Author Archives: Beth Paterson, CRMP

About Beth Paterson, CRMP

A Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional (CRMP) specializing in reverse mortgages since 1999, I have used my expertise, knowledge, and experience to help hundreds of seniors maintain their security, independence, dignity and control. Known as an expert in the field, I am an author, speaker, consultant, and senior advocate. I love what I do! I receive such joy with the services I provide and the benefits seniors and their families receive from them. NMLS #342859

Refinancing A Reverse Mortgage – Should you?

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Receiving Letters to Refinance Reverse MortgageCurrent reverse mortgage borrowers are receiving letters encouraging them to refinance.  While refinancing a reverse mortgage is an option, let’s explore whether it should be considered.

Just like refinancing a conventional, or what we call a forward, mortgage, borrowers consider refinancing a reverse mortgage when they need more money.  But just like a forward mortgage, one needs to make sure they are going to receive a benefit when they refinance.  And just like a forward mortgage, when refinancing the closing costs are part of the transaction.

When I receive the calls from my borrowers who have received the letters or encouragement on their statements I start with these questions:

  • How long ago did you take out your reverse mortgage?
  • What was the value of your home at that time?
  • What is the value of your home now?
  • What is your current loan balance on your reverse mortgage?
  • Are you receiving monthly payments?
  • Do you have funds in a Line of Credit?
  • Why would you want to refinancing?

These questions are pertinent in helping one decide if it makes sense to consider refinancing.

Keep in mind the factors used to determine the amount a senior can receive from their reverse mortgage include:  the interest rate of the program chosen, the age of the borrower (the older one is the more funds one can receive), and the home value based on an FHA appraisal or the FHA Lending Limit.

The first three questions are important in determining if you will be able receive more money when refinancing.  As one aged during the time home vales were increasing refinancing made more sense because borrowers were more likely to be able to receive additional funds.

As you know, during the housing crash home values decreased.  Now while home values have started to increase, we often find that the borrowers will still not receive additional funds from refinancing their reverse mortgage. (However some states the values have increased faster and higher than others.  In MN, while increasing, the values have not increased enough to warrant refinancing in many situations.)

If, however, the initial reverse mortgage was taken when there was a lower lending limit, i.e. $251,750 and the current home value is, say $400,000, then refinancing may be considered.

For many years the FHA Lending Limit was based on the county in which one lived.  In 2008 the Lending Limit was changed to a national limit of $417,000.  In 2009 and through the end of 2016, the national limit was $625,500.  January 1st through December 31, 2017 the FHA Lending Limit for reverse mortgages has been increased to $636,150.

Is refinancing a good idea just because the Lending Limit has increased?  Not necessarily, especially if one’s home value isn’t in the higher valued range.

The current loan balance is important because when refinancing the reverse mortgage, the current reverse mortgage needs to be repaid.  If there aren’t enough proceeds to pay off the current mortgage and to receive additional money then refinancing doesn’t make sense.

The next two questions, whether they are receiving monthly payments or have funds in a line of credit, are important because most likely it doesn’t make sense to refinance a reverse mortgage if they still have funds available to them that will last them for a few more years.

With a forward mortgage sometimes refinancing is done to reduce the interest rate.  With the reverse mortgage generally it doesn’t make sense to refinance for the interest rate.  Remember one isn’t making payments with a reverse mortgage so the interest rate doesn’t impact their monthly cash flow, it only impacts the amount that will be repaid when the loan becomes due and payable.

It is important to note that the reverse mortgage is non-recourse which means there is no personal liability to the borrower or their heirs if the loan balance is higher than what the home can be sold for.

The funds available to borrowers are determined by the age of the youngest borrower, the Expected Interest Rate and the program chosen.  If the Expected Interest Rate is higher, less funds will be available.

Until 2008 all reverse mortgages were adjustable rate mortgages.  Don’t panic, this isn’t a bad thing with a reverse mortgage.  With the adjustable rate reverse mortgage there is more flexibility by having the option of a line of credit, monthly payments, a lump sum or a combination of these.

The adjustable interest rate is made up of an index and a margin.  The index is based on the LIBOR and the margin is determined by the lender.  HUD set a floor at 5.06% which means the funds available will be the same if the interest is at 5.06 or below.   Currently the interest rates are remaining low, below the floor so one generally will not receive more funds if they were to refinance.

In 2008 a fixed rate option was introduced.  With the fixed rate one has to draw all funds as a lump sum; the line of credit and monthly payment options are not available.  One is not going to gain a benefit of more funds available by refinancing for a lower interest rate.  However we have had some who refinance from a fixed rate to an adjustable rate to receive the flexibility the adjustable rate option offers, especially if one chooses to make payments on their reverse mortgage.

When refinancing one will still have closing costs so you have to consider if refinancing will offset off set a lower interest rate and/or funds one is receiving.

The Streamline Refinance of the FHA Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM reverse mortgage requires a calculation demonstrating borrowers receive at least 5% more or they must go through the counseling session to review their situation.  Some lenders require the counseling for any borrower refinancing their reverse mortgage.  This is a strong protection to help borrowers from falling for a lender’s marketing letters and thinking refinancing may be a good idea when it really isn’t.  Unfortunately it can cost seniors to find out this information as counselors are allowed to charge, generally $125 for the counseling session.

The National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) ethics committee set a guideline that reverse mortgage borrowers who want to refinance must wait a minimum of 18 months along with the “closing cost test” and “loan proceeds test.”

The last question or why you are considering is important in the decision to refinance because there could be valid reasons to refinance that benefit you.  Some include a title change, i.e. adding a younger spouse to title when they turn 62, taking on a new spouse are a couple reasons.  Reverse Mortgage Borrower Contemplating Options

While options should always be considered, after reviewing the above questions and your answers, at this time refinancing generally doesn’t make sense for the majority of reverse mortgage borrowers.  Hopefully seniors don’t get sucked in with marketing letters & statements by completing an application so that the lender can just take an application when refinancing doesn’t make sense for them.

