Have Senior Homeowners With Reverse Mortgages And Tax Defaults Really Gone Into Foreclosure and Lost Their Homes? You Are In For A Surprise!

Posted on October 28, 2012 by sidac

With all the media hype that seniors are losing their homes because they have a reverse mortgage and have tax defaults, the latest data shows the homework wasn’t done before reporting their stories. Trying to paint a negative of reverse mortgages is widespread without the data to back it up.

The fact is rather than foreclose, reverse mortgage servicers made advancements on behalf of borrowers for their insurance and property taxes defaults. And since January 2011 when FHA introduced loss mitigation tools the servicers have been working with the borrowers who were delinquent on their property taxes and insurance. As a result, 20% of those in these situations have been repaid. Another 60% of the defaulted borrowers have begun making repayments.

According to HUD’s Director of Single Family Program Development, Karin Hill, the default rate for the more recent Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) is lower than the loans done previously with the worst performing being from 2007 and 2008 which account for just under 40% of all those in default.

The first four years after origination the probability of default increases then slowly declines over time noted Hill. Younger borrowers (62 to 65) are the most likely to default however they are making more repayments than older borrowers.

While we haven’t received data on those who have not made repayments, servicers and HUD remain committed to assist senior homeowners to remain in their home. It shouldn’t be assumed that reverse mortgage borrowers have gone into foreclosure. It’s important to remember that even without a reverse mortgage in place, these homeowners who haven’t paid their property taxes face foreclosure or tax forfeiture through the county. The reverse mortgage is not the reason senior homeowners go into foreclosure.

While the headlines report senior homeowners are losing their homes because of a reverse mortgage and tax defaults, the data shows otherwise; it’s just more myths about reverse mortgages.

Resource: The National Reverse Mortgages Lenders Association (NRMLA); data presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting & Expo by senior HECM managers.

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-C6

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.

Are Reverse Mortgage Property Tax Defaults Really Due To The Reverse Mortgage? …They Are Not The Only Reason Seniors Lose Their Home

Posted on October 21, 2012 by sidac

There is a lot of talk about the issues of reverse mortgage defaults causing borrowers to go into foreclosure and lose their homes because of not paying their taxes and insurance… claiming that the tax defaults are a reason one should not do a reverse mortgage. The media and so-called senior advocates are pushing this point hard. Are you aware that anyone who doesn’t pay property taxes on one’s property can face foreclosure?

If one has a conventional mortgage and doesn’t pay their taxes, the lender will pay the taxes on behalf of their borrower and increase the homeowners mortgage payments to cover the taxes. If they let their homeowners insurance drop, the lender will place “forced” insurance on the property and pass the costs along to the borrower.

Even if one doesn’t have a mortgage, a reverse or conventional, one can lose their home for not paying their taxes – the counties foreclose on them. Here in Minnesota the county claims the property as a tax forfeiture.

Ann, a 65 year old woman called me inquiring about a reverse mortgage stating she owed over $20,000 in back taxes and was facing tax forfeiture in just a few short months. Ann had no other debt and her home was worth more than $300,000. Based on her situation, she wouldn’t qualify for a conventional or “forward” mortgage. Someone had suggested the reverse mortgage a solution to her situation.

I explained the details of the reverse mortgage: A reverse mortgage is a loan with special terms for those 62 and older. As an FHA insured loan HUD oversees the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM providing protections like no other financial option. With the HECM there are no income or credit score qualifications* and no monthly payment requirements. The home would remain hers with the title in her name. And the reverse mortgage funds could pay off her tax debt and she could leave the remaining funds in a Line of Credit with a growth rate for future needs including paying her property taxes going forward. Or if she chose she could receive monthly payments, a lump sum or a combination of these options.

The loan would be due and payable when the home was no longer her primary residence or on her 150th birthday. If at the time the loan was due and payable and the home was sold for more than the loan balance she or her estate would receive the difference in funds. Or if the loan balance was higher than what the home could be sold for, as a non-recourse loan she or her estate would not have to come up with the difference, the FHA Mortgage Insurance covers the difference to the lender.

In her situation she would have had a large line of credit that would allow her funds to pay her taxes and insurance going forward… and some other life necessities or a little extra here and there to maintain or improve the quality of her life.

There are many homeowners who lose their home for not paying their property taxes. When one gets behind on their taxes, they also reduce their option of qualifying for a conventional mortgage, especially with the tighter credit and income qualifications.

And think about it, if one doesn’t have insurance on their home and there is a fire or a storm that destroys the home, the homeowner loses their home and they don’t have money to rebuild.

