There are many different reverse mortgage options: single purpose reverse mortgages, federally insured reverse mortgages, and proprietary (private sector) reverse mortgages. Every option has its fair share of pros and cons that need to be considered.
Single-Purpose Reverse Mortgages
A single purpose reverse mortgage is the lowest-cost type of reverse mortgages to obtain, but as the name indicates it can only be used for one specified purpose. These type of mortgages are expedited by state or local government agencies. These loans a great for individuals who need cash for a purposes like paying property taxes or fixing up their own residence. Here are descriptions for several different types of single purpose reverse mortgages:
Property tax deferral (PTD) mortgages are reverse mortgages that provide loan advances for paying property taxes.
Deferred payment loans (DPLs) home improvement reverse mortgages provided in a lump sum disbursement method.
Federally Insured Reverse Mortgages
This type of reverse mortgage is only iinsured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). These reverse mortgage are perhaps one of the cheaper multi-purpose reverse mortgages currently available. Overall they typically provide the largest total cash benefits of all the reverse mortgage options.These loans are also known as HECM or Home Equity Conversion Mortgages.
Proprietary Reverse Mortgages
A proprietary reverse mortgage is a mortgage product owned by a private company. These type of loans are more costlier then the other reverse mortgage types and you are advised to approach with caution. Those interested in these type loans should get a comparison with a similiar HECM. The benefit of proprietary reverse mortgages are of its ability to offer higher home value within its limitation.
the higher home value limits. So, if you live in a home that is worth a lot more than the average home value in your county, a proprietary loan may give you greater loan advances than a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM).
Just like any other financial decision, you should get professional help to decide which option is best for your current situation. Reverse mortgage counselors can help you evaluate each of your options and help you make an informed decision.
Sub-prime mortgages offer financing for those with poor credit to finance the purchase of a home. Todays sub-prime mortgages offer low down payment options with no private mortgage insurance (PMI). As a result, more people are finding it easier to buy a home.
Sub-prime Mortgage Options
Sub-prime mortgages come in as many flavors as conventional loans. Just like with a conventional loan, low down payments or zero down will increase your interest rate. However, you have no PMI premiums to pay.
Another option is to buy points to lower your interest rate as well, but this only makes sense if you plan to keep your mortgage for seven or more years. A better plan is to improve your credit score, and then refinance in two to three years for a conventional loan.
Sub-prime Lenders
More and more financing companies are offering sub-prime mortgages. Even Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae offer sub-prime programs. So to find the best rates and terms, you should request quotes from both conventional and poor credit lenders.
When you are comparing lenders, look at the APR for a quick check. The APR includes both interest rates, points, and fees. However, you will also want to look at terms, making sure there are no fees for refinancing or early payment.
To quickly gather this information, make use of the internet. Most lenders offer quotes online. You can also request quotes from a mortgage broker, who will provide you with several quotes at once. When you find a lender with a competitive bid, you can request more information or apply online for speedy approval.
Sub-prime Benefits
Subprime mortgages provide you the chance to purchase a home while improving your credit history. Instead of throwing your money away on rent, you are building up equity in your home that you can tap into latter. You can also deduct your interest from your taxes.
Regular mortgage payments will also improve your credit history. So not only will your rates improve with other types of credit, but you can also refinance your mortgage in a couple of years for lower interest payments.
California Reverse Mortgage is a loan where the lender either pays you a lump sum at one go, makes regular monthly payments, extends a line of credit, or a combination of the three. You continue to own your home and pay property taxes, operating expenses and maintenance. But because you make no regular pay outs on the loan, the balance owed rises each month with the interest applied to it. In the event of your death, your heirs would be responsible for paying the total debt, which is often done by selling or refinancing the house. There are a number of pros and cons for the various California Reverse Mortgage Payment Options.
A.Line of Credit: This is when the access funds are at your discretion. The Pros and Cons of this type of California Reverse Mortgage payment are as follows
Pros: Flexibility – One of the Pros of this Reverse Mortgage Payment is that you can access funds anytime, whenever you need them.
Potential – Another Pro of this Reverse Mortgage Payment is its growth feature. The unused balance grows. This does not mean you are earning interest. The growth factor takes into consideration that your home has appreciated in value over the past 12 months and that you are one year older.
Extra Income – You can use your equity to supplement your retirement income. You can take a lump sum of cash and a monthly check. You can also take a monthly payment and have a line of credit you can write checks on as you need.
Cons: Spending lure – One of the Cons of this Reverse Mortgage Payment is that is that the funds can be easily exhausted.
Red tape – To access your funds, you must submit a written request to the loan servicer managing your account. It includes several rounds of official documents and meetings to get the amount approved.
B. Term: here you receive fixed monthly payments for a set period of time. The Pros and Cons of this type of California Reverse Mortgage payment are as follows:
Pros Instant transfer – Funds are instantly and automatically deposited to your bank account meeting your instant finance or emergency needs.
Regular money generated – You can receive large monthly advances helping in planning out your regular expenses.
Cons Fixed amount – The amount of funds you receive each month is fixed, so if you need additional funds, you will have to request a payment plan change which is a time consuming process.
A major disadvantage of this Reverse Mortgage Payment is that monthly advances are not indexed for inflation.
C. Tenure: here you receive fixed monthly payments for as long as you live in your home. The Pros and Cons of this California Reverse Mortgage Payment are as follows:
Pros
Worth it – The monthly advances continue for as long as you live in your home, even if the total amount you receive exceeds the value of your home. Despite this, you will never owe more than what your home is worth.
No money worry – You can keep receiving payments for as long as you live. Your spouse will keep receiving the payments if he or she is still alive. You never have to sell your home even if you outlive the equity. The income you receive is tax-free.
Cons The amount of funds you receive each month is fixed, so if you need additional funds, you will have to request a payment plan change.
You leave less equity for your children if you choose the wrong program.