For further details on the reverse mortgage contact us if you are in Minnesota.  As your local broker, we work with several lenders and provide free information and facts with no obligation, meeting in person whenever possible.  For other states, contact your local reverse mortgage specialist who is a broker, one who works with several lenders, has their Broker License/NMLS and preferably holds the Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional (CRMP) designation.

© 2017 Beth Paterson, Beth’s Reverse Mortgage Blog, 651-762-9648

This material may be re-posted provided it is re-posted in its entirety and without modifications and includes the contact information, copyright information and the following link: http://wp.me/p4EUZQ-1q4

Related articles:

Blog posts’ information is current as of date post published, program is subject to change in in the future. Contact us for current information, 651-762-9648.

This site or the information provided is not from, or approved by, HUD, FHA, or any US Government or Agency.

Believe It Or Not, Reverse Mortgages Are NOT A Scam!

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Comments under factual articles in the media, “warnings” to those interested in exploring a reverse mortgage, and even research says people are afraid of reverse mortgages because they think they are a scam.

Attention, Reverse Mortgages are NOT ScamMost people have, or had, a conventional mortgage using them to purchase their home or have refinanced their original purchase mortgage…these aren’t considered a scam.  So why are reverse mortgages considered a scam?

A reverse mortgage is a loan to a homeowner using the home as collateral or security where the lender puts a lien against the property, just like conventional mortgage, but with special terms for those 62 and older.

The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM, the most common reverse mortgage, is insured by FHA for the purpose of providing a valuable financing alternative for senior homeowners to help them remain in their home and have access to funds by withdrawing a portion of their home equity.

Whether a conventional mortgage or a reverse mortgage, borrowers are responsible on how they use the funds from their loan.  If not used wisely, with a conventional mortgage the borrower is said to be irresponsible; with a reverse mortgage it is said the lender took advantage of the borrower and it’s a scam.  Why?  It is the borrower who is making the choices.

Let’s compare the two.

Reverse Mortgage Conventional Mortgage
Loan Collateral It is a loan using the home as collateral. It is a loan using the home as collateral.
Title/Ownership The title stays in the borrower’s name, they remain the homeowner. The title stays in the borrower’s name, they remain the homeowner.
Interest Rate

 

 Income or credit scores don’t affect the interest rate.

 

 Interest rate can be impacted by one’s income and credit score.  Limited income and poor credit means a higher interest rate.
Qualifying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 One homeowner needs to be 62 or over.  Income and credit history are used to for qualifying; to determine if borrowers meet HUD’s Financial Assessment requirements. If one has a history of late payments on debt and a low residual income, a Life Expectancy Set Aside may be necessary.  Under some circumstances they may not qualify.  These requirements are lower and less strict than a traditional loan. Income and credit history and scores are used to for qualifying; low income and/or a poor credit may mean one doesn’t qualify for the conventional mortgage.

 

 

 

 

 
Closing Costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Closing costs generally include origination fee, appraisal, title and recording fees.  Closing costs could be offset by lender or broker credits but will likely have a higher interest rate.

FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums are charged.

 

 

Closing costs are comparable to reverse mortgages…side-by-side comparisons have been done.

 Closing costs generally include origination fee, appraisal, title and recording fees.  Closing costs could be offset by lender or broker credits but will likely have a higher interest rate.

If doing a “Forward” FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums are charged.  On conventional mortgage one may be required to pay for Mortgage Insurance.

Closing costs are comparable to reverse mortgages…side-by-side comparisons have been done.
Loan Amount Borrowed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Initial amount borrowed is based on the age of the youngest homeowner, appraised value or FHA Lending Limit, expected interest rate and program chosen.

Over time the amount borrowed increases with the interest amount charged, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium and draws being added to the loan balance.  At some point the amount borrowed could be more than the value of the home at the time the loan was initiated.

If payments are made (they are optional), then they could decrease the loan balance.

 Amount borrowed is based on appraised value of home, credit score, income, debts, and program chosen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Receipt of Funds

 

 

 

 

 Can receive funds as a line of credit, monthly payments to the borrower, lump sum or a combination of these.

Line of credit increases monthly so more funds become available over time. The available line of credit can never be withdrawn by the lender if borrower is abiding by the terms of the loan.

 Conventional mortgage funds are drawn as a lump sum.

 

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) creates a line of credit for a specific term and specific amount. The line of credit does not increase and the lender can withdraw the loan at any time.
Use of Funds

 

 

 Borrowers benefit by having access to funds for whatever they need or want.  It can be used for more immediate needs or as a financial planning tool or even to purchase a home. Borrowers purchase a home or refinance to have funds for what they need or want.

 
Monthly Mortgage Payments

 

 The advantage is monthly mortgage payments are not required make which takes away the risk of foreclosure from not making a monthly mortgage payment. With a conventional mortgage or HELOC one has to make monthly mortgage payments.  If the mortgage payments aren’t made, usually within 3 to 4 months, the foreclosure process will begin.
Payment Requirements

 

 

 

 

 

 While monthly mortgage payments are not required, they can be made; it’s a choice of the borrower as to when, how much, how often, or not at all. Making payments reduces the loan balance.

With the adjustable rate, the funds are applied to the line of credit and can be re-borrowed without refinancing.

 Payments are required to be made.

 

 

 

One has to refinance to access more funds.

 
Interest

 

 

 

 

 

 Interest is accrued over the life of the loan.  This increases the loan balance over the term of the loan.

 

If one chooses to make payments the loan balance will be decreased by the amount of payment(s) made.

 Interest is paid each month along with the principal generally reducing the loan balance over the term of the loan.

