How Much Can You Borrow With A HECM Reverse Mortgage?

Posted on April 2, 2020 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

Determining How much is available with a reverse mortgage Have you considered a reverse mortgage and wondered how much you could borrower? Are you concerned that your retirement funds are reduced during this bear market? Having funds available from a reverse mortgage when the market is low can benefit your retirement portfolios. We have borrowers who are thankful they have these funds so they don’t have to pull money from their portfolios while the market is down.

The following outlines how much you could borrow with a Home Equity Reverse Mortgage (HECM) reverse mortgage.

FHA calculates a Mortgage Lending Limit. This is the maximum amount a lender will look at in determining how much will be loaned to a borrower. Initially one cannot borrow 100% of the home value.

There are several factors used to determine the amount of money available to the borrower(s) initially. The amount available to be borrowed is the Principal Limit.

– The Principal Limit depends on:

Type of reverse mortgage program chosen
Age of the youngest borrower or in the case of an Eligible Non-Borrowing Spouse, the age of the younger spouse
Current expected interest rate based on a 10-year SWAP, rates are currently low so more funds are available than when they are higher.
Appraised value of the home or FHA’s Mortgage Lending Limit; whichever is less
For the HECM For Purchase, the appraised value, FHA Mortgage Lending Limit or purchase price, whichever is lower

The amount available for a borrower to use is determined by:

– Principal Limit

Less Service Set-aside (if applicable)

– Equals available Principal Limit

Less closing costs

– Equals net available to borrower(s) before mandatory obligations. Mandatory obligations are items required to be paid off at closing or during the 1st year. For example, mortgages, liens, judgements, federal debt such as taxes or student loans. It can also include set-asides for repairs and taxes and insurances due in the 1st year.

Less any mandatory obligations
Less Life Expectancy Set-Aside (LESA) if required or chosen (A set-aside to pay property taxes and hazard insurance in the future)

– Equals net available to be used as borrower(s) desires

One can obtain a HECM reverse mortgage on higher valued homes. The amount borrowed is based on the FHA Mortgage Lending Limit, currently $765,600

While initially you cannot borrow 100% of the home value. Over time with the small monthly loans of interest and FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums being added to the loan balance, your loan balance, or amount you borrowed, could be the home value or more than the value at time of origination. As a non-recourse loan, borrowers or their heirs do not owe more than the appraised home value at the time the loan is being repaid.

Would you like to explore a reverse mortgage for your situation? 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.

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: https://wp.me/p4EUZQ-3yN

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 Mortgages Give Reasons For Hope

Posted on April 19, 2019 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

As I was reflecting on the hope that this season brings I got to thinking about the reasons the reverse mortgage gives hope to seniors. Here are some of the reasons for hope with a reverse mortgage. Yes, the list is long but seniors have a long list of wants and needs for hope. With a reverse mortgage one will be able to:

• Stay in one’s home where they may have raised their family, are familiar with the neighborhood and their neighbors and where they usually want to remain.

• Pay off a current mortgage to eliminate the monthly principal and interest of mortgage payments. Have payment flexibility; choose if, when and how much you pay, lowering the loan balance and creating a line of credit which grows allowing more funds for in the future.

• Protect other investments/Hedge against longevity risk.

• Have funds for emergencies and/or long-term care.

• Have improved cash flow with no monthly mortgage payments. (Still have to pay property taxes and hazard insurance, flood and HOA dues if applicable.)

• Protect some of their other retirement funds or investments where there might be taxes or penalties on withdrawals.

Purchase a new one-level home to meet changing health needs

• Purchase a new home to downsize and/or move closer to family

• Have funds for making home improvements or home modifications.

• Retire and not feeling like you have to work just to have money to pay the bills.

• Have cash flow to be able to pay taxes.

• Have funds to pay for home health care.

Reverse Mortgage pays for home care or companion care

• Have funds for some assistance with home care or companion services.

• Have funds for adult day services.

• Have funds for medical expenses and prescriptions.

• Afford going to the dentist.

• Afford new eye glasses.

• Have funds for the needed hearing aid.

• Have funds to cover long term care expenses.

• Cover everyday living expenses.

• Not rely on credit cards.

• Not rely on children.

• Payoff spouse in a divorce.

• Use in probate for an heir to purchase home and pay off other heirs.

HECM Reverse Mortgage Provides funds for extras in life

• Have funds for the little extras in life, like:
○ getting one’s hair done,
○ having cable TV,
○ buying groceries,
○ going to lunch with friends,
○ treating their children to dinner,
○ going to community plays or the theater or a concert,
○ taking the grandchildren to the zoo or a movie,
○ Depends (I had a client say with their reverse mortgage they could now afford to buy Depends),
○ being able to do hobbies.