Another consideration regarding reverse mortgage defaults is they are minimal compared to conventional or “forward” mortgage default foreclosures. I’m sure some of the forward foreclosures included seniors who had been sold a mortgage without consideration on whether they would be able to make payments in the future. In fact I know of an 80+ year old woman who did a 30-year mortgage… what was the likelihood she would be able to make mortgage payments for 30 years? A reverse mortgage would have been a better loan choice for her.

When the senior homeowners with forward mortgages have had “life happen” and they couldn’t make the payments, they also didn’t qualify for a reverse mortgage because they owed more than the reverse mortgage proceeds, they went into foreclosure. (We often receive calls from seniors in this situation and have to say we can’t do the reverse mortgage for them.) If these seniors had done the reverse mortgage initially instead of doing the forward mortgage, they would be benefitting from no mortgage payments and having funds to pay their taxes and insurance as well as for their other needs.

Reverse mortgages make a huge positive difference in the life of senior homeowners; the majority of reverse mortgage borrowers are satisfied with their reverse mortgage. Reverse mortgages shouldn’t be discounted because a small percentage are in default.

When reverse mortgage borrowers haven’t paid their taxes the lenders/servicers work with the borrowers to find ways to help them including sending them to counselors who work with borrowers to find a way to assist them address the issue.

Unfortunately, Ann’s brother had told her reverse mortgages are bad and she shouldn’t do one and she listened to him. Consequently the county foreclosed on her. She not only lost her home and a place to live, she lost the $280,000+ in equity. Whereas a reverse mortgage could have saved her home from foreclosure and she would have been able to pay her taxes and remain in her home with funds for other needs or desires including paying her future taxes and insurance.

So you see, reverse mortgage tax defaults are really defaults on taxes with a reverse mortgage in place and are not the only reason seniors can lose their home – they happen with conventional or no mortgages at all as well. The media and politicians should stop attacking the reverse mortgage industry as the bad guys and gals – counties across the country are foreclosing on seniors’ homes too.

*To address the issue of tax and insurance defaults, in the near future we anticipate financial assessments with the reverse mortgage to determine if the borrowers are able to pay property taxes and insurance into the future.

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 Go To A Plumber For Health Issues? Then Why Would You Receive Advice on Reverse Mortgages From A Politician?

Posted on October 14, 2012 by sidac

In a conversation with a woman the other day when I told her I specialize in reverse mortgages she said, “I’ve talked with a Minnesota politician who said people shouldn’t do a reverse mortgage.” So I asked her the question, “Do you go to a plumber for your health problems?” “Of course not!” was her adamant reply. No we don’t, when we have health issues we go to the health professional who specializes in the area of our problem such as cancer or heart.

I went on to explain to this woman that I know the politician she had talked with and I too have had conversations with them. Their concern is that one should have an understanding of the reverse mortgage, the terms and details, not that one shouldn’t do one. In addition I pointed out that the state of Minnesota in their Own Your Future campaign is suggesting people consider reverse mortgages as a way to pay for their long-term care. Additionally I explained that because the politicians don’t specialize in reverse mortgages they can’t provide all the details and facts about them. Her response was, “Ohhhhh, I see.”

Everyone has their area of specialty, the doctor, the attorney, the politician; mine is reverse mortgages. I can’t advise you on health, legal issues or laws in areas I am unfamiliar, don’t specialize or am not licensed. Just because I grocery shop doesn’t make me a specialist in groceries or the grocery store.

Before deciding that a reverse mortgage shouldn’t be done based on the comment or opinion of a politician, media, friend or relative talk with a reverse mortgage specialist to get the facts and decide whether a reverse mortgage may be right for your circumstances. One who specializes in reverse mortgages can provide details and calculations for your personal situation. Invite your family or other trusted advisors to be involved in the informational meeting so they also receive the facts and details. You can then have a discussion and trust that you are making an informed decision.

Linda did just that, she talked with her financial advisor and with me and has decided that a FHA HUD Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) reverse mortgage is right for her situation. Doing one to eliminate her current mortgage payments and improve her cash flow (she doesn’t have to make mortgage payments with her reverse mortgage), she feels the relief from stress on figuring out how she would be able to continue to make her mortgage payments.

Do you go to the plumber for your health issues? Then why go to a politician for reverse mortgage details and facts? Explore the related stories linked below and through out this blog; learn how reverse mortgages have made a difference in the lives of those who received the facts and understood the details.

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.

“Own Your Future Minnesota” Campaign Launched – How are you personally preparing for your long-term care needs?

Posted on October 2, 2012 by sidac

The Own Your Future Minnesota campaign is part of a national educational campaign of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that promotes personal preparation for long-term care. The campaign is to bring awareness as well as urge Minnesotans of the need to plan for their later years when they are likely to need long-term care.