If one has a balloon payment the full payment would be required at the end of the loan term…generally 10 to 15 years.
Borrower’s Responsibilities

 

 

 

 

 

 Borrowers are responsible for keeping insurance on the property, paying property taxes and maintaining the home.  As long as they abide by the terms of the loan they are not forced from their home.

If they don’t abide by the terms of the loan, they risk a foreclosure.

 Borrowers are responsible for keeping insurance on the property, paying property taxes and maintaining the home.  As long as they abide by the terms of the loan they are not forced from their home.

If they don’t abide by the terms of the loan, they risk a foreclosure.
Loan Term/Due Date

 

 

 

 

 It is a loan and does need to be repaid at the end of the loan term.  The reverse mortgage loan is not due and payable until the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrower.  (Or if they don’t abide by the terms of the loan.)  The due date on the mortgage is the 150th birthday of the youngest borrower. It is a loan and does need to be repaid over the life of the loan.  A conventional mortgage loan term has a due date generally in 15 or 30 years from the closing date.  A HELOC’s loan term has a due date generally in 10 to 15 years from the closing date.

 
Equity Difference When Sold

 

 When the loan is being repaid, if the home is sold for more than the loan balance, the borrower or their heirs receive the difference. When the loan is being repaid, if the home is sold for more than the loan balance, the borrower or their heirs receive the difference.
Non-Recourse

 

 

 All reverse mortgages are non-recourse which means there is no personal liability to the borrower or their heirs.  The loan is paid back only from the property. Conventional loans can be non-recourse, it’s determined by the lender.  Without the non-recourse factor the lender can be repaid from other assets of the borrower.
FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium  Covers When Loan Due

 

 

 If the loan balance is higher than what the home can be sold for when the loan is due, the FHA Mortgage Insurance covers the difference to the lender; the borrower or their heirs or tax dollars don’t cover this difference.
Staying in home when all funds used

 

 

 

 Once a reverse mortgage is in place, even if one draws all the funds available from the reverse mortgage, the borrowers can stay in their home as long as they abide by the terms of the loan, i.e. pay property taxes and insurance, HOA dues if applicable, and maintain the home. Borrowers stay in their homes even when all funds are drawn as long as they abide by the terms of the loan.

 

 

 
Protections

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Requires counseling by a HUD approved 3rd party counselor as a protection to help borrowers understand the details of the reverse mortgage.  The processing cannot start until the counseling has occurred.

HUD regulates what lenders and third-parties may charge stating they must be customary and reasonable costs necessary to close the mortgage.  Mark-ups are not allowed.

Disclosures and sample closing documents must be provided to borrowers at application.

 No counseling required.

 

 

 

Mark-ups on such items as processing and underwriting fees and courier fees can be charged.

 

 

 
Lender/Bank and Investor Benefit

 

 

 Lender makes money by the interest charged on the loan.

Would you loan money without receiving a benefit or compensation?

 Lender makes money by the interest charged on the loan.

Would you loan money without receiving a benefit or compensation?

Use a reverse mortgage to stay in homeAs you can see, reverse mortgages compare to conventional mortgages and they are NOT a scam.  As with any financial product, or any purchase for that matter, one should get the facts and understand the terms of what they are purchasing.

The loan officer one is working with should be explaining the features and terms of the reverse mortgage.  Yes, unfortunately there are bad apples in every industry but that doesn’t mean the product is bad.  The reverse mortgage industry has implemented protections to prevent borrowers from scam.

Don’t jump to conclusions! Understanding them, one might find the reverse mortgage is a viable option for their situation.

For further details on the reverse mortgage contact us if you are in Minnesota.  As your local broker, we work with several lenders and provide free information and facts with no obligation, meeting in person whenever possible.  For other states, contact your local reverse mortgage specialist who is a broker, one who works with several lenders, has their Broker License/NMLS and preferably holds the Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional (CRMP) designation.

© 2016 Beth Paterson, CRMP, Beth’s Reverse Mortgage Blog, 651-762-9648

This material may be re-posted provided it is re-posted in its entirety and without modifications and includes the contact information, copyright information and the following link:  http://wp.me/p4EUZQ-1ph

Related articles:

Blog posts’ information is current as of date post published, program is subject to change in the future. Contact us for current information, 651-762-9648.

This site or the information provided is not from, or approved by, HUD, FHA, or any US Government or Agency.

Giving Thanks For The Opportunity To Make A Difference

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Happy ThanksgivingIt’s Thanksgiving and the season to reflect and give thanks.  I want to take this opportunity to say I’m grateful for all who are in or have been in my life and have touched it in one way or another.  I’m grateful for the talents God gave me and my parents taught me to use.  And I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to use those talents to assist others and make a difference in their lives.

It’s rewarding to have my reverse mortgage borrowers call and say how much the reverse mortgage has made in their life, for themselves as well as their families.  It is because of you, the customer, that I have the opportunity to serve.

This poem is hanging on my office wall as a wonderful reminder it’s because of YOU…

Because the Customer

Because the customer has a need,
we have a job to do.

Because the customer has a choice,
we must be the better choice.

Because the customer has sensibilities,
we must be considerate.

Because the customer has urgency,
we must be quick.

Because the customer is unique,
we must be flexible

Because the customer has high expectations,
we must excel.

Because the customer has influence,
we have the hope of more customers.

Because of the customer,
we exist!

Anonymous

Thank you to my reverse mortgage borrowers, my referral sources, my vendors, my networks and all who help make a difference in the lives of seniors.  It is because of YOU I exist and am so rewarded.

May you have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

Beth Paterson, CRMP
Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional
NMLS #352859

© Beth Paterson, CRMP, Beth’s Reverse Mortgage Blog, 651-762-9648

Blog posts’ information is current as of date post published, program is subject to change in in the future. Contact us for current information, 651-762-9648.

This site or the information provided is not from, or approved by, HUD, FHA, or any US Government or Agency.

