A Close Look at Reverse Mortgage and How it Helps Seniors

By Rob K. Blake

When you take a reverse mortgage, the equity in your home can be converted into extra income. It could be a lump sum payment, a line of credit, or monthly cash payments. Taking out this kind of loan is a good retirement option for most seniors.

The loan is called ‘reverse’ because the direction of the payments has been reversed. Instead of paying the monthly mortgage to build equity for your home, you will take money out from the equity that you already built.

Conditions and Terms of the Loan

Reverse mortgage would be similar to most loans. You will also be required to pay the necessary fees associated with it. These may include origination fee, appraisal, title fee, escrow and recording, and the regular servicing fee. All these fees can be bundled in the balance of the loan as long as there is enough equity available.

You will never be required to pay the loan unless you no longer reside in the mortgaged home. As long as the property is your primary residence, no payments will be made on the loan. In case you sell your home or you move to another place, then the balance will become due and payable. Take note that the balance of your loan can never exceed the actual value of your home.

Becoming eligible for a reverse mortgage is easy. You only have to meet the basic qualification requirements. There are also things that will never affect your eligibility. The lender will never consider your income, credit history, bankruptcy history, and health condition.

Most people who are interested in reverse mortgage are asking how the equity will be calculated. There are three factors that are considered when calculating the equity. These are the borrower’s age, appraisal of the home value, and the maximum loan limit as required by the FHA.

Safety Tips for Borrowers

Because of the popularity of reverse mortgage, there are some lenders who may try to scam or take advantage of you. Before you take out this type of loan, make sure that you know all the rules and requirements set by the Federal authorities.

For one thing, it is best to get financial counseling first. The Federal Housing and Urban Development requires seniors to get financial counseling provided by its approved counselors. You must comply with this requirement so that you can fully understand if reverse mortgage is a good option. You can obtain counseling at a very low cost. Some counseling providers also offer their service for free.

Hundreds of thousands of seniors have enjoyed a good life by taking a reverse mortgage. This loan will improve the quality of your life during your retirement. The money that you can get from this loan could solve your financial worries.

Rob K. Blake, refinance expert and author, educates mortgage shoppers on finding local providers by state like Georgia Mortgage Brokers and Lenders and provides reviews of national companies like Ashwood Financial.

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