Posts tagged with 'Reverse Mortgage Loan'

The Mechanism Of A Reverse Mortgage

  • Posted on November 29, 2010 at 9:17 am

Homeowners over the age 62 may find reverse mortgage as a benefitial option and should discuss with a lender or counselor before deciding on taking up one. These types of loans offer a way to borrow against the equity in your home to create a stable, continuous and tax free source of usable income or a substantial source of supplemental income, all without having to change your current living conditions.

The good news is that you arent required to repay any amount on the loan as long as you live in your house and do not breach any of the terms and conditions set forth. However it is important that you are diligent in researching this unique loan product as it may not be right for every situation. This is why we encourage any potential borrower interested in a reverse mortgage to investigate their options first with a HUD certified counselor or lender.

While simple to understand in theory, it is important to know how reverse mortgages work. The reverse mortgage loan product got its name due to the fact that instead of making mortgage payments, the lender actually pays the borrower creating a kind of inverse relationship compared to the traditional mortgage product. The source of funds for the money received is the equity stored in your home. The unique feature of this loan is that unlike conventional mortgages where the loan balance becomes smaller each moth you make a payment, the loan balance of a reverse mortgage grows larger over time.

The principal on the loan increases with each payment received, this includes interest and other charges accrued each month on the total funds advanced to you. You retain ownership of your home in all reverse mortgages, and many do not require repayment for as long as you occupy your home, pay your property taxes and hazard insurance charges, and continue to maintain the property.

When you leave your home permanently your loan balance becomes due. It is also important to note that your legal obligation to repay the loan cannot be more than the market value of your house at the time you leave the property. This means that your lender can never require repayment of the loan from your heirs or from any asset other than the property itself.

Today the two major types of reverse mortgage loan provided by the Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) are the HECM and Home Keeper. These loans see to it that the borrower will never owe more than the loan balance or the value of its real estate, whichever is less,and no assets other than the home must be used to repay the debt.

The Last Option – Reverse Mortgage

  • Posted on November 22, 2010 at 9:17 am

Home buyers often save rigorously for their home, forgoing expenditures and making sacrifices to pay down the mortgage and save for retirement. At retirement they get to enjoy their dream home debt-free. The only problem with this scenario for a lot of retirees is that they live on a fixed, and often not very large, income.

One option is to take a reverse mortgage – a loan against the home, which brings you money while you still live in your home.

It is the norm that borrowers can usually getYou can 10% to 40% of the value of your home depending on your age. A reverse mortgage loan requires no repayment for as long as you live in your home and you will never owe more than the value of your home.

This loan is different from a traditional mortgage in two ways. In order to qualify for a traditional mortgage, the bank checks your income to see how much you can afford to repay each month, but with a reverse mortgage there are no monthly repayments. With most loans, if you fail to make your repayments, you are in trouble. With a reverse mortgage, you don’t have any repayments. Thus, the debt grows larger as you keep getting cash advances and the interest is added to the amount you owe. This is why a reverse mortgage is called a “rising debt, falling equity” loan. As the amount you owe expand, your equity value of your will get smaller.

You can receive income from your reverse mortgage in two ways. One, you can take the loan and invest it in an annuity and in return it will provide you with the income needed until your death. The second alternative is to receive monthly income from your reverse mortgage provider. Here you simply increase the size of your loan on a regular basis in order to receive income.

There major disadvantage to all of this – you can still owe money on your home. The total amount you will owe at the end of the loan will equal the loan plus all the interest accrued. All the interest can be a substantial amount of money.

When considering a reverse mortgage it is best advised to discuss your options with your family members. Remember that a reverse mortgage will always reduce the size of the equity value in your final estate.

Reverse Mortgages Evaluated With A Mortgage Calculator

  • Posted on November 1, 2010 at 9:17 am

If you are like most retired adults, you own a home but have very little else for retirement. However, if you sell your house, you won’t have a place to live! So here’s your problem: you need money to live on, but the only thing that you own of value is the place you live.

A reverse mortgage can give you the answer this retirement dilemma. This option sells your house a piece at a time, instead of all at once. Also, you get to live in your home. You can use a mortgage calculator to determine the monthly cost of home equity loans or refinancing. Also, you can use this mortgage calculator to figure out how much your loan would cost you in total.

First, call a real estate agent. They will be more than happy to tell you how much your home would sell for, and how to increase its value. Depending on your level of savvy and the time you could commit to it, this could pay off handsomely. The reason is that the amount that a reverse mortgage will pay you is based on your home’s value. So, if there is an easy way to increase the value of your home, do it before applying for a reverse mortgage.

