credit lines with put options that let borrowers, or their heirs, sell mortgaged homes for the
credit line limit when borrowers move or die. The put option's value, net of closing costs,
bounds HECM's value to borrowers below. Older homeowners' weak demand is commonly
attributed to HECM's “high costs,” and the government prices insurance intending to avoid
subsidy. However, simulations indicate put value has often exceeded closing costs, even …