Most Americans would prefer to remain in their own home for as long as possible.

One way that people can do that is a "Reverse Mortgage."

Knowing the fundamentals about Reverse Mortgages can make for a solid decision and prevent major problems. A Reverse Mortgage enables seniors 62 or older to access their home equity for a variety of purposes.

Pierce County Community Connections Aging & Disability Resources is sponsoring "Reverse Mortgages: A Primer for Consumers" as part of the "Know it before you need it" series. The free workshop explains in clear, impartial terms the basic features of a Reverse Mortgage and how one can provide the means to stay in one's home.

"Many people are apprehensive about getting a Reverse Mortgage," said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Aging and Disability Resources. "But they can be a prudent way for seniors to tap into a home's value and provide the means to remain at home without sacrificing anything. When it comes to Reverse Mortgages, knowledge is everything."

Presenting at the workshops will be Bob Riler, HUD-certified Reverse Mortgage counselor and staff at Community Connections; Rebecca Rainsberger of Genworth Financial and Edwin Hoffmann of Eagle Home Mortgage. This is an information-only event.

The workshop will be repeated four times:

Feb. 13, 12:10 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.
Pierce County Annex, Main Conference Room, 2401 S. 35th Street, Tacoma

Feb. 13,  7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Soundview Building Conference Room, 3611 S. "D" Street, Tacoma

Feb. 15, 12:10 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.
County-City Bldg, Rainier Conference Room, 7th Floor, 930 S. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma

Feb. 15, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
University Place Library Conference Room, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100; University Place

The presentations are free and open to the public. No RSVP is required. For more information contact the Pierce County Aging & Disability Resource Center at 253-798-4600 or 800-562-0332.