You can use a mortgage calculator to find out if you should get a home equity loan before you get your reverse mortgage. The mortgage calculator will tell you how much, in total, a home equity loan would cost you for the short time between the repairs and the reverse mortgage. But be careful. Don’t spend more remodeling than it will increase your home’s value. Also, if you love something about your house, don’t change it. After all, you still get to live in it.

Okay, now that you know how much your house would sell for, it is time to look into a reverse mortgage loan. You can use a special mortgage calculator to find out how much each different loan would give you. This mortgage calculator bases its results on four things: your age, your house’s value, your house’s location and your lender. More than one company offers a mortgage calculator, so it is best to check with AARP to see if it is a valid program. The mortgage calculator on their website is very simple, but it is a good place to start.

But why is it called a loan? Because, when you are done with the house, the lender wants money, not the house. Of course, if the house sells for more than you were paid, your heirs may get some of it. This is a detail you should work out when you get the loan. Again, there are mortgage calculator programs to help you figure this out. If you still have a loan on your property, you will have to pay it off before you get your money.

Once you have done your own research, it is time to talk to a professional. The real estate agent that you spoke to before should be glad to give you a list of good lenders and mortgage brokers. They will walk you through the process. Read every document. Ask questions about anything that you don’t understand. And soon, instead of paying a mortgage every month, you will be able to receive a check instead.

Reverse Mortgage Lenders

  • Posted on September 27, 2010 at 9:17 am

You’ve made the decision that you need some extra assistance in meeting your monthly financial obligations. One of the best options for those over sixty-two years of age who own their own home is a reverse mortgage. Instead of you paying the bank each month, the bank will actually pay you. The loan can be taken out as a lump sum, a fixed monthly payment or as a line of credit. You do not have to pay back the loan until you sell your home or move out permanently. There are many reverse mortgage lenders such as banks and credit unions that you can contact to obtain details about these loans. Rates may vary so you will want to check around with various banks before deciding. There are several types of reverse mortgage loans and they include the following:

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage – HECMs are the oldest types of reverse mortgage loans and the most popular. They are insured by the federal government through the Federal Housing Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The amount of money you can take out as a reverse mortgage loan depends upon your age, the appraised value of your home, current interest rates and the location of your home. The older you are and the higher the equity (what it would sell for less what you still owe), the higher the loan amount can be. For 2006, the loan limit for a home in a rural area is 200,160 while the limit for high cost areas is 362,790.

Another reverse home mortgage product that you can obtain from a lender is the Fannie Mae Home Keeper. Fannie Mae is the largest investor of home mortgages in the country and a major investor in reverse mortgages. Fannie Mae developed its own reverse mortgage product as an alternative to the HECM to address the needs of customers who had a higher property value on their home. Home Keeper loans can be larger than HECMs because their mortgage limit is higher. Another Fannie Mae reverse mortgage product is the Home Keeper for Home Purchase program. This is for seniors who wish to use the reverse mortgage loan to buy a new home. For example, let’s say someone sold his home for a 60,000 profit and wants to buy a new house for 100,000. He could get a reverse mortgage using money from a Home Keeper loan so he would not have to use his savings to purchase the more expensive home.

The opportunities are endless for borrowing against the equity in your home from reverse mortgage lenders you can depend upon.

Reverse Mortgage Information – Who Qualifies For Reverse Mortgages

  • Posted on September 20, 2010 at 9:17 am

Reverse mortgages can be a great solution for seniors who wish to remain in their home but are having difficulty making their monthly payments and meeting other financial obligations. If you are over age 62 and own your own home, the bank will actually pay you money so you can stay in your home, rather than the other way around. It is important to collect as much reverse mortgage information as possible before deciding whether to take out the loan.

Anyone is eligible for a reverse mortgage loan, even if they have no income. Your home must be a single family residence in a one to four unit dwelling, a condominium or some type of manufactured home. Cooperatives and most mobile homes are not eligible. The home must be at least one year old and you have to first meet with an authorized counselor.

You can obtain the loan as a lump sum payment, a fixed monthly amount or as a line of credit that you use whenever you need it. The money can be used for just about any purpose. This can include paying property taxes or medical bills, home repairs and improvements, paying off credit cards or just daily living expenses. The amount of money you receive depends upon your age, the amount of equity in the home, its appraised value and current interest rates. The reverse mortgage loan does not have to be repaid until you sell the home, permanently move out, or pass away. Your loan could also become due if you allow the property to deteriorate, you fail to pay property taxes or hazard insurance, or if the last surviving borrower does not occupy the home for 12 months in a row due to illness.

There are some fees involved with a reverse mortgage loan, similar to those you would incur with a regular mortgage. These include origination fees which cover the lenders operating expenses and are currently capped at the greater of 2,000 or 2% of the maximum FHA loan limit. In addition you will be required to take out mortgage insurance and pay an appraisal fee which ranges between 300 – 400. Other closing costs include fees for a credit report (usually under 20), flood certification, closing and title search, document preparation, recording, courier, pest inspection and a land survey. In addition, a monthly service set-aside fee of 30-35 per month will be charged.

