Sonoma County, Equity & Specialty

Reverse Mortgages (HECM) in Sonoma County

A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage lets homeowners 62 and older convert equity into a lump sum, monthly payments, or a growing line of credit, with no required monthly principal and interest payment. Here is how the program works specifically for buyers, owners, and investors in Sonoma County and the rest of Sonoma County.

2026 Loan Limit

$806,500 (2026 conforming)

Median Sale Price

≈ $780K

Minimum age

62

Payment options

Lump sum, term, tenure, or line

Why this fits Sonoma County

Sonoma County is our home market. Fire-zone insurance, well and septic property callouts, and wine-country appraisal knowledge separate lenders that price competitively here from those that don't.

  • Homeowners 62 and older
  • Retirees wanting to eliminate a mortgage payment
  • Households building a standby line of credit
Local considerations
  • Wildfire insurance availability (Zone 2/3)
  • Well and septic property inspections
  • USDA-eligible outlying areas
  • High Bay Area home values mean larger available proceeds than in most of the country.
  • Proposition 19 and property tax considerations are worth discussing with your tax advisor alongside any reverse mortgage.
Real-World Example

How a reverse mortgages (hecm) file runs.

Eliminating a payment in retirement

A 71-year-old homeowner with a small remaining mortgage balance and a fixed retirement income.

Home value
$820,000
Existing balance
$140,000
Result
Mortgage payment eliminated
Remaining benefit
Standby line of credit

The existing loan was paid off, monthly cash flow improved immediately, and the remaining proceeds stayed available as a growing line.

Examples are illustrative composites of typical files, not offers of credit or guarantees of terms.

Documents you will need
  • Proof of age and identification
  • Property tax and homeowners insurance verification
  • HUD-approved counseling certificate
  • A financial assessment of your ability to cover taxes and insurance
Neighborhoods we lend in

Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sebastopol, Healdsburg, Windsor, Rohnert Park, Sonoma

Full Sonoma County market page
Sonoma County Questions

Can I get reverse mortgages (hecm) financing in Sonoma County?

Yes. Reverse Mortgages (HECM) are available throughout Sonoma County. Convert equity to income or a line of credit at 62+. Mark compares pricing across 80+ wholesale lenders and picks the one whose guidelines fit Sonoma County property types and your file.

What is the 2026 loan limit in Sonoma County?

$806,500 (2026 conforming). Above that amount the file is priced as a jumbo or portfolio loan, which changes reserve and documentation requirements.

How fast can a reverse mortgages (hecm) file close in Sonoma County?

Most purchases close in 21 to 30 days, and rush files have closed faster when the appraisal and insurance are ordered on day one. Local considerations here: Wildfire insurance availability (Zone 2/3), Well and septic property inspections, USDA-eligible outlying areas.

Can the bank take my home?

No. You keep title. The loan becomes due when the last borrower permanently moves out, sells, or passes away, and you must stay current on taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

Will my heirs owe money?

HECM loans are non-recourse. Heirs can repay the balance to keep the home or sell it, and they are never liable beyond the home's value.

Local, licensed, since 1993

Get reverse mortgages (hecm) numbers for your Sonoma County deal.

Mark Dankman, NMLS #251068, 925.934.6600, mail@resourcehomeloan.com

Talk to Mark