Why You Pay FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums on Reverse Mortgages

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Puzzled by FHA Mortgage Insurance PremiumThis is a question I recently received:

Hello Beth.
I notice that the monthly costs for my reverse mortgage loan include very costly mortgage insurance. From my experience as a homeowner, mortgage insurance was to cover the mortgage payment in the event the mortgagee could not make payments for one reason or the other. Since there are no mortgage payments in a reverse mortgage loan, why do I have to pay mortgage insurance?
Thank you.

This is a very good question!

With conventional mortgages many people look at mortgage insurance premiums as protection of risk if they, the borrowers, can’t make their monthly mortgage payments.  The reverse mortgage doesn’t have monthly mortgage payments required for this product. Although with the reverse mortgage there is a repayment required, it is one payment when the loan becomes due and payable, generally when the borrower(s) is(are) no longer in the home as their primary residence.

Mortgage insurance on a reverse mortgage does not protect the consumer or borrowers obligation to pay the loan balance when the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrower or if they haven’t abided by the terms of the loan.

However, with a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or better known as a HECM reverse mortgage, there is a required mortgage insurance premium by FHA. The FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP) offer significant benefits for reverse mortgage lenders, investors, as well as the borrowers.

The FHA required MIP are in place even though one is not making mortgage payments for several reasons:

  • The insurance protects the investors against risk and loss.

There are also advantages and increased borrowing power for the borrowers with FHA insuring the reverse mortgage.  These  include:

  • Guaranteeing the funds are available for you, the borrower, during the term of the loan.  With HELOCs the bank/lender can call the loan due and payable if there are changes with the bank, for example they merge with another bank/lender or they close their doors.
  • Guaranteeing the reverse mortgage lender against default or shortfalls means the interest rates are lower compared to other mortgages for the benefits one receives with the reverse mortgage.  i.e.,
    • With conventional loans the interest is impacted by one’s credit score.  With the reverse mortgage one’s credit, even if it’s poor, does not impact the interest rate.
    • The FHA insurance on the HECM loans keep the interest rate low and allows more dollars to be loaned than with proprietary programs.  Proprietary reverse mortgage programs have a higher interest rate to cover the lender’s and investor’s risks and loss.
  • Providing a line of credit growth rate (available only with reverse mortgages).  The tenure monthly payment option also has a growth rate factored in when the tenure payment is calculated.
  • As a reverse mortgage it is a non-recourse (no personal liability) loan.  What this means is if the loan balance on the reverse mortgage is higher than what the fair market value is on the home when the loan is due and payable, the FHA MIP will cover the difference to the lender rather than the borrowers or their heirs having to come up with the difference.

If you are considering a reverse mortgage, look at the benefits of the reverse mortgage which include:

  • No monthly mortgage payments, therefore increase your cash flow.
  • With no monthly mortgage payments required the risk of default due to not being able to make monthly mortgage payments is reduced.  (Borrowers are still required to pay property taxes, keep hazard insurance on and maintain the property and pay home owners association dues if applicable.)
  • A line of credit option which has a growth rate making more funds available to you in the future, no other mortgage offers this.  Or you can use the funds to receive monthly payments either as tenure (life of the loan) or an amount set by you.
  • Non-recourse, no personal liability to you or your heirs.

While there have been different structures for calculating the MIP with past programs, currently, the up-front FHA MIP is .5% of the property value or mortgage lending limit, whichever is less if borrowing 60% or less of the Principal Limit within the 1st 12 months; 2.5% if borrowing more than 60% of the Principal Limit within the 1st 12 months. The on-going MIP is 1.25% of the loan balance.

Received benefits with Reverse MortgageTo summarize, while one is not making payments on their reverse mortgage, the FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium with the reverse mortgage provides benefits over conventional and HELOCs where mortgage payments are required, which cannot be received with any other mortgage.

For further details on the reverse mortgage contact us if you are in Minnesota.  As your local broker, we work with several lenders and provide free information and facts with no obligation, meeting in person whenever possible.  For other states, contact your local reverse mortgage specialist who is a broker, one who works with several lenders, has their Broker License/NMLS and preferably holds the Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional (CRMP) designation.

© 2016 Beth Paterson, CRMP, Beth’s Reverse Mortgage Blog, 651-762-9648

This material may be re-posted provided it is re-posted in its entirety and without modifications and includes the contact information, copyright information and the following link:  http://wp.me/p4EUZQ-1oM

Related Articles:

Blog posts’ information is current as of date post published, program is subject to change in in the future. Contact us for current information, 651-762-9648.

This site or the information provided is not from, or approved by, HUD, FHA, or any US Government or Agency.

Basics of Reverse Mortgages You Need to Know

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Home Equity Conversion Mortgage BasicsThe Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM, is the most common reverse mortgage and only one available in Minnesota.  The HECM was first insured by FHA in 1989 for the purpose of providing a valuable financing alternative for senior homeowners to help them remain in their home and have access to funds by withdrawing a portion of their home equity.

A mortgage like any other mortgage where borrowers retain title and borrow against their home equity, the reverse mortgage offers special terms for seniors home owners 62 and older.  One advantage for seniors is with the reverse mortgage there are no monthly payment requirements although borrowers are responsible for paying property taxes and insurance.  While monthly payments aren’t required, one can make a payment or payments when and how much they choose.

The Principal Limit or maximum loan amount is determined by the home value or FHA Lending Limit, currently $636,150, the age of the youngest borrower (the older one is the more they can receive), the Expected Interest Rate, and the program chosen.  Doing the reverse mortgage at a younger age may still be more beneficial than waiting until one is older.

To qualify borrowers must meet a Financial Assessment requirements demonstrating their ability and willingness to pay property taxes and insurance into the future.  In some circumstances a Life Expectancy Set Aside (LESA) may be required to cover the property taxes and insurance.