Own Your Future is important to Minnesota! Between 2010 and 2030 Minnesotans over age 65 will grow by 107%. Those over 65 have a 70% chance of needing long-term care. In 2030 over 325,000 elderly would need to be served if Medicaid (Medical Assistance) had to serve all with insufficient income. This could cost $5 Billion by 2030. Because of the enormous growth in the aging population and the number without resources, Medicaid will be strained to provide support for all these individuals.

Own Your Future Minnesota is encouraging people to have discussions, and be aware of options to pay for their long-term care including considering personal savings, long-term care insurance, life insurance options, annuities, and using ones home equity including reverse mortgages. Additionally they are encouraging people to discuss and plan their advance care which refers to their legal documents.

With the October 2nd launch, Governor Mark Dayton and Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon are urging all Minnesotans age 40 to 65 to own their future by mailing a letter to them.

“Planning for long-term care helps to ensure choice, control and peace of mind for the individual,” said Lt. Gov. Yvonne Prettner Solon. “The sense of security and comfort that comes with having a plan is something all Minnesotans should enjoy.”

The first phase of Minnesota’s Own Your Future initiative includes a new website, public service announcements, internet advertising, community meetings and other employer and grassroots organizations. The website offers options for planning at various ages, tools for your planning covering your personal, financial, housing and advance care planning, as well individual’s stories.

Future phases of Own Your Future will look at development of affordable financial products to help people pay for long-term care and evaluation of possible changes to Medicaid to better align with and encourage private payment for long-term care.

As a member of the Advisory Panel, and on the speakers bureau, through the coming year I will be doing presentations around the Twin Cities to bring clarity on what is long-term care, the impact it has on individuals and their families, why plan ahead along with options and resources to consider.

I’m proud and excited to be part of this important state initiative as the reverse mortgage industry representative.

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-YS

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.

What To Consider When Choosing Your Reverse Mortgage Originator

Posted on September 16, 2012 by sidac

When you have decided to explore or to proceed with a reverse mortgage you want to make sure you are working with an originator you are comfortable and has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process. Originating the reverse mortgage takes patience, kindness, a “social worker” attitude and a teacher aptitude versus a sales approach. There is a difference in originators with their expertise, knowledge and experience with reverse mortgages along with the customer service they provide.

To help ensure that you are working with an originator (also referred to as Loan Officer/Reverse Mortgage Specialist, Reverse Mortgage Advisor or Reverse Mortgage Consultant) who is experienced, knowledgeable and meets the industry’s standards, consider the following when choosing your reverse mortgage originator. Yes, the list is long but knowing the answers to this list of questions will help support and protect you.

How much experience does the Reverse Mortgage Originator have with reverse mortgages – not just conventional mortgages as they are quite different?
- Work with experienced reverse mortgage originators who specialize in reverse mortgages. Ask how many years they have been originating and if/what training they have received.

How many reverse mortgage loans has the Reverse Mortgage Originator done?
- Experienced loan officers have originated hundreds of reverse mortgage loans. Ask how many they have originated, not just their company or lender, but them personally.

Does the mortgage company and Reverse Mortgage Originator have the required federal and state licensing?
- Mortgage Brokers/Originators have completed federal and state education, testing and licensing requirements. FDIC Banks and Credit Unions are registered but have not completed the education, testing and licensing requirements.
- Ask your originator to provide documentation that they personally are licensed and/or look them up at the National Mortgage Licensing System – if the person you are talking with is not listed they are not licensed to originate loans.
  - Make sure they are licensed in the state you are located. In Minnesota all individual mortgage loan officers (performing marketing, educating, originating functions) have to be licensed. This includes completing the application – the originator should be guiding you through the application and explaining the documents you are signing, not just having a notary at the application as they are not approved to provide you information or explanations on the documents you are signing.

Who is the mortgage company’s lender sponsor?
- Originating mortgage broker companies (Third Party Originators) have to be sponsored by a Reverse Mortgage Lender who is FHA licensed.
Do they offer all reverse mortgage programs available for FHA’s HECM and when available, proprietary (private)?
- Experienced originators should offer and be familiar with all the various programs available.
If you are in a manufactured home, log home or unique property, do they work with a lender who will accept these properties?
- Many lenders no longer accept these properties but some do and as a broker, we, Reverse Mortgages SIDAC work with lenders who do accept these properties.

Do they assist you in determining which program is most suitable for your needs?
- Experienced originators should discuss the various programs and help you to assess the program most suitable for your needs. Originators should be showing you at least 3 if not 4 options. Is the adjustable rate program better than the fixed rate program for your situation. Are they discussing how you may be able reduce the upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP)?