• Purchase a more dependable car.

• Afford transportation if one can no longer drive.

Afford to travel for family wedding or reunion with a reverse mortgage

• Afford the travel for the family wedding or reunion.

• Take the vacation they have dreamed of all their life.

• Have funds for emergencies.

• Reduce financial stress.

• Save one’s home when faced with foreclosure or tax forfeiture.

• Have funds to full fill needs and goals.

• To live with security, independence, dignity and control.

I have helped seniors where a reverse mortgage has fulfilled all of these reasons and more, providing hope for their future. A reverse mortgage has given hope to thousands of Minnesota seniors so they can remain in their home with security, independence, dignity and control even during trying times. If you know a senior who is looking for hope for one or more of the above reasons, a reverse mortgage may be their answer.

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.

Reasons to obtain a Reverse Mortgage

Posted on April 10, 2019 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

I often hear that people think the reverse mortgage is only for those with an immediate need on their current home. While this is one reason one obtains a reverse mortgage, there are five general reasons to obtain a reverse mortgage. Let’s explore all of these.

Needs based or improving cash flow: Need funds immediately for covering living expenses or wants to eliminate the current mortgage payments.

Lisa and George had a small mortgage remaining on their home. It was difficult to make the monthly payments so they obtained a reverse mortgage to eliminate the payments. There were remaining proceeds that they left in a Line of credit for future use. And they are still paying their property taxes and insurance.

Joe needed a hearing aide but couldn’t afford it with his Social Security benefits. Rather than taking money from his savings, he obtained a reverse mortgage. He also used some of the money to put new siding on his home.

Maintaining lifestyle: Having funds for travel, buying a car, purchasing vacation home; fulfilling dreams or meeting goals.

To fulfill dream of traveling Helen obtained a reverse mortgage

Helen was struggling to meet her living expenses with just her Social Security Benefits. She also had always dreamed of traveling. The reverse mortgage provided the extra cash she needed and she was able to fulfill her dreams of traveling

Bob’s wife passed away so her Social Security was no longer received. To replace the 2nd Social Security check his financial advisor suggested a reverse mortgage so he could stay in his home and maintain his lifestyle. The reverse mortgage paid off his current conventional mortgage and eliminated his mortgage payments – this improved his cash flow. Then Monthly Draws were set up to add the extra money he needed each month to maintain his lifestyle. Additionally funds were left in the line of credit for future needs.

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.

Dorothy closed on her Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) reverse mortgage as a tool to strategically manage her assets and the benefits she has received from her reverse mortgage. She’s used the funds for home repairs and travel, and hasn’t had to use her investments.

Reverse mortgage provides funds to enjoy retirement and have funds for future

In their mid-70’s, Pat and Mary planned for their retirement. But as their life changed they found there wasn’t enough money to last through the end of the month. With the reverse mortgage in place providing monthly cash flow and a line of credit for other needs, Pat and Mary’s retirement funds may be protected for their future. They are living their retirement years with a good plan along with funds for their current needs. Now they have more money at the end of the month – what a way to live in retirement!

Ray used a reverse mortgage on his primary residence to build a new lake home. Using the reverse mortgage for this purpose meant he didn’t have to tap into other retirement investments, yet created a new investment. His plan is in 10 years to start using his other retirement funds.

Planning for financial or 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.”

Charles and Sharon both in their early 60’s used the reverse mortgage to pay off their conventional mortgage. Since they were still working, they continued to make payments on their reverse mortgage. Their plan is to pay down the reverse mortgage loan balance and increase their line of credit so it grows for their future long-term care needs.

Purchasing a new home: Whether downsizing, moving closer to family or buying a dream home or investment property, the reverse mortgage can be used for the financing.

Richard and Lou needed a one-level home to eliminate stairs that were getting hard to navigate. Instead of using conventional financing or paying cash, they used the HECM for Purchase (H4P) Adjustable Rate. Using cash from the sale and the H4P, they were able to purchase their dream home at a higher value than paying cash would have allowed, have funds for moving expenses and still have funds in a line of credit.

Mike and Carol decided they needed a one-level home to fit their changing health needs, they used the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage HECM for Purchase to purchase their new home instead of using conventional financing. This benefitted their cash flow and meant they didn’t have to tap other retirement funds.

Jim and Paula used the fixed rate reverse mortgage to purchase a new home closer to their children.

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.