When you meet with your counselor, you should be able to obtain all the reverse mortgage information you require before you make your final decision. It will be nice to have the option of staying in your own home if that is what you desire.

Reverse Mortgage: A Dignified Way For Retirees To Supplement Income

  • Posted on September 6, 2010 at 9:17 am

Reverse Mortgage: A Dignified Way For Retirees To Supplement Income And Take Care Of Expenses

For many Americans reaching the retirement age, the equity build up in their home is their only real asset. Reverse mortgage is a way to tap into this asset and create a stream of income needed for retirement or take care of an unexpected financial need that is usually related to health care costs in the elderly.

Reverse mortgage is not like a refinance, equity loan or a second loan on your home and there are some pitfalls.

So what is a reverse mortgage?
As the term implies the flow of money is reversed. Instead of the homeowner paying the lender on a predetermined schedule, the lender pays the homeowner and there arent any payments due until the home owner moves or dies.

How did reverse mortgage start?
Roger Maris broke Babe Ruths single-season home-run record in 1961 but like most things in life, a single act of kindness has a much longer longevity and a more widespread influence than that of fame and ironically these acts of kindness remain obscure.

The history of reverse mortgage can be traced to Nelson Haynes of Deering Savings & Loan (Portland, ME) who made the first reverse mortgage loan to Nellie Young, the widow of his high school football coach. This event was reported to be motivated by kindness and started a chain of events over the following forty years to extend a helping hand to todays retirees.

Reverse mortgage helps many retirees cope with their financial difficulties and more importantly,helps them to have a way to retain their independence and dignity. And retirees are reaching for this solution in record numbers. According to the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association in 2004, lenders originated a record 37,829 HECM loans during the most recent federal fiscal year – a 109 percent increase over the 18,079 loans closed the previous year.

Why would a lender do this?
The act of kindness may have started this idea but lenders are not charitable organizations and they will not be in business long if they dont have a return on their investments. In this case, they calculate the amount they lend based on the value of your home, projected appreciation, your age and a number of other factors. They expect to get paid the money they have lent plus the interest when the homeowner moves or dies.

What are HECM Loans?
Federally-insured home equity conversion mortgage (HECM) is the most common of reverse mortgage loans that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development started offering in 1989.

Who cares about federal insurance?
In traditional loans, when you borrow the money, you have the cash in hand and the lender has taken all the risk secured by your home. However in a reverse mortgage, you may plan to receive a monthly payment over a period of time. What will happen if the lender is no longer around to pay you?

This is why the federally insured reverse mortgage ads another dimension of safety and peace of mind. This peace of mind also comes with a price tag. HECMs limits the maximum loan amount a homeowner can borrow.

What about Non-HECM?
Many lending institutions offer this category of reverse mortgages and their limits are usually higher than that of HEMD. However they are not federally insured and they can have a much higher expense associated with their processing.

Can any one qualify for a reverse mortgage?

The eligibility requirements for a reverse mortgage are:

* You are a homeowner

* You are 62 years of age or older

* You own your home outright, or have a low mortgage balance that can be paid off at the closing with proceeds from the reverse loan

* You live in the home

* In case of HUD, you are also required to receive consumer information from HUD-approved counseling sources prior to obtaining the loan. You can contact the Housing Counseling Clearinghouse on 1-800-569-4287 to obtain the name and telephone number of an HUD-approved counseling agency and a list of FHA approved lenders within your area.

* Upkeep of property taxes and staying out of bankruptcy are also required.

How much money can I borrow?
The amount of money you can borrow is based on a different set of formulas than the traditional mortgage qualifications. Your age, the value of your home, the current interest rates, and the loan costs impact the amount. Older individuals with more valuable homes in lower interest rate environment can borrow more.

What types of homes are eligible for reverse mortgages?
Single family, two-to-four unit properties, townhouses, detached homes, units in condominiums and some manufactured homes are eligible. However various restrictions apply to all with most significant being that you own them, live in them and have kept them in reasonable condition.

What about my heirs?
If death occurs while you still owe money to the lender, your heirs are obligated to pay the borrowed amount, plus interest and other fees, to the lender. They usually do this by selling the house. Whatever remains after paying the lender belongs to your heirs. The loan cannot be passed along.

What are my borrowing options?

You have five options:

* Tenure – equal monthly payments as long as at least one borrower lives and continues to occupy the property as a principal residence.

* Term – equal monthly payments for a fixed period of months selected.

