Your Local Reverse Mortgage Specialist:
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Rudri Bhatt Patel

Senior Content Writer

Rudri Bhatt Patel is an attorney-turned-writer, journalist, and educator. She currently serves as a senior content writer for Finance of America Reverse. In addition, her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Business Insider, JSTOR Daily, Saveur, Civil Eats, and numerous other local and national publications.



Ms. Patel does not represent the company as counsel. Her articles are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

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Articles by Rudri Bhatt Patel

Two jumbo reverse mortgage borrowers in front of their home
3 Min. Read

Jumbo Reverse Mortgages: Who Are They For?

A jumbo reverse mortgage is another way of referring to a proprietary reverse mortgage that offers a larger loan limit than a HECM. Here's what makes them different.

A woman learning about title and reverse mortgages
2 Min. Read

Title and Reverse Mortgages: What You Need to Know

When you take a reverse mortgage, the title to your home remains in your name. Here's what a title is and how it works with a reverse mortgage.

A woman with a reverse mortgage in California skateboards down the sidewalk with her grandaughter following on a bike
2 Min. Read

Qualifications for a Reverse Mortgage in California

Getting a reverse mortgage in California is very similar to other states with a few key differences that give borrowers extra rights.

Grandparents who funded their grandchild's education with a reverse mortgage look at her proudly on graduation day
4 Min. Read

What to Know About Funding Education With a Reverse Mortgage

A reverse mortgage is a possible way of helping a child or grandchild get a secondary education. Here's what you should know before you decide to fund their education with a reverse mortgage.

A woman researching her reverse mortgage and social security
3 Min. Read

Will a Reverse Mortgage Affect My Social Security

A reverse mortgage will not affect your social security, but it can have an impact on other government need based programs.

A senior enjoying educational travel
5 Min. Read

Educational Travel Resources for Seniors

Find an educational trip that suits your interests and lifestyle to a tee with our complete list of educational travel resources for seniors.

two people ask a financial advisor questions about retirement finances
7 Min. Read

12 Retirement Questions Financial Advisors Hear Most Often

The topic of retirement finances brings up endless questions. Here the the 12 questions financial advisors are asked by their clients most often.

a woman learning the differences between medicare and medicaid.
4 Min. Read

What’s the Difference Between Medicare and Medicaid?

Though the names sound the same, Medicare and Medicaid are different government programs that serve largely different groups of people. There are however, some overlaps.

A man rockclimbing secured by a rope harness, just like a mortgage insurance premium protects homeowners
5 Min. Read

Understanding Mortgage Insurance Premiums

If your mortgage requires you to have mortgage insurance, you'll pay mortgage insurance premiums or MIPS. Here's what you will want to know about how they work.

A tech savvy senior using a home computer with headphones
3 Min. Read

How Seniors Can Become More Tech Savvy  

The world of tech has many solutions for older people. An open mind and a willingess to learn may be all it takes to benefit from the latest technology.

A woman assessing the risks of a reverse mortgage
4 Min. Read

Assessing the Risks of a Reverse Mortgage

Understanding the risks of taking a reverse mortgage starts with understanding how these financial tools work and the protections they have built in.

Twins explore the difference between a traditional and a reverse mortgage.
6 Min. Read

Traditional vs. a Reverse Mortgage: A Comparison

A traditional mortgage and a reverse mortgage have some similarities, but function quite differently. Here is an explanation of how each works and what that means for potential borrowers.

A financial advisor explains the difference between a home equity loan and a reverse mortgage to a client
4 Min. Read

Home Equity Loan vs. a Reverse Mortgage

Both home equity loans and reverse mortgages allow homeowners to borrow against the equity they've built up in their homes. However, there are some important differences between the two loan types.

Three generations on a hike.
5 Min. Read

How to Create a Trust Fund for Your Heirs 

A trust is an important part of many people's estate plans. Here are the steps to creating and funding a trust.

A mobile home
3 Min. Read

Can I Get a Reverse Mortgage on a Mobile Home?  

A mobile home is a specific type of dwelling that is not eligible for a reverse mortgage. A manufactured home, however, can be eligible. Here's how you can tell the difference.

A grandfather sharing digital assets with his granddaughter
5 Min. Read

Legacy Planning: How to Make Digital Assets Accessible to Heirs

Digital assets are an important part of your legacy. Learn how you can ensure loved ones have access to them as part of your estate plan.

