏔️ Jumbo |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 62 | 55+ in Colorado |
| Max loan amount | $1,249,125 | $4,000,000 |
| Mortgage insurance | Yes (0.50%/year) | No |
| Origination fees | Yes | No (on certain programs) |
| FHA insured | Yes | No (privately funded) |
| Non-recourse | Yes | Yes |
| Monthly payments | None required | None required |
| Counseling required | Yes (HUD-approved) | Yes |
| Best for Boulder | Most homes in the area | Select high-value properties or age 55–61 |
Not sure which fits your Boulder home? That's what the equity review is for.
Schedule Your Free Equity ReviewWhat Boulder Seniors Get Wrong About Reverse Mortgages
"The bank takes my house"
No. You keep full ownership and title. The lender places a lien — exactly like your original mortgage did. You stay in your home as long as you want.
"My kids won't inherit"
Your heirs inherit the property. They can pay off the loan balance and keep it, or sell and keep the difference. With non-recourse protection, they'll never owe more than the home's value.
"Not enough equity"
Boulder's median home value is $875,000. If you've owned your home for 10+ years, you likely have significant accessible equity. Most Boulder seniors have more than they realize.
"It's a scam"
The stigma comes from the 1990s. Today, HUD-approved counseling is mandatory, non-recourse protection is built in, and the products are federally regulated.
"I'm not 62 yet"
For a standard HECM, you need to be 62. But jumbo proprietary reverse mortgages are available at age 55+ in Colorado. If you're between 55 and 61 with a high-value home, this may be your best option.
"My home is too unique to value correctly"
Standard automated valuations routinely undervalue Colorado properties — especially in mountain and luxury markets. We work with lenders who require proper appraisals, not automated estimates. Bobby lives in the Vail Valley and understands what Colorado homes are actually worth.
How Bobby Helps Boulder Seniors Access Their Equity
🤝A Conversation, Not a Sales Pitch
Tell me about your home, your goals, your concerns. I’ll answer every question honestly. If a reverse mortgage isn’t right for you, I’ll tell you. No pressure.
📊I Run Your Numbers
Before our call, I’ve already pulled your property data and calculated what you can access under both HECM and jumbo programs. You’ll see real numbers for your specific neighborhood — not guesses.
🗺️We Choose the Right Program Together
HECM or jumbo? Lump sum, line of credit, or monthly payments? Fixed or adjustable? I walk you through every option in plain English on a 15–30 minute video call. You decide.
📋HUD Counseling (Required)
Before any reverse mortgage closes, you’ll meet with a HUD-approved counselor — an independent third party who makes sure you fully understand the loan. This is a federal requirement and it protects you. We help you schedule it.
⚡Funded and You're Set
Once counseling is complete and the appraisal is done, closing typically takes 30 days. Your existing mortgage is paid off (if you have one), and you receive your funds however you chose. No monthly mortgage payment. Ever.
How Much Can Boulder Homeowners Access?
| Home Value | HECM Access (est.) | Jumbo Access (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| $400K–$500K | $160K–$250K | N/A (under HECM limit) |
| $500K–$750K | $200K–$375K | N/A (under HECM limit) |
| $750K–$1M | $300K–$500K | $350K–$550K |
| $1M–$1.5M | $500K (at limit) | $450K–$750K |
| $1.5M–$2M | $500K (at limit) | $650K–$1M |
| $2M–$3M | $500K (at limit) | $900K–$1.5M |
| $3M–$4M | $500K (at limit) | $1.2M–$2M |
Estimates based on age 70 with no existing mortgage. Actual access amounts depend on your age, interest rates, and specific program. Your free equity review shows exact numbers.
Your Reverse Mortgage Requires Insurance — Make Sure You're Covered
Every reverse mortgage requires active homeowners insurance with adequate coverage. Many Boulder homeowners carry policies based on outdated valuations. Through Direct Insurance Services, we compare 30+ carriers to find the right coverage at the best price.
Get Your Free Insurance ReviewMore Ways to Access Your Boulder Equity
Boulder HELOC
Flexible credit line with monthly payments. Age 18+.
Learn MoreColorado Reverse Mortgage Guide
Full guide to HECM and jumbo programs.
Read GuideDivorce & Equity
Equity buyout, refinance, or sell — one team.
Get HelpBuy a Colorado Home
Purchase mortgage financing for Colorado buyers.
Explore OptionsBoulder Reverse Mortgage Questions — Answered
Reverse Mortgages in Nearby Communities
You've Spent Decades Building This Equity. It's Time to Let It Work for You.
Boulder homeowners 55+ hold $380K+ in accessible equity. A reverse mortgage unlocks it with no monthly payments. Your home, your title, your choice.
Free equity review. No obligation. No credit impact to get started.
Bobby Friel · NMLS# 332039 · Friel-Good Mortgage, Inc. · NMLS# 1901977