Thanks to everyone for their advice, I really appreciate the information.

I am a little stressed out about this because I don’t know exactly what my mother’s finances are BUT it’s time for her and my brother to tell me the truth. He didn’t worry about the shape of her house until he lost his and moved in with mom. I didn’t really want to say that but it’s silly for me to be embarrassed. I am not inclined to take his financial advice considering he’s on his second bankruptcy in 15 years. The only reason I know about the 1st bankruptcy is my dad bailed him out and put it in his will to subtract the amount from my brother’s inheritance(he died 10 years ago and I was given a copy of his will; maybe that’s why my mom has no savings). My brother is executor. My dad must have turned a few times in his grave.

He tells me all the repairs will cost in the 20 30K range (not just the roof). I just got off the phone with a good friend who owns several properties in San Francisco, and she said DO NOT do a RM. She recommends an equity line of credit, but said they are hard to get these days.

I was searching online for programs for seniors; my mom has no debt, the mortgage was paid off when I was in high school and she has a modest income (pension/SS). I told my brother not to do anything until we’ve considered all options. The roof has been leaking a long time from what I can tell, it can leak a little longer.