Posts tagged with 'Medicare Benefits'

Reverse Mortgages Basics

  • Posted on August 9, 2010 at 9:17 am

Reverse mortgages are loans against your home that require no repayment for as long as you live there. As opposed to traditional mortgage loans, reverse mortgages does not require proof of income and are based solely on the equity of your home. There are no monthly payments to make as the mortgage will only due when the borrower moved out from the property or in the event of death.

US seniors over the age of sixty two are eligible for reverse mortgages provided they have their own single family dwelling. No health requirement is needed, and you get to keep your Social Security and Medicare benefits if your reverse mortgage is approved. Some benefits, however, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid can be reduced under specific circumstances. Tax liability for monies received through a reverse mortgage are a non-issue, as loan advancements are not taxed, although interest on the loan is consequently not tax deductible.

There are no income requirements to be eligible for a reverse mortgage loan. You may be eligible for a reverse mortgage even if you still owe money on an existing mortgage. The reverse mortgage loan must be substantial enough to pay off the existing loan completely, however.

The benefits of a reverse mortgage include increased cash flow almost immediately while many other options are on a fixed monthly income. This way it will fully utilize the equity value in your home. Several options exist to help seniors to plan for their advances so that they can fit into their budgetary concerns and cash flow needs.

Most may feel that borrowing against their home is a risky action to take, especially when they are in their twilight years.
Since they are not borrowing against future income, reverse mortgage does indeed hold minimal risk and many who choose this type of mortgage are able to enjoy what they have worked all their lives for in their post retirement years.

Reverse Mortgage is For You

  • Posted on July 19, 2010 at 9:17 am

Seniors would want to enjoy their golden years but are usually left stranded with decreasing income or the inability to increase their monthly income. One of the better ways to overcome this problem is by obtaining a loan called a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage enables homeowners older than sixty two years of age to convert the equity in their homes into tax-free income while they continue to live in that property. Seniors will be paid by the lender according to the current value of the property, in contrast with a traditional mortgage where monthly payments are made to the lender.

How do you know if a reverse mortgage is right for you and that you would not end up sleeping on the streets? Reverse mortgages are indeed an excellent option for many living in their twilight years, but will take careful planning and consideration. Since the pay out terms can be structured in a variety of ways, it is essential to look at the amount you are able to get from your home and your long term financial needs.There are of course no restrictions on the use of funds, meaning you can do anything you like with the proceeds of a reverse mortgage, including home improvements and daily expenses.

Reverse mortgages won’t affect regular Social Security or Medicare benefits. MedicAid eligibility may be affected in some instances. Counseling is a mandatory for those who wish to apply for a reverse mortgage. Look for a counselor from a government sponsored lending agency if you need them to answer all your questions convincingly or those related to benefit reductions.

Reverse mortgages is a very effective method in supplementing your post retirement income but you must be aware of how the pay out structure can positively lessen your worries on the long term financial picture. Make an informed decision. Simply view all the information available before taking up a reverse mortgage. The good news is for those who have paid the majority or their entire home, their post retirement lifestyle need not be hampered by a lack of cash flow.

Qualifying for a Reverse Mortgage

  • Posted on June 7, 2010 at 9:17 am

To qualify for a reverse mortgage, you must be at least 62 and have paid off all or most of your home mortgage. Income is usually not a factor, and no medical tests or medical histories are required. If you seek an HECM, you also must undergo mortgage counseling from a government-approved “housing agency.” Other financial institutions offering proprietary reverse mortgages require similar counseling or homeowner education.

Your age becomes the major deciding factor of how much you can borrow. Apart from that the value of your home, and the current interest rate are also considered. If it’s an HECM reverse mortgage, the federal law limits the maximum amount that can be paid out.You can be paid in cash on a lump sum, in monthly instalments, over a line of credit, or a combination of all three.

Common Features
Reverse mortgages offer special appeal to older adults because the loan advances, which are not taxable and do not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits. Depending on the plan, reverse mortgages allow homeowners to retain title to their homes until they permanently move, sell their home, die, or reach the end of a pre-selected loan term. Basically, a move is considered permanent when the homeowner has not lived in the home for 12 consecutive months. So, for example, a person could live in a nursing home or other medical facility for up to 12 months before the reverse mortgage would be due.

Here are some points you have to take note:

Reverse mortgages tend to be more costly than traditional loans because they are rising-debt loans. The interest is added to the principal loan balance every end of the month. In other words – compounded interests.

Reverse mortgages uses up a good portion or all of the equity in a home which will at the end of the day eaves fewer assets for the homeowner and his or her heirs.

Lenders will charge origination fees and closing costs; some charge servicing fees which can vary from one lender to another.

Interest on is not deductible on income tax returns until the loan is paid off in part or whole for reverse mortgages.

Because homeowners retain title to their home, they are still responsible for taxes, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and other housing expenses in regard to that property.

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