Reverse Mortgage BasicsWith the Adjustable Rate option, the funds available can be received in a lump sum, monthly payments, a line of credit or a combination of these.  The monthly payments can be structured as one needs or for life as long as the home is the primary residence.  Funds in the line of credit grow so more funds can be available in the future.  The line of credit growth rate is a feature that makes the reverse mortgage a tool for financial and long term care planning.

A fixed rate option is available however only the lump sum draw is available and the draw amount is limited to the 60% of the Principal Limit (an additional 10% is available in some circumstances).

With a reverse mortgage you hold the keys and titleThe borrowers keep the title to the home and are responsible for property taxes, insurance, and maintaining the home.  Unlike a conventional loan the interest accrues, increasing the balance with no mortgage payments due until the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrower(s) or if one has broken the terms of the loan, i.e. didn’t pay property taxes.

Because the closing costs are up-front, they are often perceived as high and often scare people away.  However, the fees are comparable to the traditional closing costs of a conventional loan including an origination fee, appraisal, title fees, title insurance and recording fees.  As a FHA insured loan, with the HECM borrowers also pay the FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP).

The repayment amount is the lesser of the loan balance or fair market value of the home.  If there is remaining equity, it goes to the borrowers or their heirs.  As a non-recourse loan there is no personal liability to the borrowers or their estate for repayment.

Generally the funds are tax-free but one should consult with their tax advisor for their specific situation.

One can have a trust, life estate, or receive Medicaid (Medical Assistance in Minnesota), Elderly Waiver or other public benefits.*  In the case of a couple even if one of the borrowers goes into the nursing home or passes away, the other one can stay in the home and the loan isn’t due until both borrowers are no longer in the home as their primary residence.  Not considered income, Social Security and Medicare are not affected.  *Check with legal advisor for your situation.

Eligible non-borrowing spouses may be able to remain in the home if they meet certain qualifying attributes.  Talk with your local originator and/or HUD approved reverse mortgage counselor for details.

With no limitations on how the funds can be used, through the years hundreds of thousands of seniors have benefitted from the reverse mortgage allowing them to stay in their home and have security, independence, dignity and control.

For further details on the reverse mortgage contact us if you are in Minnesota.  As your local broker, we work with several lenders and provide free information and facts with no obligation, meeting in person whenever possible.  For other states, contact your local reverse mortgage specialist who is a broker, one who works with several lenders, has their Broker License/NMLS and preferably holds the Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional (CRMP) designation.

© 2016-2017 Beth Paterson, CRMP, Beth’s Reverse Mortgage Blog, 651-762-9648

This material may be re-posted provided it is re-posted in its entirety and without modifications and includes the contact information, copyright information and the following link:  http://wp.me/p4EUZQ-1nZ

Related Articles:

Blog posts’ information is current as of date post published, program is subject to change in in the future. Contact us for current information, 651-762-9648.

This site or the information provided is not from, or approved by, HUD, FHA, or any US Government or Agency.

Reverse Mortgage Misconceptions Continue; You need to get the facts!

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Confused about Reverse Mortgages FactsI’m amazed at how much misinformation continues about the reverse mortgage in the media as well as those who comment on these pieces.  Let me clarify the more common misconceptions.

Borrower’s do still own the home, not the lender or bank!  The reverse mortgage is a loan allowing homeowners 62 or older to use the equity while they still live in and own the home.  It is a valuable option to consider whether one has no mortgage or a conventional mortgage.  If they use the reverse mortgage to pay off their current mortgage the borrower’s cash flow will increase because they no longer have to make the monthly mortgage payment.

Everyone’s situation is different and one should consider their situation looking at ALL options including a reverse mortgage.  Get the facts, review information on HUD’s website, meet with a local originator to explore the details and how it will possibly work for your circumstances.  As I told someone the other day, one can’t make a good decision unless they have explored all the options.

Closing costs are comparable to any conventional mortgage…I’ve done side-by-side comparisons.

Selling and moving may not be the best option, especially if one wants to remain in their home.  The reverse mortgage can be less expensive than selling and moving.

Options for receiving the reverse mortgage proceeds include:

  • A Line of Credit (which as a growth rate so more funds become available based on the LOC balance).
  • Monthly Payment option – payments made to the borrower as tenure (for the life of the loan), term (an amount determined by the borrower for a specific period of time)
  • Lump Sum – funds drawn at closing
  • A combination of these.

A lump sum is a little risky but HUD has implemented some restrictions including limiting the amount one can access in the first 12 months to 60%, unless there are mandatory charges such as a current mortgage or judgements that are required to be paid from the reverse mortgage.

Better and more common options include: The line of credit with the growth rate can be a useful retirement planning tool and help pay long term care costs in the future.

The monthly payment options whether tenure or term can provide extra cash needed each month.  Maybe one could use an extra $100 or $200 a month so they don’t have to use credit cards to cover living expenses.

Some borrowers do a combination of these, taking some as a lump sum, a line of credit and monthly payments.

MN Reverse Mortgage Borrower Signing Closing DocumentsIt is a loan that does need to be repaid.  The loan does need to be repaid when the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrower(s) with some provisions for non-borrowing spouses.  If one does not pay property taxes, keep insurance on the property or does not abide by the terms of the loan, the lender may call the loan due and payable.  The actual due date on the mortgage is the 150th birthday of the youngest borrower.

The reverse mortgage uses all the equity.  While the interest is being added to the loan balance, this allows the senior homeowner the use of these extra funds during the term of the loan.  And the advantage of the reverse mortgage is it is a non-recourse loan, which means there is no personal liability to the borrower or their heirs, it is repaid from the value of the home only.  If the loan balance is higher than what the home can be sold for when the loan is due, the FHA Mortgage Insurance covers the difference to the lender; the borrower or their heirs or tax dollars don’t cover this difference.