Home Appraisal process
4 Min. Read

What Happens During a Home Appraisal? 

An appraisal is an important part of taking any home loan, here is what homeowners can expect from the process.

Anonborrowing spouse, with a borrowing spouse in the kitchen
4 Min. Read

A Non-Borrowing Spouse Guide to Reverse Mortgage

Spouses not eligible for a reverse mortgage can be afforded rights and protections should something happen to the spouse listed as a borrower on the loan.

Couple learning about their reverse mortgage options.
4 Min. Read

What Are the Downsides of a Reverse Mortgage?  

Understanding potential downsides to a reverse mortgage can help you determine if this financial tool is a good fit for your needs.

Woman calling a loan servicer on the phone.
3 Min. Read

What Is the Role of a Loan Servicer?

A loan servicer is one part of the team that does the behind the scenes work on a loan. Here's what this important role is responsible for.

A woman showing a loved one how to access their bank account.
3 Min. Read

Legacy Planning: Granting Family Access to Your Bank Accounts

An easy and important part of estate planning is making it possible for your heirs to access your bank accounts after you've passed. Here's how to do it.

Two friends playing pickleball.
4 Min. Read

Why Pickleball Is a Great Sport for Seniors

Chances are someone you know plays pickleball. Interested in giving this popular sport a try? Here are some tips to get you started.

three sisters hugging
2 Min. Read

Can Family Members Get a Reverse Mortgage Together? 

Sharing a reverse mortgage with another person can be a good way to ensure all parties have the right to stay in the home should something happen to one of them.

A couple looks over information about reverse mortgage fees
4 Min. Read

What Fees Do You Pay With a Reverse Mortgage?

There are fees and costs associated with taking out any mortgage, and reverse mortgages are no exception. Here is a detailed list of the fees you can expect to pay when you take a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM).

A woman calculating how much equity she has in her home.
4 Min. Read

How Much Equity Is in My House?

Learn how to calculate your home equity and how understanding it can help you leverage it to your advantage.

A man reviewing information about his reverse mortgage line of credit
4 Min. Read

How Does a Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit Work?

A reverse mortgage line of credit has some unique features that can make it both a useful tool in the present and security for the future.

A boxing woman fights inflation with a reverse mortgage
3 Min. Read

Fight Inflation With a Reverse Mortgage

When inflation is high, a reverse mortgage offers some unique ways of fighting the pinch of rising prices.

A couple discussing the tradeoffs of a reverse mortgage with a financial advisor
3 Min. Read

Reverse Mortgage Tradeoffs: What You Give, What You Get

In any financial transaction there are tradeoffs. Here's a rundown of what you give up and what you gain when you take a reverse mortgage.

A family discussing a reverse mortgage
5 Min. Read

Reverse Mortgage: A Guide for Children and Heirs

After the last borrower on a reverse mortgage passes away, the loan needs to be settled. Usually, that responsibility falls to the heirs. Here's what they can expect.

A mother reviews her estate plan with her adult child
3 Min. Read

What to Tell Your Adult Children About Your Estate Plan

Sharing information about what's in your estate plan with your adult children is a simple way to help them navigate your estate when the time comes.

people looking to see if they can get a reverse mortgage on their condo
3 Min. Read

Can I Get a Reverse Mortgage on My Condo?

FHA-approved condos are eligible for home equity conversion mortgages. Here's how you can find out if yours is eligible, and what to do if it isn't.

A daughter having a difficult conversation with her aging parent
6 Min. Read

How to Have Difficult Conversations With Aging Parents

With certain conversations it can be difficult to know where to start. Learn how to initiate essential conversations with your parent, when to talk and when to listen.

People looking at a house and wondering what to do with the reverse mortgage
2 Min. Read

What Happens When a Reverse Mortgage Borrower Dies?

When a reverse mortgage borrower passes away, the loan will become due and payable. Here's what heirs and borrowers should know about what happens next.

a woman discussing types of trusts
4 Min. Read

Types of Trusts

Learning about the different types of trusts can help inform which makes the most sense for your estate and needs.

a woman discussing credit and reverse mortgages
2 Min. Read

Reverse Mortgages and Credit Scores: What Borrowers Should Know

Credit ratings and mortgages go hand in hand, but as with most things reverse, when you are taking out a HECM credit works a little differently.