Do they just try to “sell” the program to you or do they help you determine if the program is appropriate for your situation?
- An originator should not pressure you or sell you a particular program, they should discuss the various programs and options and have YOUR best interests at heart, i.e. is an adjustable rate better than a fixed rate for your situation.

Will they meet with you face-to-face for an information session and the application? Or do they just mail you the application package or send a notary to the application?
- Because of the complexities of the program, originators should meet with you face-to-face to complete the application package. These sessions normally take around 2 hours to review all the documentation and insure you understand what you are signing. Don’t sign a package that is mailed to you or one where a notary is observing your signature – find an experienced originator who is local/in your state to work with you.

Do they disclose ALL information and identify ALL costs, explaining the program(s) and details and terms accurately and clearly so you understand them?
- Originators should be willing to disclose and discuss all information regarding reverse mortgages in terms and a way so you understand them. They should welcome your questions and be able to answer them to help ensure you have an understanding.

Do they know what costs are not allowed by FHA?
- HUD regulates the fees and a mark-up of fees are not allowed – you should only be paying the actual cost of the service. Your originator should know which fees are allowed by HUD and which aren’t. They should fight for you if a title company is charging processing or “junk” fees. (Many charge processing fees without the lender or originator addressing it with their title company.) The cost of the settlement statement should reflect this actual amount.

Where are their loans processed?
- Your loan should be processed in an office where they can provide a personal touch vs sending them across the country to a processing center.

How fast do they process their reverse mortgage loans?
- Because the rates can change so quickly, processing (application to closing) should be able to be completed in 30 to 45 days under normal circumstances. If additional documents are needed from you and you don’t provide them, the processing could take longer.

Who does the processing of the reverse mortgage loans? Does the processor have experience processing reverse mortgages, not just conventional mortgages? How much experience does the Reverse Mortgage Originator have with processing and solving the issues that arise during processing?
- Because reverse mortgages are different than forward mortgages, the processor should have experience with reverse mortgages. Originators should also have an understanding of the processing and assist in solving any issues that arise during the processing – they should not just be focused on getting the sale and then moving on.

What type of customer service do they provide? Do they have testimonials and/or references?
- Experienced originators should pride themselves on their customer service and be able to provide testimonials and references from their reverse mortgage clients – ask for them.

Will they (the Reverse Mortgage Originator) answer questions and continue to provide customer service once the loan is closed?
- Originator’s customer service should include being available even after the loan is closed. If they don’t have a lot of experience and/or they move from one lender to another you may not get your future questions answered.

Does the Reverse Mortgage Originator have the knowledge and experience on how the reverse mortgage and other Minnesota programs interact? Programs such as Medical Assistance/Medicaid, Elder Waiver, home improvement loans from cities and counties.
- Originators should be familiar with how the reverse mortgage interacts with other programs. If they don’t find a different originator to originate your loan. You may not need this now, but you may in the future and need assistance with this.

Does the Reverse Mortgage Originator have the knowledge and experience with the requirements of the reverse mortgage if there is a power of attorney, guardian or conservator, a bankruptcy, Trust or Life Estate?
- Originators should have knowledge of what the requirements are or you may start your loan but it may not make it through underwriting or be insured by HUD if your loan doesn’t meet their requirements.

Do they or the companies work with (mortgage company, lender, underwriter, servicer, etc.) offer financial or insurance products in addition to the reverse mortgage? Are they trying to cross-sell (selling more than one product) during the origination of your reverse mortgage? Will you be contacted and offered other services such as financial or insurance products by them or the companies they work with after the loan is closed?
- Cross-selling is not allowed. Originators should only specialize in reverse mortgages and not sell or encourage you to purchase other products. You are not required to purchase annuities, insurance or financial products with your reverse mortgage proceeds.

Are you treated with respect and dignity?
- You, of course should be treated with respect and dignity. If you feel you are not, find a different originator.

Do they protect your privacy and confidentiality and not distribute personal financial information to any third party without permission from you?
- To protect against identity theft you want to be assured that your information is private and kept confidential. Ask what their policies and procedures are.

Do they encourage you to discuss the loan transaction with family and/or trusted advisors?
- Originators should encourage you and welcome talking with your family and/or trusted advisors about your decision to do the reverse mortgage. But respect you if you chose otherwise.

When completing the application do they leave you copies of what you have signed and copies of the sample closing documents?
- At the time of application or within three days, originators are required to leave you copies of what you signed including the calculations and Good Faith Estimate, booklets, and samples of the closing documents. If you do not receive these, request them, if you have problems receiving them, change to a different originator.