Having Reverse Mortgage Documents ExplainedReverse Mortgages Are Complex.  What financial product or even other products aren’t complex if you don’t understand them?  Do you understand all the details of a conventional mortgage?  Your car loan?  Do you understand and use all the features of your smart phone?  Yes, there are many details with the reverse mortgage, that’s why it’s important to take the time to understand them and work with a reverse mortgage originator will will take the time educate you and not pressure you.

Get the facts!  As with any financial product, or any purchase for that matter, one should get the facts and understand the terms.  With the reverse mortgage there are many protections in place including they are required to obtain 3rd party counseling where the counselor explains the product and the terms. The loan officer they are working with should also be explaining the features and terms of the reverse mortgage.  Don’t jump to conclusions! Understanding them, they might find the reverse mortgage is a viable option for their situation.

© 2011-2016 Beth Paterson, CRMP, Beth’s Reverse Mortgage Blog, 651-762-9648

This material may be re-posted provided it is re-posted in its entirety and without modifications and includes the contact information, copyright information and the following link:  http://wp.me/p4EUZQ-1ny

Related Articles:

Blog posts’ information is current as of date post published, program is subject to change in in the future. Contact us for current information, 651-762-9648.

This site or the information provided is not from, or approved by, HUD, FHA, or any US Government or Agency.

Who is REALLY responsible for reverse mortgage borrowers facing foreclosure

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Reverse Mortgage FinancingStories about seniors losing their homes “because” of a reverse mortgage are hitting the media headlines.  They are painting the picture that the reverse mortgage is a bad option.  We recently received a call from a reverse mortgage borrower, not our borrower but from another lender, who is facing foreclosure.  We’ll call her Mary.

Mary called to see if we could help her.  She took her reverse mortgage out around 10 years ago, on a home valued at $200,000.  Through the years she benefitted form the reverse mortgage by using the proceeds for her needs and wants.

She got behind on her taxes by $20,000. This means she is at least 5 to 6 years behind on paying her taxes if her property taxes were around $3,000 to $4,000 a year, likely for her home value in Minnesota.

The terms of the reverse mortgage, as with any traditional mortgage, require borrowers to pay property taxes and insurance on their property.  Even if one doesn’t have a mortgage, it is the responsibility of homeowners to pay property taxes on their home.

In Mary’s case, as has often been the situation with reverse mortgages, the lender paid the back taxes and reached out to her to work with her to repay the amount they had paid on her behalf.

She said she can only pay $100 a month.  At this rate it would take her 200 months or 16 years to repay this.  And she still has to pay her current taxes.

The terms of reverse mortgages don’t allow for repayments for this length of time.  Therefore the lender is telling her she needs to bring her back taxes current or they need to foreclose.

As a homeowner, who pays your property taxes?  Even if your taxes and insurance are escrowed with your conventional mortgage, you are still paying the property taxes, just processed through the lender.  Paying property taxes are a responsibility of being a homeowner.

Think about reverse mortgageThink about getting behind on your property taxes…eventually the county will foreclose.  With the reverse mortgage, the lender paying the back taxes on the borrower’s behalf, and trying to work out a payment plan, could mean foreclosure doesn’t happen.  In any case the lender paying the back taxes on behalf of the borrower extends the time before foreclosure could happen.

If the borrower works out a payment plan, keeps to it and repays back taxes in a reasonable timeframe and keeps their taxes current, then the loan is not called due and payable.  However, if one isn’t able to find a reasonable payment plan and keep their taxes current, foreclosure will happen, whether by the county or by the lender.

And the reason for the foreclosure is the borrower did not pay their property taxes.  Not because they had a reverse mortgage.  They would be facing foreclosure even if there was no reverse mortgage.

Unfortunately as the conversation showed, Mary doesn’t understand this.  She and the others written about in the media don’t want to take responsibility for their home ownership requirements.  They want someone else to take responsibility or to blame someone else.

Mary doesn’t think it’s reasonable for her to have to pay the back taxes because she can’t afford to pay them.  Her statement was, “I only get $1,000 a month, I can’t afford to more than $100 a month towards taxes.”

When asked about her being behind on her taxes and understanding it is her responsibility to pay them she stated, “The taxes are paid current.”  Then when reiterated they were current because  the lender paid on her behalf she acknowledged “Yes, they paid them.”

However she justifies that it was okay for the lender to pay taxes on her behalf and she shouldn’t have to repay them saying, “Well, the government bailed out the big banks but they don’t bail out the little guy.”

So she doesn’t think the lender should be requiring her to pay the back taxes. Really? Who should be paying her taxes?

The loan agreement on the FHA insured reverse mortgage requires borrowers keep taxes current and insurance on the property.  Mary kept insisting, “They are current, the lender paid the back taxes,” ignoring that it is her responsibility, not the lenders to pay property taxes.

Sadly she didn’t have an answer when asked how she was going to pay her current taxes or going forward.

In summary of the conversation, Mary thought the bank should be eating her debt, covering her responsibility of paying taxes, and she shouldn’t be losing her home because she can’t afford to pay the taxes in the past or going forward.

Educated Reverse Mortgage BorrowersBorrowers should take time to be educated and understand the reverse mortgage, or any mortgage or financial product. With the reverse mortgage they are required to obtain 3rd party counseling where the counselor explains the product and the terms. The loan officer they are working with should also be explaining the features and terms of the reverse mortgage. Borrowers then get to decide whether they choose to proceed. It’s their decision and they should not blame a product they chose for their circumstances.

Starting in 2015, a Financial Assessment is required to determine reverse mortgage borrower’s ability and willingness to pay property taxes and insurance into the future. This consumer safeguard for borrowers, along with other new protections for spouses, help make reverse mortgages more sustainable for seniors who want to remain in their homes. This assessment does take into consideration the occasional life circumstance where one may have been late on a payment.

