Reverse Mortgages in Bend, Oregon: A Local Retiree's Guide

A reverse mortgage lets a Bend homeowner 62 or older turn part of their home equity into cash flow while keeping the title to and ownership of their home. For 2026, the FHA HECM lending limit is $1,249,125, and higher-value Central Oregon homes above that can use a jumbo reverse. There is no required monthly mortgage payment, though you continue to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, and upkeep.

Bend is one of the strongest reverse-mortgage markets in Oregon, and the reason is simple math. Central Oregon has drawn retirees for decades, and home values here have climbed faster than almost anywhere in the state. That combination, a large 62-and-older population sitting on homes that have appreciated sharply, is exactly the situation a reverse mortgage was designed for.

Why Bend Is a Strong Reverse Mortgage Market

Deschutes County has one of the older age profiles in Oregon. Roughly one in five residents, about 21 percent, is 65 or older, well above the national share, and the senior population has grown far faster than the county overall, up more than 50 percent since 2010. Retirees keep moving to Bend for the 300-plus days of sun, the outdoor recreation, and the healthcare anchored by St. Charles.

At the same time, Bend home values have roughly doubled over the past decade. The median home value in Bend now sits in the mid-$700,000s, up well over 100 percent from around $340,000 ten years ago, far outpacing the national gain over the same period. That means a homeowner who bought years ago is often equity-rich but cash-constrained, the textbook candidate for a reverse mortgage.

Oregon also taxes most retirement income, including pensions and withdrawals from IRAs and 401(k)s, and the cost of living in Bend runs above the national average. Reverse mortgage proceeds are loan proceeds, not income, so they are generally not treated as taxable income, though you should confirm your specific situation with a tax advisor.

How a Reverse Mortgage Works in Central Oregon

A reverse mortgage is a home-secured loan. Instead of you paying the lender each month, the lender advances funds to you, and the balance is repaid later, when the last borrower sells, moves out, or passes away. You remain the owner of the home the entire time.

You choose how to receive the funds:

• Lump sum at closing, often used to pay off an existing mortgage and remove that monthly payment
• Monthly advances for a set term or for as long as you live in the home
• A line of credit that you draw on as needed, with the unused portion growing over time
• A combination of the above

A HECM is non-recourse, which means you or your heirs will never owe more than the home is worth when the loan is repaid. Before you can obtain a HECM, you complete an independent counseling session with a HUD-approved counselor, so you get an unbiased second opinion before deciding anything.

2026 Reverse Mortgage Numbers for Bend Homeowners

The figures below are a starting point. Your actual available amount depends on the age of the youngest borrower, current interest rates, and your home's value, and every scenario is subject to program eligibility and approval.

You can verify the current HECM limit through HUD, which sets it each year. For 2026 the single nationwide figure is $1,249,125, and it applies in every county, including Deschutes.

Which Reverse Program Fits Bend Homeowners

Brian works with the full range of reverse options, and the right one depends on your goal:

• HECM is the FHA-insured reverse mortgage most Bend homeowners use, with flexible ways to receive funds.
• Reverse for Purchase (H4P) lets you buy a home in Bend, Redmond, or Sisters and set up a reverse mortgage in one transaction, with no required monthly mortgage payment.
• The growing line of credit is often set up as a standby reserve, which some retirees and advisors use to avoid selling investments in a down market.
• Jumbo and proprietary reverse options unlock more equity on higher-value homes above the FHA limit, common in neighborhoods like Awbrey Butte, NW Crossing, and Tetherow.

See the full reverse mortgage programs page for how each one works.

Who Brian Serves Across Central Oregon

Based at 601 NW Harmon Blvd in Bend, Brian meets homeowners in person or by phone across Bend, Redmond, Sunriver, Sisters, La Pine, and Prineville. He is glad to include your spouse, your adult children, and your financial advisor in the conversation, because a reverse mortgage decision usually touches the whole family.

Frequently Asked Questions