FAQ’s on Reverse Mortgages

One of several significant financial instruments available for seniors today is a Reverse Mortgage. No matter what you may have heard, Reverse Mortgage can be used for either purchase or refinance of a property.

 

What is a Reverse Mortgage?

A Reverse Mortgage is a federally regulated program for homeowners, aged 62 and older. It allows

the equity in your home to pay you rather than you paying for the home.

 

What is a Government Insured HECM program?

HECM stands for Home Equity Conversion Mortgage. It is a federally insured and guaranteed

program. The HECM is a safe way for you to access the equity in your home without ever making a

mortgage payment.

 

How is this Program “safe” for Senior Homeowners?

No matter what happens in the economy, how much money you receive, or how long you live in your

home you will never be required to make a mortgage payment. In addition, no matter what happens to

your lender or your home’s value you have guaranteed access to your money.

 

Who owns the home if I take a Reverse Mortgage?

You own the home. However, you pledge the home as collateral.

 

What happens if, in the future, the Loan exceeds the Value of the Home?

Your Reverse Mortgage will continue – thanks to the federal insurance. The line of credit will still be

available and monthly disbursements you may have set up, will still be sent to you.

 

How are Reverse Mortgages different today?

Today’s reverse mortgages are highly regulated by State and Federal laws to make them safe and to

protect you. Among others, the following regulations apply:

– You retain title of the home.

– No equity share is allowed, meaning the lender does not slowly take over your home.

– Fees and costs are federally regulated.

 

How does a Reverse Mortgage compare to a Conventional Mortgage?

In a conventional forward mortgage, you make monthly payments to the bank eventually paying off

the mortgage over time. With a reverse mortgage you receive cash from your lender, as lump sum

upfront, as monthly installments or as a line of credit that grows over time. As long as you live in your

home you never have to pay off a single dollar of the loan.

 

What restrictions apply to the cash I receive from a Reverse Mortgage?

It is your money and you can use it the way you want. It’s non-taxable and does not affect Social

Security payments. We do recommend that you talk to a competent financial adviser to determine the

effect on any other benefits you may be receiving.

 

When does a Reverse Mortgage become due and what happens then?

When you no longer live in your home or when you pass away, the reverse mortgage becomes due.

You or your heirs have two options:

1) Pay off the reverse mortgage including the accrued interest and retain ownership .

2) Give up ownership of the home and receive the difference between the net sales proceeds and the

loan balance. You will not be liable for any shortfall if the sales proceeds do not cover the loan.

 

What are my obligations under a Reverse Mortgage?

With a Reverse Mortgage you retain title to your home. This means that you also have all your obligations as a home owner. You are responsible for home owner taxes and insurances.