A reverse mortgage allows homeowners aged 62 and older to convert some equity in their home into cash payments without requiring monthly mortgage payments. Key features include no monthly payments as long as the homeowner lives in the home, a detailed breakdown of all fees and costs upfront, and asset protection ensuring heirs will never owe more than the home's value. Counseling is required to ensure understanding of the loan, and there are no prepayment penalties for paying the loan back early.