By Steven Hyde, Founder, Hyde Funding · NMLS #391380. Reviewed December 21, 2026. Hyde Funding is a mortgage lender headquartered in San Diego, lending nationwide since 2015.
Short answer: Usually, yes. Many California homes are held in a revocable living trust, and a HECM can often be made on a trust-owned home if the trust meets FHA and lender requirements. Generally, the borrowers must be trustees and beneficiaries who live in the home. The lender and title company review the trust. Irrevocable trusts are harder and are reviewed case by case.
I shop six reverse lenders for you. Call (858) 775-1005 for today’s rates.
Probate in California can be slow and expensive, so many homeowners use revocable living trusts. A trust doesn’t stop you from getting a reverse mortgage, but it adds a step: confirming who has authority to borrow and who lives in the home.
The lender and title company typically check that the trust is revocable, that the borrowers are trustees with the power to borrow against the property, that they are beneficiaries who live in the home, and that the trust protects the lender’s lien. A certification of trust plus certain pages of the trust document are usually enough.
Revocable trusts are the most straightforward. Irrevocable trusts, sometimes used for Medi-Cal or estate tax planning, may or may not work depending on their terms. Sometimes the property is deeded back to the owners before closing, which is a step for your estate attorney.
When the last borrower passes, the successor trustee usually takes care of the home and the reverse mortgage payoff. The CFPB explains the deadlines and the 95% rule. Make sure your successor trustee knows where the loan documents are.
A trust doesn’t change the HECM rules for a spouse under 62. Read non-borrowing spouse and when a spouse dies.
Send us your certification of trust early. Update the trust if your trustees have changed, and ask your attorney whether any amendments are needed. The title company will confirm vesting before closing.
Whatever your question, these basics apply. A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is the FHA-insured reverse mortgage most homeowners use. The youngest borrower must be at least 62, the home must be your primary residence, and you need enough equity. Any existing mortgage is paid off at closing. Counseling with an independent HUD-approved counselor is required before you apply (HUD counselor search). The lender then reviews your income, credit and history of paying property charges.
No monthly mortgage payment is required. Interest and mortgage insurance are added to the loan balance, so it grows over time and your equity shrinks. You keep title, and you must keep paying property taxes, homeowners insurance and HOA dues and maintain the home. The loan is repaid when the last borrower, or an eligible non-borrowing spouse, sells, moves out permanently or passes away. A HECM is non-recourse: neither you nor your heirs will ever owe more than the home is worth when it is sold (CFPB). For higher-value homes, a proprietary jumbo reverse mortgage may be an option, but it isn’t FHA-insured and its terms differ. See how reverse mortgages work for a full walkthrough.
Bring this list to your HUD counseling session and to your call with Steven at (858) 775-1005.
Hyde Funding is a San Diego mortgage lender founded in 2015, with an office at 8996 Miramar Rd. Suite 250. Steven Hyde (NMLS #391380) will walk you through a reverse mortgage on a trust-owned home in plain English and compare HECM and proprietary reverse options. Your family or advisor is welcome on the call. Every HECM borrower first completes independent HUD-approved counseling (find a counselor on HUD.gov). Start with a free reverse mortgage consultation, read the reverse mortgage hub, or see reverse mortgages in San Diego.
Usually, if it’s a revocable living trust that meets lender and FHA requirements.
Usually not for a revocable trust. An irrevocable trust may need changes, so ask your attorney.
Your successor trustee or executor, working with the loan servicer.
No. A HECM is non-recourse, so heirs never owe more than the home’s value when it is sold.
Talk to Steven: (858) 775-1005 · Free consultation · Apply now
Steven Hyde, NMLS #391380 (NMLS Consumer Access). Equal Housing Opportunity. Reverse mortgage borrowers must live in the home as their primary residence, keep paying property taxes, homeowners insurance and HOA dues, and maintain the home, or the loan may become due. The loan balance grows over time. HECMs are insured by FHA. Hyde Funding is not affiliated with HUD, FHA or any government agency. This is general information, not a commitment to lend. Consult a financial or tax advisor.