* Line of Credit – unscheduled payments or in installments, at times and in amounts of borrower’s choosing until the line of credit is exhausted.

* Modified Tenure – combination of line of credit with monthly payments for as long as the borrower remains in the home.

* Modified Term – combination of line of credit with monthly payments for a fixed period of months selected by the borrower.

What about reverse mortgage scams?
Like most other scams directed to senior citizens, telemarketing is on top of the list. Never agree to anything over the phone, especially on the first call and do not give personal information, financial or otherwise, over the phone.

There is never a cost associated with getting information on reverse mortgages. This information is available for free. Ask for written copy of everything that should include an address and a phone number so that you can confirm the data.

* DISCLAIMER: Vishy Dadsetan, FreeCreditReport.ws or My Favorite Shop, Inc. do not endorse any reverse mortgage product or lender. This article and website does not provide legal, accounting, or other professional services. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Although Vishy Dadsetan has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in this site, it assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or inconsistencies.

Reverse Mortgages- Seek A Mortgage Calculator

  • Posted on August 30, 2010 at 9:17 am

If you are like most retired adults, you own a home but have very little else for retirement. However, if you sell your house, you won’t have a place to live! So here’s your problem: you need money to live on, but the only thing that you own of value is the place you live.

A reverse mortgage can give you the answer to a common retirement dilemma. This option sells your house piece by piece, instead of all at once but you will get to live in your home. You can use a mortgage calculator to determine the monthly cost of home equity loans or refinancing. Also, you can use this mortgage calculator to figure out how much your loan would cost you in total.

First, get in touch with a real estate agent. They will be more than happy to tell you how much your home would sell for, and how to increase its home equity. Depending on your level of knowledge and the time you can spare, this could pay off handsomely. Reverse mortgage will pay you is based on your home’s value. So, if there is an opportunity to increase the value of your home by doing some home improvements, get it done before applying for a reverse mortgage.

Use a mortgage calculator to find out if you should get a home equity loan or a reverse mortgage. The mortgage calculator will tell you how much a home equity loan would cost you between the time of your repairs and the reverse mortgage. But be careful. Don’t spend more than it is necessarry to renovate your home. Also, if you fancy something about your house, do not alter it. After all, you still get to live in it.

Now that you are aware of how much your house is worth, it is time to look into a reverse mortgage loan. You can use a special mortgage calculator to find out how much each different loan would give you. This mortgage calculator bases its results on four things: your age, your house’s value, your house’s location and your lender. More than one company offers a mortgage calculator, so it is best to check with AARP to see if it is a valid program. The mortgage calculator on their website is very easy to use and is a good place to start.

Once research is completed, it is time to contact a professional. The real estate agent that you spoke to before should be glad to give you a list of good lenders and mortgage brokers and walk you through the process. Read every document. Ask questions about anything that you don’t understand. And you will be able to receive a check instead of paying a mortgage every month

Reverse Mortgages Eligibility Information

  • Posted on August 23, 2010 at 9:17 am

Reverse mortgages can be a great solution for seniors who wish to remain in their home but are having difficulty making their monthly payments and meeting other financial obligations. If you own your own home and is 62 years of age, the bank will actually pay you money so you can stay in your home, rather than the other way around. It is crucial to collect and understand as much reverse mortgage information as possible before deciding on whether to take out the loan.

Your home must be a single family residence in a one to four unit dwelling, a condominium or some type of manufactured home. While ccoperatives and most mobile homes are not eligible for this type of loan. The home must be at least one year old and you have to first meet with an authorized counselor.

The loan can be obtained as a lump sum payment, a fixed monthly amount or as a line of credit and the money can be used for just about any purpose such as paying property taxes or medical bills, home repairs and improvements, paying off credit cards or just daily living expenses.

The approval of loan amount depends upon your age, the amount of equity in the home, its appreciated value and current interest rates indications.

The reverse mortgage loan does not require you to pay anything until you sell the home, permanently move out, or pass away. Your loan could also become due if you do not maintain as agreed or you fail to pay property taxes/ hazard insurance and if if the last surviving borrower does not occupy the home for 12 months in a row due to illness.

The fees involved in a reverse mortgage loan are quite similar to those you would incur with a regular mortgage. These include origination fees which cover the lenders operating expenses and are currently capped at the greater of $2,000 or 2% of the maximum FHA loan limit. Apart from that you will be required to take out a mortgage insurance and pay an appraisal fee. Other costs include fees for credit reports (usually under $20), flood certification, closing and title search, document preparation, recording, courier, pest inspection and a land survey. In addition, a monthly service of $30-35 per month will be charged.

Your counselor will be your principal guide to getting correct information on reverse mortgages and should be consulted for advise before making final decisions.

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.

Top

Copyright © Mortgageclassic