HECM Reverse Mortgages and Non-borrowing Spouses, What You Need To Know

Posted on February 8, 2019 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

Reverse mortgage can be done with a non-borrowing spouse

There are times when one is looking into a reverse mortgage but there is a spouse that is not 62. HUD implemented some options and protections for some non-borrowing spouses. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about the HECM Reverse Mortgages and Non-borrowing spouses.

A Non-Borrowing Spouse is the spouse, as determined by the state law where the spouse and borrower/ mortgagor live at the time of closing, but is not a borrower on the loan.

Non-Borrowing Spouses must comply with FHA’s requirements.

Non-Borrowing Spouses do not need to be 62 at the time of the closing, however, the amount of proceeds available are based on the age of the younger borrower or Eligible Non-Borrowing Spouse.

Non-Borrowing Spouses may qualify for a Deferral Period. The Deferral Period is the time following the death of the borrower during which the due and payable status is deferred for a Non-Borrowing Spouse.

For Non-Borrowing Spouses on loans as of April 25, 2014, the borrower must be legally married at the time of closing in order for the Deferral Period to apply.

In 2015 HUD clarified the eligibility of Non-Borrowing Spouses:

An Eligible Non-Borrowing Spouse is one who is married to the borrower and occupies the home and has their age used for determining the principal limit or maximum claim amount of the loan. The Eligible Non-Borrowing Spouse maybe protected by the deferral period.
An Ineligible Non-Borrowing Spouse is one who is married to the borrower but does not occupy the home and their age is not used for determining the principal limit or maximum claim amount of the loan. Ineligible spouses are not protected by the Deferral Period.

Borrowers and Eligible Non-Borrowing Spouses must respond annually to the marital status certificate and occupancy status certificate. HECM provides funds for retirement

The Eligible Non-Borrowing Spouse must:

Have been the spouse of a HECM borrower at the time of the loan closing and have remained the spouse of the borrower during of the borrower’s life.
Have been properly disclosed at origination and named as a Non-Borrowing Spouse in the HECM loan documents.
Have occupied, and continued to occupy, the property secured by the HECM as their Primary Residence.

If a divorce occurs, the borrower must provide a copy of the divorce degree. The Non-Borrowing Spouse is no longer eligible for protections and the Deferral Period and not required to provide the annual certificates.

The Deferral Period will not apply to anyone the borrower is not married to at the time of closing but marries in the future.

The home must be the primary residence of the borrower at the time of their death in order for the Eligible Non-Borrowing Spouse to qualify for the Deferral Period.

If the borrower dies before a Non-Borrowing Spouse, the due and payable status will be deferred as long as the Eligible Non-Borrowing Spouse continues to meet all the qualifying attributes and satisfies the requirements:

Establish legal ownership or on-going legal rights to reside in the property secured by the HECM within 90 days from the death of the last surviving HECM borrower.
Ensure all obligations of the HECM borrower(s) continue to be satisfied after the death of the last surviving borrower.
Ensure that the HECM does not become due and payable for any other reason after the death of the last surviving borrower.

The due and payable status is in the Deferral Period only for the time the Non-Borrowing Spouse continues to meet all requirements of the loan and the property remains the Principal Residence of the Non-Borrowing Spouse. If any conditions cease to be met, the Deferral Period ends and the loan immediately become due and payable.

The HECM is non-assumable therefore the proceeds of the HECM are not available for use or disbursement to any Non-Borrowing Spouse during the Deferral Period.

The HECM funds will only be made available during the Deferral Period for items specified in the loan documents, i.e., from Repair Set-asides for required repairs outlined during the origination period and required to meet FHA insurability and are satisfactory and completed during the established time frame. No unused funds will be disbursed.

The mortgage will continue to accrue interest based on the terms of the mortgage and loan agreement at the time of closing.

The FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) will continue to be charged and sent to FHA.

If applicable, servicing fees will still be collected i accordance with the terms of the loan.

Non-borrowing spouse may qualify for due and payable deferral period

When the Deferral Period ends and the loan is called due and payable, the interest, MIP and servicing fees if applicable, along with any proceeds received from the borrower during the term of the loan will become due.

Don’t run from a reverse mortgage if your spouse isn’t yet 62 but know HUD’s rules. Take time to understand and have the facts.

If you’d like to understand and get the facts on reverse mortgages? 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.

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 Mortgages are not complicated; but are multi-faceted

Posted on September 12, 2018 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

Reverse Mortgages are not complicated but multi-faceted It is often stated that reverse mortgages are complicated or complex transactions. In reality reverse mortgages aren’t any more complex than a conventional mortgage or other financial products. Do you understand all the terms and features of a conventional mortgage or HELOC? Do you understand your 401K’s, stock investments or other retirement plans? What about your credit card(s)… do you know how they work?