A woman sits a lone at a table thinking about divorce and her reverse mortgage
3 Min. Read

What Happens to a Reverse Mortgage After a Divorce?

Divorce can impact a reverse mortgage in a variety of ways. This overview offers options for several different situations.

A senior woman taking advantage of educational resources for seniors
5 Min. Read

Educational Resources for Seniors

You may have said goodbye to your school days many years ago, but there are compelling reasons to revisit your education in retirement. Here's a few places to start.

A couple learning about reverse mortgage eligibility requirements
3 Min. Read

Reverse Mortgage Eligibility Requirements

Understanding the eligibility requirements of a reverse mortgage can be helpful in deciding if these financial vehicles are right for you.

A couple on the beach contemplating the horizon and their estate plan
7 Min. Read

Estate Planning Basics: What’s Included and 6 Steps to Make Yours

Estate plans are essential to retirement planning, but that doesn't mean they need to be intimidating or complicated. Here's what they are and how to make one.

Women doing yoga and finding happiness in retirement
3 Min. Read

Attaining Bliss: Finding Fulfillment After Retirement

If you're struggling to find happiness in retirement, these tips and strategies can help get you on a better track.

A couple learning about reverse mortgage interest rates
7 Min. Read

How Do Reverse Mortgage Interest Rates Work?

Interest rates accrue and get paid differently on a reverse mortgage than on other loans, here's what potential borrowers need to know.

A mother and daughter writing a family history together
5 Min. Read

Writing Your Family History: Tips for Non-Writers 

Writing a family history and committing treasured stories to paper makes a meaningful heirloom to pass on to future generations. Here's where to start.

A senior couple hiking safetly
5 Min. Read

6 Hiking Tips for Seniors

Whether hiking is a new hobby, or a lifelong passion, these six tips will help keep safe and healthy on the trail.

Older man asking what is a pension
3 Min. Read

What Is a Pension?

Less common than they once were, pensions are savings vehicles for retirement. Here's who gets one and how they work.

A woman using a smart thermostat in her home
4 Min. Read

Assistive Technology Products for Older People

Chances are if there's something in your life you'd like to make easier, there's a device or gadget to help you.

Couple contemplating a cash-out refi vs. a reverse mortgage in their kitchen
4 Min. Read

Cash-Out Refi Versus Reverse Mortgage

Deciding which type of loan is best suited to your needs can be tricky. Here's a rundown of the differences between a cash-out refinance vs. a reverse mortgage.

Couple moving into the home they bought with a home equity conversion mortgage for purchase
4 Min. Read

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage for Purchase Explained 

Reverse mortgages aren't just for homes you already own. You can use one to purchase a new home as well.

Man weighing the pros and cons of a home equity conversion mortgage over a game of chess
5 Min. Read

Pros and Cons of a HECM

Weighing the benefits of a HECM against the potential downsides can help you assess how well this financial tool will work for your situation.

A woman wondering if she should get a reverse mortgage
4 Min. Read

Should I Get a Reverse Mortgage?

Reverse mortgages make sense for many people. Whether it's right for you depends on multiple factors.

senior woman with dog_what is home equity
3 Min. Read

What Is Home Equity?

Home equity is a valuable tool that can help you finance your retirement. Learn how you can maximize the benefits of your largest asset.

home equity conversion mortgage application
4 Min. Read

What Is a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)?

A home equity conversion mortgage is a reverse mortgage insured by the FHA. Here’s a guide to how they work and who might qualify.

A woman learning about a LESA
3 Min. Read

What Is a LESA?

Life Expectancy Set Aside (LESA) funds are proceeds earmarked through the reverse mortgage process to pay property taxes and other expenses.

A couple studying how a reverse mortgage works
10 Min. Read

How Does a Reverse Mortgage Work?

A reverse mortgage allows a qualified borrower to access their home equity. How does a reverse mortgage work? Here's what you need to know.

A couple learning what a reverse mortgage is
7 Min. Read

What Is a Reverse Mortgage?

Find out if you are eligible for a reverse mortgage, how they work, and how you may be able to access your home equity and stay in your home.

5 Min. Read

10 Myths About Reverse Mortgages

Learn about the myths surrounding reverse mortgages and find out the truth about how these financial vehicles really work.