Blaming the reverse mortgage for one’s lack of taking responsibility of general home ownership duties is misplaced by the media and the homeowners.

2016 Beth Paterson, CRMP, Beth’s Reverse Mortgage Blog, 651-762-9648

This material may be re-posted provided it is re-posted in its entirety and without modifications and includes the contact information, copyright information and the following link: http://wp.me/p4EUZQ-1mN

Related articles:

Information is current as of date post published, program is subject to change in the future. Contact us for current information, 651-762-9648.

This site or the information provided is not from, or approved by, HUD, FHA, or any US Government or Agency.

Want Independence? Explore A Reverse Mortgage.

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What gives you a sense of independence?  When I think of independence I think of having freedom of choices and not relying on others.  We all want our independence including seniors.  How can seniors  maintain that independence, have freedom of choices and not rely on others, the government or their children?  A reverse mortgage provides independence for home owners 62 and older.

Having one’s own funds for home repairs, going out to lunch with friends, traveling, visiting family across the country, purchasing a new car, paying medical bills or for medications; paying for help with housework, meal preparation, yard work or transportation, whatever is desired can give that feeling of independence.  Being able to pay off a mortgage to improve cash flow to to save one’s home from foreclosure gives one relief and freedoms.  Being able to plan and have funds for the future and long-term care needs as well as protecting other assets and/or delaying taking out Social Security are other ways to have independence.

While some assistance may be needed for seniors to remain in their home, not relying on children or the government for help and being able to choose a home care agency of their choice will give them the sense of independence.  Using the equity in one’s one with a reverse mortgage can provide seniors the funds for their independence.

“Now I have my dignity back and my independence” was what Edna exclaimed after her reverse mortgage was closed.

Another Minnesota reverse mortgage borrower, Bea, said, “With a reverse mortgage you begin to have independence anew and you begin to feel more secure.  Being free from monetary anxiety, you have better control over spending your equity.”  The reverse mortgage allowed Bea to pay off a mortgage, then to travel to family weddings and reunions.  Several years after she initially did her reverse mortgage more recently Bea is using her reverse mortgage funds to pay for home care that is needed to keep her independent and at home.

Ted, age 91 and Anna age 87, Minnesota homeowners, were proud and didn’t want to discuss their financial situation.  However, their son-in-law finally talked to them about doing a reverse mortgage.  When I met them and we started the reverse mortgage process, the children and I were told they were doing the reverse mortgage so they could put new linoleum on their kitchen floor.  Once the loan was closed I was informed by their children that they had indeed put in the new linoleum along with new windows and they bought some new furniture.  The kids were going to Ted and Anna’s and were told, “Don’t pull in the drive way, we just had it blacktopped.”  When Ted and Anna went out to eat with their kids, they could pay for their kid’s meals too making them feel good that they could treat their children to a meal.

Then one day  Anna and her daughter were sitting at the kitchen table and Anna shared that before their reverse mortgage they used to go 3 days at the end of month without food or even milk because they would run out of money from their Social Security.  As they were sitting there and looking at the paper, Anna exclaimed, “Look, Depends are on sale, I can now stock up.”

While Ted and Anna were too proud to let their children know their financial situation initially and they didn’t want to depend on them to assist with their living expenses, once they signed the reverse mortgage documents they kept their independence and had funds for their needs and desires.  This also improved their dignity.

A reverse mortgage insured by FHA, an agency within HUD,  is known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM.  As one of the most protected financial options available for seniors, it allows them to use the equity in their home for whatever they need or want.  With no monthly mortgage payments, cash flow can be improved by receiving money in monthly payments, a line of credit, lump sum or a combination of these.  (Borrowers are still responsible for paying their property taxes and hazard insurance and maintaining the home.)

The title remains in the borrower’s name and the loan is not due until the home is no longer the primary residence, when they die, sell or move or on their 150th birthday. Repaid from the sale of the property, as a non-recourse loan if the loan balance is higher than what the home can be sold at fair market value the borrower or their heirs are not responsible for the difference.  If the home is sold for more than the amount due then the borrower or their heirs keep the difference. 

As you bring out the red, white and blue, hang your flags and MN Reverse Mortgage Borrower Has Independencegather with family to celebrate the independence of this great country of ours, ask what independence means to your loved ones.  What is needed to help them remain independent and in their home, not relying on the government or on you, their children.   Then explore a reverse mortgage, get the facts about them, and see if it might be an option for their situation to maintain their independence.  Happy Independence Day!

© 2011-2016 Beth Paterson, CRMP, Beth’s Reverse Mortgage Blog, 651-762-9648

This material may be re-posted provided it is re-posted in its entirety and without modifications and includes the contact information, copyright information and the following link: http://wp.me/p4EUZQ-1my

Related articles:

Blog posts’ information is current as of date post published, program is subject to change in in the future. Contact us for current information, 651-762-9648.

This site or the information provided is not from, or approved by, HUD, FHA, or any US Government or Agency.

Hearing these statements are reasons to do a reverse mortgage

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Have you heard any of these statements from a homeowner 62 and older?  They may find their solution is a reverse mortgage and they should be encouraged to get the facts to see if the FHA insured Home Equity Mortgage (HECM) is right for their situation.

  • “I want to stay in my home.”Reasons to do a reverse mortgage
  • “My only option is to move.”
  • “I’m planning for retirement.”
  • “I’m not sure how I’m going to afford any potential long-term care costs.”
  • “I can’t afford home health care.”
  • “We can’t afford a mortgage payment.”
  • “We can’t afford to make home repairs or modifications.”
  • “I need money but drawing from my retirement plans have penalties.”
  • “Not enough money at the end of the Social Security check.”
  • “I need help with keeping up my home with housekeeping or yard work.”
  • “I’m downsizing and moving.” or “I’m moving closer to my children.”
  • They can’t afford the little extras that would help them maintain and enjoy their life.
  • They want Security, Independence, Dignity, and Control which they are missing in some way now.