Comparing Your Smart Phone To A Reverse Mortgage My smart phone has so many bells and whistles I don’t understand all the options or how it works. They too can seem complex but are really just multi-faceted. I still utilize one and I don’t think I could live without it any more. If people are open to getting the facts, they will likely have a better understanding of reverse mortgage and might just find it useful.

Rather than looking at reverse mortgages as complicated, look at them as they are multi-faceted.

Let’s clarify some of the facets about reverse mortgages.

People still think the bank or the lender will own the home once the reverse mortgage is done. Or the bank or lender will take ownership once the loan becomes due and payable. However, like a conventional mortgage or HELOC, the title remains in the homeowners’ name, the bank or lender does NOT own the home. When the reverse mortgage borrowers are no longer in the home as their primary residence, the loan becomes due and payable.

The amount repaid is the amount borrowed by the homeowners including interest and FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums over the term of the loan. (Because one is not making payments, essentially one is making small loans each month.)

After the loan balance is paid off, any remaining funds go to the borrowers or their heirs. As a non-recourse loan, if the loan balance is higher than the fair market value of the home, the borrowers or their heirs don’t have to come up with the difference.

Other false statements often seen or heard are that reverse mortgages are a scam, only the lender benefits. They take advantage of people. Let me clarify, the most common reverse mortgage, the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is FHA insured and regulated by HUD – no, not scams but a valid loan using a home as collateral.

Celebrating having a revese mortgage Borrowers receive many benefits in having funds to use for current needs or retirement and long-term care needs without having to make monthly interest and principal payments, improved cash flow without restrictions on how the funds can be used, being able to stay in their home or purchase a new home.

Originators and lenders do get paid for reverse mortgage loans, but everyone gets paid for the work they do. Personally I find it rewarding to help people, and I’m not ripping people off, in fact I and others I know in the industry are certainly not getting rich in this career…there is a lot of work involved to originate reverse mortgages, but we’re passionate in making a difference for people. In fact, because of all the work, on some loans our compensation works out to very little.

Headlines have stated seniors are losing their homes to foreclosure if they don’t pay property taxes or keep insurance on the home. Think about it, with or without a mortgage if you don’t pay property taxes, the county will foreclose. If you don’t have insurance on your property and the home is destroyed you will have lost your home and you won’t have the money to rebuild or replace it. Neither of these are the fault of a reverse mortgage.

We often see or hear that the reverse mortgage should be a last resort, to refinance with a conventional mortgage or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or sell. The problem with this is most seniors don’t qualify for conventional mortgages or HELOCs. And if they do, the borrowers have to make monthly mortgage payments. Even if they can make the payments now, if life happens they may not be able to make the payments in the future. Rather than being a last resort the reverse mortgage can help one pay for retirement, long-term care.

The unused portion of the reverse mortgage line of credit grows so more funds can become available in the future. And the funds in the line of credit could be higher than what one could qualify for in the future. This can be very beneficial to seniors and isn’t available with any other loan.

Seniors often want to stay in their home rather than moving so don’t tell them to sell. If they do sell, where are they going to live? They’d still have housing expenses…can they afford those or wouldn’t having no rent or monthly mortgage payments be more beneficial?

HECM for Purchse If they do wish to sell maybe to downsize, move closer to their children or to purchase the home of their dreams, the HECM for Purchase program gives them the option to purchase without having to make monthly principal or interest payments. And maybe even create a line of credit for future needs.

Have you heard or read reverse mortgages are expensive? Have you looked at the costs of a traditional or forward mortgage? The costs are the same other than the FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium. With a conventional mortgage people want to know what the payment will be and what the interest is, they generally don’t pay attention to the costs. But when you look at the costs of the conventional mortgage you’ll likely be surprised, they aren’t really different from reverse mortgages.

HELOC’s may have lower up-front fees but the interest rate may be higher which in the long run could turn out to be more expensive than a reverse mortgage… besides one has to qualify on income, assets and credit. Additionally payments have to be made on the HELOCs. And there is a risk that they HELOC could be called due and at some point during the term the monthly payment must be increased to include the principal, not just the interest.