Do they provide a list of FHA counselors without steering you to a particular one?
- HUD does not allow an originator to steer or be involved in your choosing or receiving counseling. Minnesota law requires borrowers be counseled by a counselor located in Minnesota, they cannot choose any of the national counselor.
Are they familiar with the Minnesota state laws (or whichever state they are originating in)?
- If an originator is originating in your state they should be familiar with the state’s laws, i.e. Minnesota has some particular laws that pertain to reverse mortgages – all originators are, unfortunately, not familiar with them.

Be cautious that you do not complete an application or give the originator the counseling certificate until you have made your final decision of the originator you are choosing. Once an originator or lender has the counseling certificate they can obtain a FHA number and lock you into using them when they might not be your choice of originator or lender.

Be educated on reverse mortgages and work with an originator and lender who is experienced, knowledgeable, meets the industry’s requirements and fulfills the above list of expectations.

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.

You Don’t Need To Have A Mortgage To Do A Reverse Mortgage

Posted on September 9, 2012 by sidac

A reverse mortgage is often used to pay off a mortgage which improves the homeowner’s cash flow by eliminating their mortgage payments. But you don’t have to have a mortgage to “reverse the mortgage.”

My borrower, Marjorie didn’t have a mortgage on her home but did a reverse mortgage to be prepared for future needs. She used some of the initial funds to purchase hearing aides and left the rest in a line of credit. She was happy with her decision to do her reverse mortgage because she now has security knowing she has funds available for her needs, independence to live on her own without relying on her family for financial support, she’s maintained her dignity of being able to pay her own bills, and continues having control of her life and the ability to make her own choices. She recently took some funds from her line of credit to make a trip from Minnesota to California to visit her daughter who lives there – she wouldn’t have been able to do this without having her reverse mortgage.

A reverse mortgage is a mortgage with special terms for seniors 62 and older that provides them cash for whatever they need or want. Monthly mortgage payments are not required and income or credit scores are not considered to qualify. The funds can be received in a monthly payment, paid to you, a line of credit with a growth rate, a lump sum or a combination of these. The loan is due when the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrower(s) or on the 150th birthday of the youngest borrower. The borrower is still responsible for paying taxes, insurance and maintaining the property.

A reverse mortgage doesn’t mean you are reversing a current mortgage, it means that rather than having to make payments on a mortgage, funds can be available to you without monthly mortgage payments.

The amount loaned is based on the appraised value (determined by a FHA licensed appraiser) or FHA Lending Limit, whichever is lower, the age of the borrower, the expected interest rate and the program chosen. Any liens or mortgages need to be paid prior to determining the amount available in a line of credit, monthly payments or lump sum.

When there are no current liens or mortgages on a property, more accessible funds are available for borrowers.

As an example, with a $200,000 home value for a 75 year old person and the current interest rate on an adjustable loan (the program that offers the monthly payment, line of credit option, lump sum or combination option; the fixed rate requires all funds be drawn in a lump sum), the amount available after closing costs is $128,805.

The $128,805 can be left in a line of credit or taken in monthly tenure payments of $767, this means you are paid this amount each month as long as you are living in the home as your primary residence.

If there is a current lien or mortgage that needs to be paid, say in the amount of $50,000, the amount available after paying for the current lien or mortgage and the closing costs is $78,804 which can be left in a line of credit or $469 received in monthly tenure payments.

Either situation can provide security, independence, dignity and control for borrowers but with no current mortgage to be paid off, more accessible funds are available. The funds can be used for whatever the borrower needs or wants, such as enhancing one’s retirement, home modifications or repairs, medical expenses, home care, or even just giving that extra elbow room.

Some pertinent facts about reverse mortgages:

You own the home, no one else does.
You won’t lose your home because of a reverse mortgage – you don’t have to make monthly mortgage payments. If you don’t pay property taxes, insurance, maintain the home or abide by other terms of the loan, the loan may be called due and payable.
Tax-free money – consult tax advisor but make sure they know the facts about reverse mortgages
The most common reverse mortgage, HUD’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM, and only one available in Minnesota, is government insured and funds are guaranteed to be there for you.
You or your heirs get to keep any remaining equity after the loan balance is paid off.
There is no personal liability to you or your estate when repaying the loan and the loan balance is higher than what the home can be sold for.
There are no out of pocket costs other than the cost of the appraisal.
Closing costs typically become part of the loan balance. Closing costs compare to those on a conventional or “forward” mortgage – the difference is the FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium.
A credit report is pulled to check for any federal liens or debts that would be required to be paid.
You can’t access 100% of your home value at the time of your closing – the amount available is based on your age, your home value or FHA lending limit (currently $625,500), an Expected Interest Rate and the program chosen.
The funds may be received in a line of credit, lump sum, monthly payments or a combination of these.
- Line of credit grows based on the current interest rate plus 1.25%
- Monthly payments may be received as tenure payments (for life as long as the home is your primary residence) or structured to fit your needs.
Historically the interest rate is lower than conventional loans.