There statements fit into the 5 general reasons to do a reverse mortgage:

  1. Needs based: need funds immediately for covering living expenses
  2. Maintaining lifestyle:  having funds for travel, buying a car, purchasing vacation home
  3. Protecting or delaying draws from other investments:  Using the reverse mortgage to tap home equity rather than accessing other investments or retirement funds that may have penalties or are taxable; let the investments or retirement funds grow so more retirement funds are available later in one’s life; use the home equity so other investments can be left as the inheritance
  4. Planning for long-term care needs (Standby reverse mortgage): Taking the reverse mortgage at a younger age then leaving in the line of credit which grows to have funds to draw from in the future when “life happens”
  5. Purchasing a new home:  Whether downsizing, moving closer to family or buying a dream home, the reverse mortgage can be used for financing.

A reverse mortgage is a mortgage with special terms for seniors 62 and older.  Some of the differences from a traditional mortgage include income and credit scores are not considered to qualify for the interest rate and monthly mortgage payments are not required.  Borrowers are responsible for paying property taxes, insurance, maintaining the home and abiding by the terms of the loan.  Borrowers must meet HUD’s financial assessment qualifications to demonstrate ability and willingness to pay property taxes and insurance into the future.

Rather than a 15 or 30 year term, the loan is due and payable when the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrowers or on the 150th birthday of the youngest borrower. In addition, the reverse mortgage is non-recourse, which means if the loan balance is higher than what the home can be sold for there is no personal liability to the borrower or their heirs.  If the home is sold for more than the loan balance, the borrower or their heirs receive the difference.  The most common and only reverse mortgage available in Minnesota is the FHA HUD insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM.

Options are available!  When you hear any of the above statements remember a reverse mortgage may be the option that is the most beneficial to their situation.

© 2012-2016 Beth Paterson, Beth’s Reverse Mortgage Blog, 651-762-9648

This material may be re-posted provided it is re-posted in its entirety without modifications and includes the contact information, copyright information and the following link:   http://wp.me/p4EUZQ-1m5

Related articles:

Blog posts’ information is current as of date post published, program is subject to change in in the future. Contact us for current information, 651-762-9648.

This site or the information provided is not from, or approved by, HUD, FHA, or any US Government or Agency.

Senior Homeowners’ Foreclosures Should NOT Be Blamed On Reverse Mortgages

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HomeownershipWe are seeing articles in the media about seniors with reverse mortgages who are losing their homes to foreclosure.  Is this unfortunate?  Yes!  But let’s look at the reason rather than blaming the product, the reverse mortgage.

All homeowners regardless of age are responsible for paying their property taxes and keeping insurance on their home or risk losing it to foreclosure or not having funds to rebuild after damage to the home from a storm.  This is true whether one has a reverse mortgage, a traditional loan, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), or no mortgage.  Blaming the reverse mortgage for one’s lack of taking responsibility of general homeownership duties is misplaced by the media and the homeowners.

Several years ago I talked with a woman who was behind on her property taxes and the county was foreclosing on her.  She could have qualified for a reverse mortgage, paid the back taxes, improved her cash flow with funds in a line of credit (or for others paying off a current mortgage and eliminating the monthly mortgage payment) and have funds to pay future property taxes and keep insurance on her home.  Instead she listened to her brother who said reverse mortgages are bad, even though he had no basis for the statement and wouldn’t get the facts before making a decision.  By listening to her brother and not doing the reverse mortgage, the county foreclosed on her property.  She lost $280,000 in equity because she didn’t do the reverse mortgage and pay off the back taxes.

Stories about the county foreclosing on properties because one has not paid back taxes do not make the news…why?

Reverse mortgage maintains lifestyleThe reverse mortgage can, and has, helped those 62 and older have the funds to pay their property taxes and insurance along with other homeowner responsibilities.  More times than not we hear the stories on how the reverse mortgage has made a difference in the lives of seniors.  How it has given them funds to cover their needs, maintain or improve their lifestyle, plan for their future long-term care needs or purchase a new home so they can downsize, move closer to their children or buy their dream home.  See below links to articles on these uses.

The reverse mortgage lenders have reached out and worked with many borrowers who were delinquent in their property taxes and insurance to find a solution to help them get caught up on their late payments.  Some used reverse mortgage proceeds, others worked out a payment plan.  Because they have worked out a plan, these reverse mortgage borrowers are not facing the foreclosures.  Only those who did not respond to lenders’ and/or work out a repayment plan are facing the foreclosures.

As of April 2015 a Financial Assessment is required to determine reverse mortgage borrowers’ ability and willingness to pay property taxes and insurance into the future.  This consumer protection for borrowers helps make reverse mortgages more sustainable for seniors who want to remain in their homes.  This assessment does take into consideration the occasional life circumstance where one may have been late on a payment.

Be educated about reverse mortgagesBorrowers should take time to be educated and understand the reverse mortgage, as they should with any mortgage or financial product.  With the reverse mortgage they are required to obtain 3rd party counseling where the counselor explains the product.  The loan officer they are working with should also be explaining the features and terms of the reverse mortgage.  Borrowers then get to decide whether they choose to proceed.  It’s their decision and they should not blame a product they chose for their circumstances that likely benefited them over time.

© 2016 Beth Paterson, CRMP, Beth’s Reverse Mortgage Blog, 651-762-9648

This material may be re-posted provided it is re-posted in its entirety without modifications and includes the contact information, copyright information and the following link:  http://wp.me/p4EUZQ-1lv

Related articles:

Blog posts’ information is current as of date post published, program is subject to change in in the future. Contact us for current information, 651-762-9648.

This site or the information provided is not from, or approved by, HUD, FHA, or any US Government or Agency