Other headlines or statements about reverse mortgages state the bank/lender gets the children’s inheritance. Another false one! The homeowners receive funds during the term of the loan, whether to pay off conventional loans or receiving funds monthly or draws from their line of credit. When the loan is being paid, due when the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrower(s), there may or may not be funds left for an inheritance. The lender is receiving payment of principal and interest, this is NOT stealing the children’s inheritance from the remaining equity. With the reverse mortgage, the homeowner is using the funds for their needs or wants. Are you as heirs going to give them the funds they need just so you have an inheritance? What about letting your parents live their quality of life and not worry about getting an inheritance?

The last one I’m going to cover today is the option that lowering your expenses is a better option. Really? Most seniors don’t have this option. Seniors want to maintain their lifestyle and why shouldn’t they? Do you want to be told to lower your expenses, stop getting your hair done, not having cable TV, being able to get together with friends for lunch, go to a family wedding or reunion? Just because one turns 62 doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy life especially when they have equity in their home they can utilize.

Understanding Reverse Mortgages-A Book About Reverse Mortgages Take time to understand and have the facts. Those who do, see the reverse mortgage is not complicated but many faceted and they see the benefits it can bring to their lives.

If you’d like to understand and get the facts on reverse mortgags? 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.

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 documents are a way to sign your own declaration of independence

Posted on July 3, 2018 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

sign your own declaration of independence with a reverse mortgage July 4th we celebrate Independence Day in America honoring the day our country signed the Declaration of Independence. Signing the reverse mortgage documents is a way for seniors 62 and older to sign their own declaration of independence.

Independence is defined as “freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others.” This fits senior’s attitudes, they want to maintain control of their life, make their own decisions and not depend on others for assistance.

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 gives one relief and freedoms. Planning 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.

A new one-level home making it easier to age in place, moving closer to children yet remaining independent are made possible using a reverse mortgage HECM for Purchase.

Some assistance may be needed for seniors to remain in their home such as home care or medical equipment. However, 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.

Remain independent with a reverse mortgage 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 Bea used her reverse mortgage funds to pay for home care that was 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 obtaining 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.

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.

Dorothy closed on her HECM reverse mortgage as a tool to strategically manage her assets. The benefits she received from her reverse mortgage include independence and security. She’s used the funds for home repairs & travel, & hasn’t had to use her investments.

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.

Offering the most flexibility of payment options or no payment, with no monthly principal mortgage and interest payments required, cash flow can be improved by receiving money in monthly payments, a line of credit, lump sum or a combination of these. With the growth rate, the line of credit is a wonderful tool for retirement and long term care planing.

The title remains in the borrower’s name and the loan is generally not due until the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrower(s), 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.

Working with an estate planner, a reverse mortgage helped Mary plan her retirement so she has funds for emergencies, medical expenses, traveling, leaving something for her heirs, and enjoying life with independence and not be dependent on her children.

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

You just might find, as over a million others have, obtaining a reverse mortgage may be just like signing your own Declaration of Independence – then celebrate your independence.

Happy Independence Day!

If you’d like to explore creating your own declaration of independence, 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.

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: https://wp.me/p4EUZQ-1QV

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.

Do you know your long-term care options and why to consider financing with a reverse mortgage?

Posted on May 7, 2018 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

Education and planning are the keys to making decisions especially when it involves care while aging. You need to be proactive and know what resources and options are available. With the education and a plan you have more options and can be proactive rather than reactive.

As Forest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” This is especially true for aging. I was fortunate to participate in and be considered a trusted advisor at a Minnesota Private Duty Home Care Conference, “Keeping Mom and Dad at Home”. During the conference attendees were encouraged to plan the future as they would a trip, looking at what would they put in their suitcase for the journey of aging and be prepared for what isn’t known to happen along the way.

Conference attendees reviewed what is known about seniors and their families. We looked at what is known about seniors:

They underestimate their situations
They don’t want to worry or be a burden to their children
So seniors don’t tell their children what’s going on
They want their families help
Families often don’t have the time or the financial means to help
Role reversal is uncomfortable
They are fearful of nursing homes and moving
93% say they want to stay in their home

Then we looked at what we know about the families of seniors:

They want to help
They are busy; they are the sandwich generation dealing with their own family, careers, life
They see changes but don’t know what they mean or what the warning signs are
They may become frustrated with their parents denials
Role reversal is uncomfortable
It’s generally women who are doing the caregiving.

Consider what’s important to the seniors, what do they want for their journey? It’s important to involve the seniors in the process, the plan, and have them agree with the plan. Discuss their wishes along with what you think is needed. What will provide them their security, independence, dignity and control of their life? Including a mediator and/or trusted advisor is a good idea. If they are resistant to bringing someone else in, discussing their options, or accepting outside help, tell them that they may not need this but that you do.

