Reverse Mortgages:
What is a reverse mortgage?
A reverse mortgage is a loan for senior homeowners that use a portion of the home’s equity as collateral. The loan normally does not have to be repaid until the last surviving homeowner permanently moves out of the property or passes on. At that time, the estate has about 6 months to repay the balance of the reverse mortgage or sell the home to pay the balance. All remaining equity is inherited by the estate. The estate is not personally liable if the home sells for less than the balance on the reverse mortgage.
Eligibility for a reverse mortgage (HECM)
To be eligible for a HECM reverse mortgage, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) requires that the homeowners be at least age 62. The home must be owned free and clear or all existing liens must be satisfied with the reverse mortgage. If there is a mortgage balance, it can be paid off completely with the proceeds of the reverse mortgage loan at the closing. You normally find there are no income or credit score requirements for a reverse mortgage.
Eligible Home Types
Most home types are eligible. With mobile homes, they must have been built in the last 30 years, the land must be owned, it must be on a permanent foundation, and it has to meet an FHA inspection. Some condos and town homes are eligible as well.
Difference between a Reverse Mortgage and a Home Equity Loan
A home equity loan, a second mortgage, or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) has strict requirements for income and creditworthiness. With traditional loans the homeowner must still make monthly payments to repay the loans. A reverse mortgage has no income or credit score requirements the homeowner receives from the lender, and instead of making monthly payments to the lender.
The amount that can be borrowed with a reverse mortgage is determined by an FHA formula that considers age, the current interest rate, and the appraised value of the home. The more valuable the home (up to a certain amount), the higher the loan amount will be, depending on lending limits.
As stated earlier, with traditional loans the homeowner is still required to make monthly payments, but with a reverse mortgage the loan is usually not due as long as the homeowner lives in the home. When doing a reverse mortgage no monthly payments are due, however the homeowner is still responsible for real estate taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
Outliving The Reverse Mortgage
A reverse mortgage can not be outlived. If at least one homeowner lives in the home as their primary residence and maintains the home in accordance with FHA requirements (keeping taxes and insurance current) the loan does will not become due.
Estate inheritance
If death or the home is no longer the primary residence for more than 12 months, the homeowner’s estate can choose to repay the reverse mortgage or put the home up for
sale. If the equity in the home is higher than the balance of the loan, the remaining equity belongs to the estate.
If the sale of the home is not enough to pay off the reverse mortgage, the lender must take a loss and request reimbursement from the FHA. No other assets are affected by a reverse mortgage. For example, investments, second homes, cars, and other valuable possessions cannot be taken from the estate to pay off the reverse mortgage.
Loan Limit
The amount that is available generally depends on four factors: age (older is better), current interest rate, appraised value of the home and government imposed lending
limits. Use the calculator to estimate how much could be drawn.
Distribution of money from a reverse mortgage
There are several ways to receive the proceeds from a reverse mortgage.
- Lump sum – a lump sum of cash at closing.
- Tenure – equal monthly payments as long as the homeowner lives in the home.
- Term – equal monthly payments for a fixed number of years.
- Line of Credit – draw any amount at any time until the line of credit is exhausted.
- Any combination of those listed above
If you have any questions, click here for contact information.
Cary Seniors 