| Reverse Mortgage For Senior Citizens |
| Articles - Mortgage |
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These days, seniors often face a large degree of financial uncertainty. The retirement they envisioned 5 and 10 years ago is, in many cases, not the same as the reality they face: investments are flat or declining, medical expenses and living expenses are higher than ever, and few income boosting options are available. Those seniors that have heard about Reverse Mortgages are likely not sure how they work, and don't know what questions to ask to begin to learn about them. They will often turn to their financial institution for guidance and information. As a result, by becoming familiar with these products, you can become an even more important resource for your clients but helping them understand alternative income supplements.
These days, seniors often face a large degree of financial uncertainty. The retirement they envisioned 5 and 10 years ago is, in many cases, not the same as the reality they face: investments are flat or declining, medical expenses and living expenses are higher than ever, and few income boosting options are available. Those seniors that have heard about Reverse Mortgages are likely not sure how they work, and don't know what questions to ask to begin to learn about them. They will often turn to their financial institution for guidance and information. As a result, by becoming familiar with these products, you can become an even more important resource for your clients but helping them understand alternative income supplements. A Reverse Mortgage is a loan that allows seniors to boost their income by converting a portion of the equity they have built in their home into cash. This cash is not taxable and typically it doesn't interfere with eligibility for Social Security or Medicare benefits. The exception is the federal Supplemental Security Income Program, where beneficiaries must keep their liquid resources under certain limits. The majority of reverse mortgages are Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), and are therefore guaranteed by the FHA. In order to help homeowners with properties that exceed FHA lending limits, various proprietary products have been created. Qualifications for a Reverse Mortgage are simple. All titleholders must be 62 or older and have equity built up in the home. There are no income or credit qualifications. The following qualifications can actually be paid for by the Reverse Mortgage proceeds. Existing mortgages or liens have to be paid off, and the homeowner must remain current on insurance and property taxes. A reverse mortgage borrower has no restrictions on how the monies can be used. Here are common uses for these funds: - Mortgage loans and credit cards - Remodeling projects or other home improvements - General living expenses - Vacations and travel - Health care - Assisting children with financial obligations - Education - To fund hobbies - To defray the rising cost of property taxes The amount paid for a reverse mortgage depends on the age of the borrower, the value of the home, prevailing interest rates, and FHA lending limits. Older borrowers are able to receive a larger percentage of their equity than younger borrowers. Funds can be disbursed as a lump sum, monthly payment, or extended as a line of credit. However the borrower has to meet certain expenses to get this reverse mortgage money such as origination fee, closing costs, insurance in case of HECM etc. Before obtaining a reverse mortgage the borrower need to sit with a Reverse Mortgage counselor to submit details of his financial situation and get a training to understand the Reverse Mortgage transactions. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. Graham McKenzie is the content coordinator for a leading South African leading Home loans and Bond Origination portal which provides access to ABSA Home loans. |