By being educated and having your plan in place if a crisis occurs means more options will be available along with decreased costs. Being reactive at a time of crisis means less options are available along with greater costs. Emotional and reactive decisions make for poor choices and actions made from regret and guilt.

Part of the education and planning means getting the facts. Unfortunately we have been conditioned to think that seniors will end up in a nursing home; that an assisted living facility provides all the care needed; that home care is short-term and the nursing home and/or assisted living is safer than being at home.

We need to recondition our thinking:

Seniors can live at home indefinitely
Home care can provide a nursing level of care at home
Living at home can be safer; you receive a 1 to 1 ratio of care versus 1.5 or more of care per person
Living at home is affordable

Let’s compare the costs of some options:

Home Care 1	$1,404/month	3-hour visits, 4 days a week, $27/hour
Home Care 2	$3,276/month	4-hour visits, 7 days a week, $27/hour
Home Care 3	$4,914/month	6-hour visits, 7 days a week, $27/hour
Home Care 4	$8,500/month	24-hour or live in care, one-on-one care, $275/day; includes a live in caregiver and frequent visits from a RN
Assisted Living Rent	$3,585/1-bedroom/month	Care packages range from $300 – $2,700; additional care would be charged per hour by a home care agency
Assisted Living Rent & Home Care 1	$4,989/month	One bedroom apartment rent plus additional care at 3-hour visits, 4 days a week, $27/hour from home care agency
Assisted Living Rent & Home Care 2	$6,861/month	One bedroom apartment rent plus additional care at 4-hour visits, 7 days a week, $27/hour from home care agency
Assisted Living Rent & Home Care 3	$8,499/month	One bedroom apartment rent plus additional care at 6-hour visits, 7 days a week, $27/hour from home care agency
Nursing Home	$8,000 – $12,000/month	Single or double room, level of care and facility amenities

This information and these home care and senior housing figures are a compilation provided by the home care agencies; are approximations and can vary by company and geographic area. Additional home care and senior housing costs were obtained from Genworth Financial, Inc. Cost of Care Survey.

Living in assisted living vs staying at home with a reverse mortgage:

	Selling	Staying in home with a Reverse Mortgage
Details: Home Value $200,000; 80 year old borrower		(reverse mortgage funds available will depend on age, generally the older one is more funds available and the program chosen)
Third Party Closing Costs	$1,811	$1,811
Less Real Estate Agent/RM Origination Fee & FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium	$12,000 (6%)	$8,000 (2% origination + 2% FHA MIP)
Net Proceeds	$186,119	$102,788 in line of credit; $673 a month tenure-for life of the term of the loan and abiding by the terms of the loan; or term draws structured as needed (based on rates of 2/6/2018; rates change weekly.

Now let’s take the net proceeds and compare living in an Assisted Living to living at home and receiving home care.

Selling and Living in an Assisted Living¹

Living at Home using a Reverse Mortgage²

$186,119 ÷ $3,585 (rent only) = $43,020/year or 4 years 4 months

No remaining equity from home.

No rent or mortgage payment as long as you live in the home as your primary residence

The tenure draw of $673 would cover property charges

Borrower is still responsible for household maintenance, i.e., taxes, insurance, utilities and stay in your home as long as primary residence (i.e., approximately $585/month for a $200,000 home)

May have retained equity depending on how long you stay in the home and the home appreciation. The loan is non-recourse.

$186,119 ÷ $4,989 (rent and Home Care) = $59, 868/year or 3 years 1 months

No remaining equity from home.

Roof over head; funds to cover home care 1 with term draws from RM = 5 years 4 months³

Additionally it is likely that there would still be retained equity in the home after the 5.3 years. (Based on 4% appreciation $99,318 in equity would be remaining.)

$186,119 ÷ $6,861 (rent and Home Care 2) = $82,332/year or 2 years 3 months

No remaining equity from home.

Roof over head; funds to cover Home Care 2 with term draws from RM = 3 years 4 months³

Additionally it is likely that there would still be retained equity in the home after the 3.33 years. (Based on 4% appreciation $93,098 in equity would be remaining.)

Then where will you go?

Some assisted living will accept Medical Assistance or other public programs such as Elderly Waiver, however, your choices may be less.

You can stay in your home and have a roof over your head without rent or mortgage payment even after funds from a reverse mortgage are used.

Medical Assistance or other public programs such as Elderly Waiver or Alternative Care can be received even with a reverse mortgage. Reverse mortgage does not impact receiving Medicare or Social Security.

