About Reverse Mortgages
Articles - Retirement
Reverse mortgages are a fantastic way to utilize the equity in your home with out having to sell your home. By accessing their home equity, borrowers can pay for many unexpected living expenses that occur during retirement years. Many people have significant equity in their homes but need supplemental retirement income. Taking out a reverse mortgage is a great way to meet these needs while continuing to live in their home.
by TimBegert


Reverse mortgages are a fantastic way to utilize the equity in your home with out having to sell your home. By accessing their home equity, borrowers can pay for many unexpected living expenses that occur during retirement years. Many people have significant equity in their homes but need supplemental retirement income. Taking out a reverse mortgage is a great way to meet these needs while continuing to live in their home.

Homeowners who are 62 years or older can borrow from a reverse mortgage and they do not need to pay back the loan until they no longer live in the home. The money from a reverse mortgage is available to borrower in many different formats. Borrowers can take a lump sum, a series of fixed montly payments or even open a line of credit.

Borrowers who take out a reverse mortgage continue to own their home. They can decide when they want to sell their home and move and the bank does not take title to the home. Once the borrower or their heirs sell the home, the bank is repaid from the sale of the home. Any money from the sale that is in excess of the loan balance goes to the borrower or their heirs.

You must be 62 years or older to take out a reverse mortgage. If a couple owns the home, both owners must be old enough to qualify. Condos, townhouses and single-family homes are eligible for reverse mortgages. An appraisal is taken before closing to determine how much the borrowers are eligible to receive in reverse mortgage benefits.

Appraisals are necessary to determine how much the borrower(s) can recieve at closing. Other factors include: any exisiting mortgage that must be paid off, how old the youngest borrower is and the current reverse mortgage interest rate.

There are some upfront closing fees that are charged to the borrower. These fees are also used to calculate the benefit that borrowers can receive. Generally, these fees are financed into the loan and are not considered out of pocket expenses. Costs can vary from lender to lender, so it is important to shop around for the best rates and lowest expenses.

Always make sure you understand all of the aspects and costs of a reverse mortgage and choose a dependable lender who will answer all of your questions.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.