The numbers behind the story
Same payment.
Different destination.
See how one Ocala retiree turned $25,629 in credit card debt into a growing line of credit, and how the same strategy might work for you.
Request a free comparison ↓A HECM is a loan secured by the home—not debt forgiveness. No required monthly principal-and-interest payment does not remove the homeowner’s insurance, property-charge, maintenance or occupancy obligations.
01 / Your own numbers
Request a free comparison
Get a side-by-side of your current debt payments and a HECM strategy, including borrowing costs, voluntary-payment choices and available credit.
Start with a conversation—not a commitment.
02 / Go deeper
Get the case study illustration
Receive the seven-page PDF with the case study scenarios, assumptions and disclosures by email.
03 / Learn with Rob
Housing Wealth Workshop
Join Rob for a live online workshop for homeowners and prospective buyers about housing wealth and your choices.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
12:00–1:00 PM Eastern · Live on Zoom
Explore the workshop and register on Landmark’s event page.
Register for the November 11 workshop →
About Rob
A local perspective.
A personal comparison.
Rob Ziebart, CMPS, is a retirement mortgage strategist with Landmark Mortgage Planners in Ocala, with more than 25 years of experience and over 3,000 loans funded. NMLS #305375.
352-875-6907 · [email protected]
415 SE 17th Place, Ocala, FL 34471
A few useful answers
Before comparing the numbers
Can I use a reverse mortgage to pay off credit cards?
Eligible homeowners can use available HECM proceeds to pay off credit cards. This replaces unsecured card debt with debt secured by the home; it does not erase debt. Loan costs, interest and mortgage insurance apply. Compare the full costs and alternatives before deciding.
Do voluntary payments on a HECM increase my line of credit?
Voluntary repayments reduce the outstanding loan balance when applied and can restore available line-of-credit capacity under the loan terms. The net balance falls when repayments exceed accruing interest, mortgage insurance and other advances or charges. Unused credit can grow under the loan terms. This is borrowing capacity, not an investment return; drawing it increases the loan balance. Confirm a repayment plan with the servicer so the loan is not accidentally paid off and closed.
What is a Life Expectancy Set-Aside (LESA)?
A LESA reserves part of the HECM proceeds for specified insurance and property charges, based on the lender’s financial assessment. It reduces the funds available for other uses. Disbursements add to the loan balance. It is not a promise that every future bill will be covered, and the homeowner remains responsible for required obligations.