1These rates do not take into consideration rent increases (3%-4% annual according to Genworth Financial, Inc.); it’s likely that the number of years the net proceeds would cover will be less.
2With the reverse mortgage there is a growth rate factor that is passed along to the borrower.
3This time can be extended if you are receiving Medical Assistance or other public programs such as Elder Waiver or qualify for Medicare covered Home Care.

You have choices and can have control over where want to live and the care you receive. You have the right to say, I want to stay in my home (or keep my parents in their home). When educated and with a plan for the journey, life will be easier.

If you’d like to remain at home and have funds for financing your home care, 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.

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.

Free Webinar on using a HECM for Purchase for your older home buyer’s

Posted on April 11, 2018 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

Using Reverse Mortgage to Purchase New Home The National Reverse Mortgage Lender Association (NRMLA) is hosting a free webinar on using a reverse mortgage to purchase a new home during the 3^rd annual Reverse Mortgage Education Week. Reverse Mortgage Education Week is dedicated to teaching more people about the benefits of reverse mortgages, how they work, and how loan proceeds can be used to support aging in place.

Typically older homebuyers aged 62 and older, who don’t usually qualify for a conventional mortgage, or want a monthly mortgage payment, would need to pay cash for their new home. However, there is another option, FHA’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for purchase, H4P.

Seniors have used the H4P to purchase their dream home, downsize to a home more convenient for their changing health needs and move closer to their children.

Join us for “Serving the Boomer Market: Guidance for Meeting Older Buyers Needs with HECM for Purchase,” an informational webinar for Realtors and agents who work with older buyers. NRMLA CRMPs Chris Bruser and Christina Harmes, Realtor Scott Degnan, and Scott Owens the General Manager of an active adult community, will explain the process for using a reverse mortgage to purchase a home and provide examples of how buyers, and sellers, can benefit from H4P.

What: Free Webinar: Serving the Boomer Market: Guidance for Meeting Older Buyers’ Needs with HECM for Purchase
When: April 24, 2018, 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET
Registration: http://bit.ly/2GxO56u

For more background on reverse mortgage loans and HECM for Purchase, take a look at these resources and media coverage that shows how the responsible use of a reverse mortgage can enhance a retirement plan:

We Were Able To Use A Reverse Mortgage To Purchase Our Beautiful New Home
How Can A Reverse Mortgage Be Used In One’s Financial Plan?
A Minnesota Reverse Mortgage Borrower Speaks Out On The Benefits With Her Reverse Mortgage
NRMLA: Resources for Realtors® and Agents
Toolkit: Using a Reverse Mortgage to Buy a Home
Video Testimonial: Personal Financial Columnist Terry Savage Gets Personal
ThinkAdvisor: “Reverse Mortgages Could Be Next Hot Topic in Retirement Planning”
NRMLA: “Today’s Reverse Mortgages: Flexible with a lot of built in protections”
Kiplinger: “Reverse Mortgages That Work”
Wall Street Journal: “A Reverse Mortgage to Buy a Home? Here’s How”
US News and World Report: “Should Retirees Buy a Home with a Reverse Mortgage?”
CBS News: “A Smart Way for Seniors to Tap Home Equity”
Chicago Tribune: “Can a Reverse Mortgage Stabilize a Wobbly Retirement-Income Stool?”
Forbes: “Using a Reverse Mortgage in a Responsible Retirement Income Plan”
Kiplinger: “Why Reverse Mortgages are Worth a Look”

NRMLA’s Reverse Mortgage Education Week runs from April 23rd-27th. Check here for the calendar of all webinars.

If you’d like to learn how to utilize a reverse mortgage to purchase a new home, 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.

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.

How Can A Reverse Mortgage Be Used In One’s Financial Plan?

Posted on March 1, 2018 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

Using Reverse Mortgage for financial planning In a perfect world, ideally it is to not have debt of any kind including no mortgages, having a huge retirement portfolio to cover one’s lifestyle and long-term care costs.

However, in the real world, many who have thought they have saved for retirement find that when “life happens” they use those funds quickly. The reverse mortgage is a tool for planning for retirement and long-term care costs as well as more immediate needs. This way they have a plan and funds for when “life happens.”

Financial advisors, planners, insurance agents, wealth managers, estate planners, tax advisors and other financial professionals are realizing the value of using one’s home equity, especially the HECM reverse mortgage, to be part of one’s plan. There is even some discussion on the importance discussing the reverse mortgage as an option for one’s retirement plan by professors of finance at various universities.

Here are some ways a reverse mortgage could be utilized as part of one’s retirement plan.

