Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?
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Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?
Wednesday, January 06, 2016
Americans are living longer now than ever before. While a testament to advancements in healthcare, this increased longevity also brings with it the potential to outlive savings.
To reduce their chances of a savings shortfall, many older individuals are now exploring reverse mortgage loans, according to Take Charge America, a national non-profit housing and credit counseling agency. A reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), enables homeowners aged 62 and older to convert part of their home equity into tax-free cash.
“The economy has been tumultuous in recent years, and seniors have been particularly affected,” says Mike Sullivan, chief education officer for Take Charge America. “For some, a reverse mortgage may prove a good solution for generating extra cash and living more comfortably in their golden years."
Is a reverse mortgage right for you? Sullivan suggests considering the following:
Loan Fees – Borrowers are tasked with paying upfront mortgage insurance, origination fees and closing costs. It’s critical for seniors to read the fine print and understand the fees they’re paying.
Taxes and Insurance – With a reverse mortgage, seniors borrow money against the equity of their homes and are not required to make loan payments. However, they still must pay property taxes and homeowners insurance, or they risk foreclosure.
Home Maintenance – Seniors are responsible for home maintenance, but cannot take out a home equity loan or second mortgage to cover repairs.
Home Equity – The borrower’s home equity is reduced by the amount of the reverse mortgage. The estate will receive whatever equity hasn’t been borrowed.
Loan Repayment Terms – The loan is due when the borrower sells the home, lives away from the home for 12 consecutive months, fails to pay property taxes or insurance, or passes away. The principal, interest and closing costs are repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the house. If the heirs elect not to sell, the money is paid from the estate.
To obtain a reverse mortgage, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires seniors to undergo reverse mortgage counseling from an approved third-party organization, Sullivan says. Certified HECM counselors guide seniors through the process, the loan terms, financial and tax implications, and alternatives.
For More Information:
Why is pre-approval important at the beginning of the home buying process?
Source: Take Charge America
RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com
To reduce their chances of a savings shortfall, many older individuals are now exploring reverse mortgage loans, according to Take Charge America, a national non-profit housing and credit counseling agency. A reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), enables homeowners aged 62 and older to convert part of their home equity into tax-free cash.
“The economy has been tumultuous in recent years, and seniors have been particularly affected,” says Mike Sullivan, chief education officer for Take Charge America. “For some, a reverse mortgage may prove a good solution for generating extra cash and living more comfortably in their golden years."
Is a reverse mortgage right for you? Sullivan suggests considering the following:
Loan Fees – Borrowers are tasked with paying upfront mortgage insurance, origination fees and closing costs. It’s critical for seniors to read the fine print and understand the fees they’re paying.
Taxes and Insurance – With a reverse mortgage, seniors borrow money against the equity of their homes and are not required to make loan payments. However, they still must pay property taxes and homeowners insurance, or they risk foreclosure.
Home Maintenance – Seniors are responsible for home maintenance, but cannot take out a home equity loan or second mortgage to cover repairs.
Home Equity – The borrower’s home equity is reduced by the amount of the reverse mortgage. The estate will receive whatever equity hasn’t been borrowed.
Loan Repayment Terms – The loan is due when the borrower sells the home, lives away from the home for 12 consecutive months, fails to pay property taxes or insurance, or passes away. The principal, interest and closing costs are repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the house. If the heirs elect not to sell, the money is paid from the estate.
To obtain a reverse mortgage, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires seniors to undergo reverse mortgage counseling from an approved third-party organization, Sullivan says. Certified HECM counselors guide seniors through the process, the loan terms, financial and tax implications, and alternatives.
For More Information:
Kim Kroner Realtor - Associate Broker
Top Producer - NVAR Multi Million Dollar Sales Club
Member - Long & Foster Chairman's Club
Long & Foster Christie's International
kim@kimkroner.com
(703) 946-2526
(800) 9611328
www.kimkroner.com
309 Maple Ave W. Vienna, VA 22180
Why is pre-approval important at the beginning of the home buying process?
Source: Take Charge America
RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com
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