Just because you don’t have a current mortgage doesn’t mean a reverse mortgage wouldn’t be beneficial to you. Consider having security knowing you have funds available during your retirement years with the benefit of improved financial health just like Marjorie did.

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.

Be Cautious on Reverse Mortgages… And From Whom You Are Getting Your Reverse Mortgage Information

Posted on August 26, 2012 by sidac

Cautious is defined as showing or using caution; a warning or having alertness or taking care in a situation. Therefore I feel you should be cautious of the food you are putting in your mouth, the medications you are taking, the safety of the products you purchase, the credit card you are applying for, how you are spending your money, answering the door when you weren’t expecting anyone, purchasing services from the person going door-to-door, the car you are purchasing, the home you are buying. Should you be cautious of reverse mortgages? Of course you should be cautious of reverse mortgages. But you also need to be cautious of who you are getting your reverse mortgage information.

State Attorney Generals, politicians and other government agencies are issuing cautions on reverse mortgages. Some of their advice is good, unfortunately, with many of these “warnings” the information is not accurate. Their advice that one should get information and have an understanding the product and it’s pros and cons is good advice… just as you should for any product or service. Unfortunately one government agency, the Consumer Financial Protections Bureau (CFBP) didn’t even talk with borrowers to write their report, therefore their report is not based on actual circumstances and discredits the quality of their information.

Senior advocacy groups also offer their cautions on reverse mortgages without having facts or experience with these unique products. Their opinions include that reverse mortgages should be used as a last resort; should only be for older seniors; are for the cash poor, not for those planning for long-term care. In my years of specializing in reverse mortgages (since 1999) I have found that these are misguided cautions. Everyone’s situation is different, so assumptions should not be made and generalized for all situations.

The reverse mortgage should not necessarily be a last resort; can benefit those 62 as well as those 82 or 92; those needing a better cash flow because their home is their only asset or those who want to protect some of their assets for their long-term care planning purposes. Rather than being an advocate, cautions of these sorts are really a disservice because they scare people rather than encourage them to get the facts and allow seniors to make their own decisions.

On a news talk show recently they were discussing reverse mortgages with a financial advisor who was being portrayed as a reverse mortgage expert. As I listened to the interview I was astounded by the inaccurate information provided by this so-called “expert.” Being financial advisors are not allowed to offer reverse mortgages, they are not the reverse mortgage specialists or the experts so they don’t have all the facts. They have their areas of specialties, as reverse mortgage specialists, we have ours. At the end of this interview an 800 number was provided with the statement that this was the HUD number to be call to get more information. I didn’t get the number written down so I don’t know whether this was a number to HUD or not. What really made my jaw drop was the interviewer’s statement that one shouldn’t need to call the number because they just heard all the “facts” from “Mr. Financial Advisor.” Unfortunately if they listened to those “facts” they would be very misled and not really understand the reverse mortgage or have the truths about them.

The FHA insured, HUD reverse mortgage, the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM, is the most common reverse mortgage in the country and the only one available in Minnesota. One can obtain reverse mortgage information from HUD. Note all those who offer reverse mortgages are not included on the FHA list of lenders. In January 2011, HUD issued a Final Rule eliminating their approval process of loan correspondents or brokers although brokers can still participate through a sponsorship from a FHA approved sponsor. For example, we, Reverse Mortgages SIDAC, are a broker, with a FHA licensed sponsor and meeting the federal and state licensing requirements through the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS), NMLS #173899.

While not on the FHA list, brokers offer many benefits including working with many different lenders, are local, often meeting with you face-to-face in your home. Review the difference on my post, “Are You Confused on Whether to Use A Reverse Mortgage Broker, Bank or Lender.”

So yes, take precautions with reverse mortgages, as you should with everything. But also take precautions on who or where your information is coming from.

Do you go to a plumber, politician or the media if you have health issues? No you go to the doctor, and you go to the doctor who specializes in your specific condition. The same is true with reverse mortgages, go to the person who specializes in reverse mortgages.

Get the facts from someone who specializes in them, has years of experience and only offers reverse mortgages (not other mortgages), one who works with various lenders, is local in your state not a “call-center” where they only talk with you over the phone. A financial advisor can be part of the team to help you analyze your overall financial situation.

Keep in mind, the decision is yours on whether or not the reverse mortgage is right for your situation. It’s not up to the Attorney Generals, politicians, seniors advocates, media, reverse mortgage counselor or originator/loan officer.

