A reverse mortgage is a kind of mortgage loan that's protected versus a home that can provide retirees included income by providing access to the unencumbered value of their properties. However there are disadvantages to this technique, such as hefty fees and high-interest rates that can cannibalize a considerable portion of a homeowner's equity.While a reverse home mortgage may be perfect for some scenarios, it is not always best for others. If you desire to leave your home to your kids, having a reverse mortgage on the property could cause issues if your beneficiaries do not have actually the funds required to pay off the loan.