Protect other investments/Hedge against longevity risk – With the reverse mortgage in place and having cash available, borrowers’ can protect their other investments and retirement portfolios to hedge against longevity risk if those decrease or not have to draw on those, especially in a down market. They can still have cash flow yet save the investments for future use or use those funds for an inheritance.

Eliminate current mortgage payment – By using the reverse mortgage to pay off the current mortgage it allows one to improve their cash flow and have more flexibility for their retirement planning. (Borrowers are still responsible for paying property taxes and hazard insurance.)

Payment flexibility – Payments on the reverse mortgage are not required. However borrowers can choose to make payments in an amount they choose and when they choose. If they use the reverse mortgage to pay off their current mortgage and then continue making payments, the payment will reduce the loan balance and be applied to their line of credit. The funds in the line of credit will grow, meaning they will have funds in the future to re-borrow without refinancing and having to pay closing costs again.

Another big plus with the payment flexibility is if one can’t make a payment because they are no longer working or have a medical expense, they will have better cash flow management.

Funds for emergencies and/or long-term care – The HECM Adjustable Rate has a line of credit option with a growth rate. Taking out the reverse mortgage at an earlier age and leaving the line of credit to grow will provide more funds for emergencies and/or later when it’s likely they will need long-term care.

Purchase a new home – Rather than using cash, other retirement funds or a conventional mortgage, the HECM reverse mortgage for purchase (H4P) offers a stronger strategy. See page 19 for more details.

Proceeds are not taxable income – Because it is a loan, the reverse mortgage proceeds are not considered income and therefore not taxable. Therefore one can draw from the line of credit and not have the tax liability unlike some other retirement investments may have.

Continue working but have funds when not able to – Doing the reverse mortgage with a line of credit now could mean more funds available in the future. Borrowers can choose to continue working but when they can’t work anymore, or choose not to, they could have funds to replace their income.

While working they could choose to make payments on their reverse mortgage but then stop making payments when no longer working and take monthly draws or draws as needed to replace their work income.

Social Security claims – With the reverse mortgage in place the proceeds could replace the Social Security income when one spouse passes and they lost the 2nd Social Security income. They could set up receiving monthly payments so their cash flow continues allowing them to maintain their lifestyle.

One could use reverse mortgage proceeds to delay taking Social Security as part of their plan meaning they would increase their monthly Social Security benefits. The CFPB has cautioned about this strategy. Borrowers should consult with their financial advisors to determine if this would be a strategy for them and what is best for their situation.

Available funds even with lower home value – Because the funds are guaranteed to be available based on the home value at the time of closing (FHA insurance benefit), if home values decline (remember 2008?), the reverse mortgage borrower could still have access to more funds than the value of the home and the line of credit will continue to grow even if the home value declines.

Not depend on children – If one needs addition funds for maintaining lifestyle, medical expenses, long-term care, etc, the reverse mortgage could provide funds so they don’t have to rely on their children.

If children want to tap their financial portfolio to help care for their parents, a reverse mortgage on the parents home may be a better plan; providing funds for the parents needs and preserving the child’s portfolio for their own future.

Long-term Care Insurance – One may not qualify for long-term care insurance or afford the premiums so the reverse mortgage line of credit could act as an “insurance” to cover the long-care needs.

If one does qualify for long-term care insurance, the reverse mortgage line of credit could provide funds allowing a higher long-term care insurance deductible and a longer waiting period before drawing from the long-term care insurance.

Payoff spouse in a divorce – The reverse mortgage can be used to pay off a spouse going through a divorce, allowing one spouse to remain in the home.

Use in probate – In the case of the death of a parent, the reverse mortgage could be used to pay off a sibling or siblings so one can remain in the home or purchase the family home. This is beneficial when one child has been living in the home and taking care of the parent(s), and wants to remain in the home.

I am not a financial planner/advisor, accounting advisor/CPA or an attorney. This information is provided as ideas to use for one’s plan. One should consult with their financial, accounting and/or legal advisor on what works for their situation.

If you’d like to improve your retirement cash flow now or for the future, 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.

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.

Minnesota Reverse Mortgages SIDAC

Minnesota Reverse Mortgage Information, Facts and News from the Experts Excelling in Service

Category Archives: Financial Planning

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Reasons to obtain a Reverse Mortgage

HECM Reverse Mortgages and Non-borrowing Spouses, What You Need To Know

Reverse Mortgages are not complicated; but are multi-faceted

Reverse mortgage documents are a way to sign your own declaration of independence

Free Webinar on using a HECM for Purchase for your older home buyer’s

How Can A Reverse Mortgage Be Used In One’s Financial Plan?