A reverse mortgage isn't free money: The borrowing costs can be high, and you'll still need to pay for homeowners insurance and property taxes. Reverse mortgages can also complicate life for your heirs, especially if they don't want the home or the home's value isn't enough to cover what's owed.

Your debt keeps going up (and your equity keeps going down) because interest is added to your balance every month. This can use up much – or even all ─ of your equity. A reverse mortgage can limit your options down the road. Generally, a reverse mortgage must be paid back when you die or move from the home.

Taking a loan too early The earliest a homeowner is eligible to take out a reverse mortgage is age 62, but Orman considers it risky to do so. "If you tap all your home equity through a reverse at 62 and then at 72 you realize you can't really afford the home, you will have to sell the home," she said.

The loan balance grows over time, and when the borrower moves or passes away, the borrower and his estate are responsible for the repayment of the loan. However, there are still events that can lead to a borrower defaulting on the loan, which can, in turn, lead to foreclosure, resulting in you losing your home.