Older individuals who own their homes may find themselves "house rich and cash poor." Developed to address this dilemma, a reverse mortgage provides funds to an older homeowner by drawing against the equity built up in the residence. Unlike "forward" mortgages, reverse mortgages are not repaid on a monthly basis. The total loan is repaid when the last surviving borrower sells the home, vacates the property or dies. This article can be read in full with a Plus Edition account.