Reverse Mortgage For Retirees

A Reverse Mortgage allows you to access the equity in your home. The proceeds can be used for a variety of purposes, such as paying off debt or making large purchases. As long as you stay in the home, the loan is tax-free. However, you should note that the loan balance cannot exceed the value of your home.

A Reverse Mortgage can benefit retirees who have little or no income and few assets. It also reduces risks such as sequence, longevity, and investment risk. However, be sure to know all the details about this mortgage before applying. In general, the equity in your home must be at least 50 percent. The lender will want to ensure you have sufficient income to meet your bills.

Reverse Mortgages are complex transactions. In fact, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires reverse mortgage borrowers to receive counseling prior to signing up for one. In most cases, counseling sessions will take about an hour. However, some people may have difficulty processing information when speaking over the telephone. In addition, hearing-impaired individuals can have trouble understanding the information.

Reverse mortgages are similar to conventional mortgages, except that in a reverse mortgage the lender pays the borrower instead of making payments towards the balance. However, a reverse mortgage must be used as the primary residence. In addition, the home must meet FHA standards. Additionally, borrowers must be at least 62 years old to qualify.

Reverse mortgages also carry costs that can amount to a few thousand dollars. This is significantly higher than the average cost of a conventional mortgage. Most reverse mortgage lenders charge mortgage insurance premiums, third-party charges, origination fees, and interest. These costs can be paid upfront or financed over a period of time.

Another important consideration is private mortgage insurance. Although PMI protects lenders from the risk of default, the monthly payment of this type of loan is likely to be higher than the average mortgage payment. Borrowers should discuss PMI with their lender, attorney, and housing counselor. They should understand how this payment will affect their finances before signing on for a reverse mortgage.

While reverse mortgages are popular for retirees, they come with risks. Borrowers can lose their homes if they don’t make mortgage payments. If they are unable to make the payments, heirs will be left with 95% of the home’s appraised value. Additionally, the lender will lose their retirement benefits, and the home could be worth less than the loan balance.

A Reverse Mortgage allows homeowners to access their home equity without making monthly payments. However, fees and interest charges are significantly higher than a traditional mortgage and can erode the equity in your home.