Florida Panhandle · Destin
Angie Scott talks with Destin homeowners 62+ about a reverse mortgage only when they live here as their primary residence — not for a harbor condo rented in season.
Angie Scott · Senior Loan Officer · NMLS #387494 · HECM is for homeowners 62+ · Primary residence required
Destin sits between the Gulf and Choctawhatchee Bay. Visitors know the harbor, the pass, and weekly rentals. A smaller group lives here all year — in-town streets, not just the vacation stack.
Angie grew up in the Fort Walton Beach area and has lived on this stretch of the Florida Panhandle her whole life. She treats Destin questions the same way she treats any coastal town: occupancy first. If you do not live in the home, stop here.
For homeowners 62+ who occupy the property as their primary residence, a HECM can convert part of home equity into a line of credit, monthly draws, or a lump sum under program rules — without a required monthly principal-and-interest payment. You remain the homeowner. You must still pay taxes and insurance and maintain the property.
That can matter if you want to stay in Destin rather than sell. It is not a promise that you will receive cash or that a particular property will pass FHA and project rules.
A weekend place, a short-term rental, or a condo held for guests is not a HECM candidate. Destin’s vacation inventory is large; most of it will not qualify. Condo associations and occupancy rules can also stop a file even when the owner is 62+.
If you are helping a parent who truly lives in Destin, join the call. HUD counseling is required and independent.
Required by federal law
Before an FHA HECM, Destin homeowners must complete counseling with an independent HUD-approved counselor — not hired by the lender. That is a good thing. The counselor covers eligibility, costs, alternatives, and when a loan becomes due.
Find a counselor at 800-569-4287 or HUD’s search tools. Angie can explain the overall process in plain English, but she cannot replace counseling. Read more on the HECM overview and FAQ.
Fifteen minutes. No cost. No commitment. This is not a loan approval.
Equal Housing Lender · NMLS #387494 · Primary residence · Age 62+
Angie also talks with homeowners in these communities — same cell, same rules.