Durango Reverse Mortgage — Access Your Equity With No Monthly Payments
Durango Seniors Who Put Their Equity to Work
William, age 70, taught history at Fort Lewis College for 28 years. His downtown Durango home is worth $820K — paid off through decades of careful saving. When unexpected medical expenses hit — $45K for procedures requiring travel to Denver — he needed funds fast without liquidating retirement accounts. A HECM gave him a $320K line of credit. He covered medical costs immediately and keeps the remaining balance growing for future needs.
George and Helen, both 68, have lived in their Animas Valley home since 1999. It's worth $980K with no mortgage. They want to age in place but the two-story layout needs modifications — a first-floor primary suite, walk-in shower, wider doorways, and an exterior ramp. A HECM provided $120K upfront for the $120K renovation plus a $260K line of credit for future care and living expenses.
These are illustrative examples based on typical Durango scenarios. Actual amounts depend on age, home value, interest rates, and program-specific factors.
"Most Durango 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
Durango Neighborhoods — What Seniors Can Access
| Neighborhood | Median Value | Typical Senior Equity | HECM Access (est.) | Jumbo Access (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Durango | $800K | $420K+ | $320K–$400K | N/A (under HECM limit) |
| Animas Valley | $950K | $520K+ | $375K–$475K | N/A |
| Three Springs | $650K | $300K+ | $260K–$325K | N/A |
| Edgemont Ranch | $720K | $360K+ | $285K–$360K | 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 Durango Home?
HECM — For Most Durango Homes
FHA-Insured Reverse MortgageCovers most Durango 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 Durango 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 Durango | Most homes in the area | Select high-value properties or age 55–61 |
Not sure which fits your Durango home? That's what the equity review is for.
Schedule Your Free Equity ReviewWhat Durango 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"
Durango's median home value is $725,000. If you've owned your home for 10+ years, you likely have significant accessible equity. Most Durango 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 Durango 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 Durango 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 Durango 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 Durango Equity
Durango 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 OptionsDurango 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.
Durango homeowners 55+ hold $340K+ 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