A Reverse Mortgage Defined
A reverse mortgage is a special type of loan used by senior homeowners
to convert part of the equity in their home into cash or tax-free
income without having to sell the home, give up title, or take on
a new monthly mortgage payment. The money from a reverse mortgage
can provide seniors with the financial security they need to enjoy
their retirement years to the fullest.
The reverse mortgage is aptly named because the payment stream
is "reversed." Instead of making monthly payments to a
lender, as with a regular first mortgage or home equity loan, a
lender makes payments to you.
While a reverse mortgage loan is outstanding, you continue to own
the home.
You Will Never Be Forced Out of Your Home
Borrowers will never, under any circumstance resulting from the
reverse mortgage, be forced to leave their homes providing they
pay their real estate property tax and insurance premiums.
Borrowers can choose to receive the reverse mortgage funds as a
lump sum, monthly income (for up to life), or a line of credit,
or as a combination of monthly income and line of credit. No mortgage
payments are due during the life of the loan. Borrowers can use
the funds anyway they wish. Borrowers make no monthly payments on
a reverse mortgage during its term. The loan becomes repayable when
the borrower sells the home or permanently moves out. In addition,
the repayment amount can't exceed the value of the home.
What can the Money Be Used For?
The money from a reverse mortgage can be used for ANYTHING, including
the following:
Daily living
expenses
Home repairs
and home modifications
Medical bills
and prescription drugs
Pay-off of
existing debts
Continuing
education
Travel
Long-term
health care
Prevention
of foreclosure, and other needs.
If your home needs physical repairs (mandatory repairs) in order
to qualify for a reverse mortgage, a portion of the proceeds will
be set aside for this purpose.
To qualify for a reverse mortgage, you must be at least 62 years
old and own your own home. There are no income or medical requirements
to qualify. You may be eligible for a reverse mortgage even if you
still owe money on a first or second mortgage. In fact, many seniors
get a reverse mortgage to pay off a first mortgage.
Options on How to Receive Money from a Reverse Mortgage.
All at
once (lump sum)
Fixed monthly
payments (for up to life)
A line of
credit
A combination
of these
The most
popular option - chosen by more than 60% of borrowers - is the
line of credit, which allows you to draw on the loan proceeds
at any time
The size of the reverse mortgage you can receive depends on:
Your age
at the time you apply for the loan
The type
of reverse mortgage you choose
The value
of your home
Current interest
rates
And - sometimes
- where you live.
In general, the older you are and the more valuable your home (and
the less you owe on your home), the larger the reverse mortgage
can be
What Costs are Associated With a Reverse Mortgage?
They include the origination fee (which can be financed as part
of the mortgage), an appraisal fee, and other charges similar to
those for regular mortgages.
The money provided to you from a reverse mortgage is tax-free,
and does not affect regular Social Security or Medicare benefits.
However, the funds received from a reverse mortgage may affect your
eligibility for certain kinds of government assistance, such as
Medicaid or state assistance programs. So, you should check into
this before getting a reverse mortgage. To do this, you may wish
to consult with your local Area Agency on Aging (to locate, call
1-800-677-1116, or visit http://www.www.eldercare.gov), a reverse
mortgage lender, or a tax attorney.
How Do I Begin the Process?
Before applying for a reverse mortgage, you must first meet with
a reverse mortgage counselor. You may, however, first approach a
reverse mortgage lender, who can provide you with the names of approved
counseling agencies in your area. A list of approved counseling
agencies nationwide is posted on the Internet by the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development. http://www.hud.gov/buying/rvrsmort.cfm
The counselor will educate you about reverse mortgages, and inform
you of other alternative options given your situation, as well as
assist you in determining which particular reverse mortgage product
best fits your needs.
No payments are due on a reverse mortgage while it is outstanding.
The loan becomes due and payable when you cease to occupy your home
as a principal residence. This can occur if you (the last remaining
spouse, in cases of couples) pass away, sell the home, or permanently
move out.
Where can I get a Reverse Mortgage?
They are offered by banks, mortgage companies, and other financial
institutions.
In the U.S., the most popular reverse mortgage is the federally-insured
reverse mortgage, called the FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage
Program (HECM). The other major product is the Home Keeper reverse
mortgage, developed in the mid-1990s by Fannie Mae, a private national
mortgage company. One "jumbo" private reverse mortgage
product, designed to accommodate seniors living in higher-priced
homes, is offered by Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corp. of Irvine,
CA. This is the Cash Account Plan. The HECM and Home Keeper products
are available in every state, while Financial Freedom's product
is offered in 21 states and the District of Columbia. |