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.

A Reverse Mortgage Can Really Be Compared To Your Smart Phone

Posted on August 8, 2012 by sidac

I recently upgraded my phone to a “smart phone.” There’s lots more features than my old cell phone, lots of “bells and whistles” as they say. In fact the phone is so smart I’ve had to take classes and talk to the phone representative to learn now to use it and I still don’t understand all of the features. So how does this compare to a reverse mortgage?

It’s often said that a reverse mortgage is complex and complicated which has a scare factor for some people, including by the Consumer Financial Protections Bureau (CFBP) who claims they are complex and consequently needs additional protections to prevent seniors from making unwise decisions.

At a recent meeting I asked how many understand their conventional mortgage and can explain the terms. The response was laughs of embarrassment and shaking of heads, and comments that they can’t explain much more than there is interest and they have to make payments and when they are due. They don’t understand how the interest rate or payment amount is calculated, generally don’t look at the fees or understand what they cover, the risks the lenders and/or investors take, etc.

Do you know how the interest rate and payment was determined on your mortgage? Do you know what the fees were on your conventional mortgage? When I’ve shared the Explanation of Closing Costs with borrowers, I’ve been told, “We’ve purchased many homes and no one has explained the fees like this so we understand them.”

The same when purchasing a car and getting financing, one looks at the features of the car but doesn’t necessarily pay attention to the terms of the loan to purchase the car they desire other than the interest and payment and when it’s due.

Yes, the reverse mortgage is “different” than what one usually thinks of for a mortgage. Based on the FHA insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), the most popular reverse mortgage and only one available in Minnesota, the differences include:

the interest rate is not determined by one’s income, assets or credit scores
there are no monthly mortgage payments required,
the loan is not due until the borrowers are no longer living in their home as their primary residence or on their 150th birthday and they are non-recourse
there are many protections including counseling by an independent third-party HUD trained and approved counselor

Like with your smart phone where you’ve had to read, study and get educated on the features and terms to enjoy the benefits, once one does some studying, gets the facts and details from a knowledgeable and experienced reverse mortgage specialist, and goes through the required counseling, one finds that the reverse mortgage isn’t that complicated and there are many benefits.

As with any purchase, a smart phone, a car, a mortgage, a credit card, even an appliance, one needs to be educated on what they are obtaining. With knowledge one can make educated decisions for their situation and enjoy the benefits of the product without the fear that they are making an unwise decision.

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 Provide Independence

Posted on July 4, 2012 by sidac

July 4^th 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. They may be short funds for maintaining their lifestyle and sometimes they will eat cat or dog food because it is cheap and they do not want to rely on their children. Yet I’ll hear, “I want to leave my house as an inheritance to my children.”

Let me share a story of one of my clients, I’ll call them Ted and Anna. He was 91, she was 87. Being proud, they 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 the mother and daughter were sitting at the kitchen table and mom 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, mom 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 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.

Unfortunately while not wanting to rely on their children and wanting to leave their home as an inheritance to their children, seniors are doing without. This isn’t what their kids want – they don’t want their parents doing without so they can have an inheritance. Kids actually want their parents to have funds to remain independent.

Then we have the kids who are taking care of their parents by paying for groceries, meals when they go out, paying their bills, taking time from their busy schedules to clean their house, provide home care, and helping meet their other needs. This can have a negative impact on these kids’ finances. Yet their parents don’t want to use the equity in their home and do a reverse mortgage now just so they can leave an inheritance for these kids. In essence the kids are using their funds to take care of their parents now in exchange for an inheritance after their parents are gone.

Neither one of these scenarios make sense. Why be insistent on leaving an inheritance to the kids while you’re doing without now? Why depend on your kids and use their money to take care of you today so you can leave them an inheritance? They want you to have your independence now and they aren’t looking for the inheritance when you need to funds now. Actually the best inheritance you can leave your children would be to take care of yourself so they don’t have to worry about you.

Improve your cash flow during your retirement – sign your own Declaration of Independence with a reverse mortgage – then celebrate your independence.

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.

Are “Hefty Fees” Really A Drawback of the Reverse Mortgage?

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

An all too common statement is that a drawback of the reverse mortgage is the hefty or high up front fees. But are they really hefty? Are the fees really a drawback?

First, have you looked at the fees to obtain a conventional mortgage? Do you realize the reverse mortgage fees compare to a conventional mortgage with the FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium being the difference? I’ve done side-by-side comparisons.

