The rules for securing a reverse mortgage are getting tougher. And most financial advisers say that's a good thing.

In a reverse mortgage, homeowners borrow against the equity in their house. They can take the money in a lump sum, monthly payments, or as a line of credit to be tapped when needed. Reverse mortgages are generally made by specialist lenders, and the most common loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program, widely known as HECM loans. Borrowers must be 62 years or older to qualify.

Reverse mortgages can be very complicated, here's a resource to help:

NeighborWorks America is one organization that helps train counselors and provides referrals to counselors that specialize in reverse mortgages across the country. The group operates a hotline for those looking for general information or counseling referrals: 888-990-4326.

Courtesy of Wall Street Journal