Reverse Mortgages Not Just For Cash-Strapped Seniors

Many seniors have the misconception that reverse mortgages are only for those that don’t have enough retirement income. While reverse mortgages are very beneficial for cash-strapped seniors, they can also be equally beneficial for those that have sufficient incomes.

One of the key reasons all seniors should at least consider a reverse mortgage is because of the line of credit (LOC) option offered through a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)—the most popular type of reverse mortgage and one that is government insured. The LOC offers guaranteed growth, access to money, and provides a hedge against inflation and a reduction in local property values.

Guaranteed growth. The LOC allows the senior guaranteed growth at much higher rates than those commercially available through CDs or Money Market Accounts. AARP writes on their web site, “The rate by which the HECM creditline will actually grow each month will be the same as the total periodic rate being charged on the loan’s balance.”

Consider this example: a senior couple each age 64 who have a home valued at $150,000 and do not owe anything on the home. Through the HECM reverse mortgage, they can qualify for an initial credit line of $69,580. Assuming the line is simply established and no withdrawals are taken, this creditline is guaranteed to grow at a rate currently above 7% (7.28% as of 3/7/07) and changes monthly. In 20 years, if no withdrawals are taken and we assume the same initial growth rate each year, the creditline will be worth $283,825. Meanwhile, if their $150,000 home appreciates at an average rate of 3%, in 20 years their home would be worth $270,917— almost $13,000 less than what their creditline is worth!

Access to money. It is much better to have access to money and not need it than to need the money and not have access to it. In the same example above if the senior couple did not obtain a HECM reverse mortgage, they would only be able to rely on their savings and investments in case of an immediate need for sudden and costly expenses such as those for home health care, assisted living facility care, or nursing home care. To access the money tied up in their home, they would either have to sell the property, which could take several months, or obtain a mortgage on the property.

Hedge against inflation and decreasing property values. Preserving purchasing power throughout a potential retirement of 20 or 30+ years is often a senior’s greatest risk. Purchasing power is eroded due to inflation or the continual upward movement of prices for the goods and services we need and want buy. The LOC with guaranteed growth provides an ideal hedge or risk reducer against inflation. Many seniors often find their homes do not appreciate as much as others in their local real estate markets. This is often because, after living in the home for a period of years, the home becomes outdated, since home styles change and features and materials become obsolete. Again, in this case, the LOC provides a very valuable risk reducer because of its guaranteed growth–which can overcome the value of the home itself.

While a reverse mortgage may not be for everyone, all seniors age 62 and over who plan on remaining in their home should explore this option and the LOC feature available. A good place to start exploring is AARP’s website.

Reverse Mortgages: Financing the Golden Years

Until recently, seniors 62 years of age and older have not had the best choices when it came to getting cash from their homes. Traditional home loans only offered the option of either selling one’s house or borrowing against its equity.

With reverse mortgages coming on the scene, seniors now have some additional cash-flow alternatives. This type of loan allows mature borrowers to convert their home equity into tax-free income without leaving their current home or making mortgage payments – and they do not need an existing income to qualify.

How a Reverse Mortgage Works
Reverse mortgages are probably best understood when compared side-by-side with traditional home mortgages, otherwise known as “forward” mortgages. The following table shows the differences between the two:

FORWARD MORTGAGE	REVERSE MORTGAGE
Uses income to pay debt	Uses home equity to get cash or credit
Monthly mortgage payments	No payments; debt is due when the borrower(s) pass away or relocate.
Falling debt, rising equity	Rising debt, falling equity

Both loans incur debt against your home, and both affect equity, but they do so in different ways. Traditional home mortgages require making monthly payments to a lender. With a Reverse Mortgage, payments are made to you.

What a Reverse Mortgage Involves

Here are some important points to know when considering a reverse mortgage:

Eligibility: To qualify for a reverse mortgage, you must be at least 62 years of age. All owners who are on the title deed must meet this age requirement. You must also have paid off all, or most, of your home mortgage. Lastly, the home you reside in must remain your principal place of residence.

Mandatory Counsel: In order to ensure that homeowners are fully aware of the financial ramifications of obtaining a reverse mortgage, you must undergo counseling with an unbiased third party before completing a loan. HUD and AARP oversee a network of counselors who can provide this service, and it should be offered for either a nominal fee or at no charge.

Tax-Free Income: One of the advantages of a reverse mortgage is that the money you receive will not be taxed. The amount you’ll obtain depends on several factors including the plan you select, the type of cash advances you choose, your age, and the value of your home. Typically, the older you are the larger the loan, as you will have more equity in the house.

Cost: The cost of a reverse mortgage varies considerably from one type to the next. However, you can typically use the money you receive to offset the loan fees. The costs will be added to the loan balance and must be repaid with interest once the loan terminates.

Repayment: Reverse mortgages do not require any payment as long as the borrower(s) remain in the home. Should the borrower(s) pass away, sell the home, or permanently relocate, then the loan would be due in full, along with interest and additional costs. If two borrowers are on the loan and one dies, the loan would not be due since one of them still occupies the home.

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage – The Federally Insured Loan

The most common type of reverse mortgage is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, otherwise known as a HECM mortgage. This is the only reverse mortgage program that’s federally insured and backed by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This type of reverse mortgage is popular for a few reasons:

• Ability to choose your own interest rate.
  You can select one that changes annually or one that changes every month.
• You have several payment options.
  You may receive monthly loan advances for a fixed term or for as long as you live in the home. You may also choose to receive a line of credit or combine monthly loan advances with a line of credit.
• The loan can be used for any purpose.
  With a HECM, you don’t have to designate the loan to a specific use; you can apply the funds to anything you choose.
• Protection.
  This is one of the most attractive features of a HECM. This plan protects you by guaranteeing continued loan advances even if your lender defaults.

Sell or Stay?

The main reason people choose a reverse mortgage is to gain financial independence and maintain an adequate standard of living without leaving their current home. The best way to decide if a reverse mortgage is right for you is to compare it to the other option of selling your house. To do this, ask yourself these three questions:

1. How much cash can I get by selling my home?
2. How much will it cost to buy or rent a new place?
3. Is it worth my moving now, or do I prefer to do something else with the money?

Perhaps you’ll confirm what you knew all along, where you now live is the best place to be.

Seek a Qualified Mortgage Consultant to Ensure the Best Results

Debt Reduction Strategies!

Looking for some creative and innovative ways to pay off debt, including your mortgage?

Check out this Debt Reduction Presentation:

Debt Reduction Strategies