These comparisons reflect the third-party fees, including the appraisal, credit report, flood certificate, title fees, recording fees, Minnesota Mortgage Registration Tax, etc. are almost identical. Actually because HUD regulates the fees, mark-up and junk fees or processing fees aren’t allowed so the third-party fees may even be a little less than a conventional mortgage.

Another fee associated with both the reverse mortgage and a conventional mortgage is the origination fee, the fee that covers the lender’s time and costs associated with originating the loan including: loan officer’s and staff’s salary, licensing, administrative costs, business overhead (computers, electricity, health insurance, marketing, processing, underwriting,) etc. The underwriting fees are generally additional fees on conventional loans but have to be included in the origination fee on FHA reverse mortgages loans.

On a conventional mortgage one can “buy” a lower interest by paying a higher origination fee or a lower interest rate with a higher origination fee. The reverse mortgage is similar however the rate versus paying an origination fee or not is determined by the product (fixed or adjustable rate) and what the lender sets as allowable. For example, with the fixed rate one may have zero origination fee but the interest is a set amount determined by the lender or there may be a lower interest rate but the FHA allowable origination fee is included. (2% of the first $200,000, 1% on thereafter, with a cap of $6,000). Again the fee is comparable between a reverse mortgage and a conventional mortgage.

The fee that really makes the difference from a conventional mortgage is the FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP). The most common reverse mortgage, and only one available in Minnesota, is the HUD Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM. With the Standard Reverse Mortgage the up-front MIP is 2% of the home value. (The MIP on a forward FHA loan is currently 1.75%.)

The many benefits of paying the FHA MIP on the reverse mortgage include:

Guaranteeing the funds are available for you.
Guaranteeing the lender against default or shortfalls
Keeping the interest rates lower, the interest rates have historically been lower compared to other mortgages.
Providing a line of credit growth rate (available only with reverse mortgages).
Ensuring as a reverse mortgage it is a non-recourse (no personal liability) loan; FHA makes up the difference if the loan balance is higher than what the home can be sold for.
Requiring counseling by a third-party HUD trained and approved counselor.
The HECMs are highly protected. See my Blog article “You Need To know Reverse Mortgage Borrowers Are Highly Protected.”

One must understand that the reverse mortgage is an open-ended term loan (the due date on the mortgage is the youngest borrower’s 150th birthday*) with no limit to how high the balance can grow and the collateral is only limited to the property (a non-recourse loan with no personal liability to the borrower or the heirs). With FHA’s generous allowance of proceeds, not based on income, assets, or credit scores, some reverse mortgages will end up with loan balances higher than the value of the home either due to the current declining home values or the nature of the loan with no monthly payments being made and accrued interest and on-going FHA MIP (essentially one is borrowing these fees each month). Therefore the MIP and other closing costs are necessary to make the program viable and are not a drawback to the reverse mortgage.

When comparing the costs of a conventional mortgage to the HECM Saver program which reduces the upfront MIP to .01%, the fees are essentially the same. However, in exchange for the reduced upfront MIP, reverse mortgage borrowers receive fewer funds and the interest rate is higher.

It’s important to note that the fees become part of the reverse mortgage loan balance – there are no out-of-pocket fees other than the cost of the appraisal. So borrowers are not required to come up with the money to cover the fees before they do a reverse mortgage.

If one thinks about it selling one’s home could also be considered expensive with similar fees to the reverse mortgage (the generally higher real estate agent’s commission and again the FHA MIP is the difference). Are the real estate commission and closing fees a drawback to selling one’s home?

Besides looking at the costs of a conventional loan or selling one’s home, how expensive are credit cards? While they don’t have up front costs, the interest on credit cards can be outrageous which over time this can make the credit card expensive. We often find seniors have high credit card debt because that is what they are using to finance their living expenses. The cost of credit cards don’t seem to be a drawback, people still get and use credit cards.

If a senior can’t afford to make mortgage payments, if they need funds for repairs, for home care or medical expenses, for daily living expenses, for the extra elbow room, funds to make that trip for a family reunion or wedding, or even to be able to check something off their bucket list, the benefits may outweigh the costs. The security, independence, dignity and control and peace of mind received from the reverse mortgage may outweigh the costs.

Do you not refinance or purchase a home because the of the fees on a conventional loan? And what about the costs of surgery? Would you not have surgery if it would improve or save your life just because of the fees? The cost of food is going up but do you do without food because of the costs? Not if the benefits outweigh the costs, right? Well, if the benefits of the reverse mortgage outweigh the costs, then the fees are not a drawback of the reverse mortgage.

*The reverse mortgage is due and payable when the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrower(s), i.e. when they sell, move, die. The due date on the reverse mortgage is the 150th birthday of the youngest borrower rather than a 15 or 30 year term on a conventional mortgage.

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

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