Reverse Mortgage Borrowers Remain in Control

Posted on April 9, 2014 by sidac

When sitting down with a new prospect the other day I asked what they had heard or thought about reverse mortgages. Bob responded that reverse mortgage borrowers lost control of their home and their money. Have you heard this too? I want to correct this misconception for you.

Reverse mortgage borrowers remain in control of their home. They own the home, title remains in their name, just like with any mortgage.

They have the option to paint the home the color of their choice, plant trees or landscape as they choose, and to decorate the inside as they desire (or not make changes).

I had one borrower ask if they could paint their house purple. With a chuckle I responded they could although the neighbors may not like the color purple. The point is, as the homeowner they have the option to choose what color they want to paint their house.

Borrowers are, however, responsible for maintaining the home. This is to the homeowners best interest anyway, and whether they have a reverse mortgage, a conventional mortgage or no mortgage at all. Maintaining means things like no bare wood or chipped paint, roof replaced when needed, foundation and structure is sound, electrical and plumbing in working order.

In their will or trust the reverse mortgage borrowers still choose who will inherit the home or equity of the home.

While the reverse mortgage borrowers will be using the proceeds for their needs or wants during the term of the loan, when the home is no longer their primary residence, the loan is due and payable. The loan is generally paid back from the sale of the home with no personal liability to the borrower or their heirs. If the home is sold for more than the loan balance the borrower or the heirs receive the difference.

If an heir wants to keep the home, they have this option – they would just need to pay off the reverse mortgage balance. This can be done through a conventional mortgage, their own funds or if they were the beneficiary on an insurance policy.

Note that if the loan balance is higher than the fair market value, the borrower or their heirs only need to pay 95% of the fair market value of the home, they do not need to come up with the difference. With the FHA HUD insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) the FHA Mortgage Insurance will cover the difference for the lenders.

They have the option to sell when they want and choose the real estate agent. If they have passed away then their estate chooses the real estate agent.

The way one wants to receive their reverse mortgage proceeds is also their choice. They can receive the funds in a line of credit, monthly payments, lump sum or a combination of these.

And how they use these funds is in their control – lenders cannot dictate how one spends the proceeds from their reverse mortgage. Borrowers can and have used their reverse mortgage funds to pay for home repairs, purchasing a new car, traveling, home care or whatever one needs or wants… it’s their choice.

The reverse mortgage provides control for borrowers to have funds so they can make their own choices. For example, where they want to live (in their own home vs government subsidized housing), who they want to care for them (vs the government deciding which home care agency they can use).

Reverse mortgage borrowers do remain responsible for paying their property taxes, having home owners insurance, maintaining the property and paying home owner association dues if applicable, just as they do with or without a conventional mortgage.

Losing control of your home or money with a reverse mortgage is a misconception. In reality reverse mortgage borrowers have control and in some cases even more control than without doing a reverse mortgage; having funds available gives them more choices and options.

Originally Posted in 2011; Re-posted in 2014
© 2011-2014 Beth Paterson, Beth’s Reverse Mortgage Blog, 651-762-9648

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

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.

Think you don’t need a reverse mortgage? Think again… Maybe you’ll WANT one.

Posted on February 23, 2014 by sidac

I sometimes have people say to me they don’t need a reverse mortgage. Have you said or thought this? Have you thought a reverse mortgage should be a last resort or one should wait until they are older before doing one? Let’s explore how a reverse mortgage can help you with your retirement planning and long term care planning needs. And why doing a reverse mortgage now rather than later may be to your advantage. You might then decide you want one.

A reverse mortgage is a mortgage like any other mortgage, using the equity in one’s home, but has special terms for homeowners 62 and over. There are no income or credit score qualifications for the interest rate and no monthly mortgage payments required. Homeowners maintain the title; the reverse mortgage lender does not own the home. Borrowers are responsible for paying their property taxes and insurance as well as maintaining the home. Reverse mortgage borrowers are highly protected – more so than with any other loan.

The Loan Amount, referred to as the Principal Limit, of the HUD insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) reverse mortgage is based on the age of the youngest borrower, the lesser of the home value or FHA Lending Limit, the program chosen and the Expected Interest Rate. HUD allows certain types of properties to qualify: single family homes, duplexes or 1 to 4 unit properties as long as the home owner is living in one of the units, townhomes, FHA approved condos, and manufactured homes that meet HUD’s requirements.

Let’s compare doing a reverse mortgage now to waiting before doing your reverse mortgage.

	TODAY	10 Years from Now	Barb wrote: “Having a Reverse Mortgage has given me monetary independence and I never realized how important having cash available would be until I fell in October 2013 and broke my right shoulder. Without the Reverse Mortgage money I would have been ‘up a creek without a paddle’. Financial independence saved the day.”
AGE	63	73
HOME VALUE	$200,000	$263,000 (based on Moody’s Analytics Factors)
AVAILABLE (Approximate net after fees)	$92,729	$130,626*
Based on open-ended credit with current Expected Interest Rate of 5.21%; Closing costs of $5,871 plus FHA up-front Mortgage Insurance Premium of .5%; drawing 60% or less in 1^st 12 months; annual FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) is 1.25%. The Expected Rate is used to calculate the Principal Limit/Loan Amount and for estimated projections on the loan. Growth Rate in this example based on assumption of Expected Interest Rate of 5.210%. Actual Line of Credit Grows based on current interest rate plus 1.25%. So if interest rate is higher, funds in the line of credit will grow faster. These are estimates, the actual amounts are based on many factors. Different assumptions would result in different numbers.

* If the interest rate is higher, and it is likely that it will be in the future, less funds would be available.

While it may look like it’s to your advantage to wait until you are older, look at what happens if you do the revolving credit reverse mortgage now and leave the funds in a line of credit for your future use.

Funds in the reverse mortgage Line of Credit grow and this is the advantage of doing the reverse mortgage now. Here’s an example of future funds available if at the age of 63 you draw less than 60% in the 1st 12 months and you have $92,729 in your line of credit initially:

Line of Credit Available*	No Draws	After Draw of $5,600 Each Year	Jerry stated, “The Reverse Mortgage enables us to live in our home without mortgage payments. Line of credit will grow for our future needs. The whole package is a win-win for my wife and me.”
Age 68	$136,488	$92,557
Age 73	$188,364	$101,624
Age 83	$358,756	$134,739
Based on open-ended credit with current Expected Interest Rate of 5.21%; Closing costs of $5,871 plus FHA up-front Mortgage Insurance Premium of .5%; drawing 60% or less in 1^st 12 months; annual FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) is 1.25%. The Expected Rate is used to calculate the Principal Limit/Loan Amount and for estimated projections on the loan. Growth Rate in this example based on assumption of Expected Interest Rate of 5.210%. Actual Line of Credit Grows based on current interest rate plus 1.25%. So if interest rate is higher, funds in the line of credit will grow faster. These are estimates, the actual amounts are based on many factors. Different assumptions would result in different numbers.

Consider the amount you will have in the line of credit available for your retirement needs or long term care needs when doing the reverse mortgage now.

You can pull all or some of the line of credit funds out as you desire or the payment plan can be changed during the life of the loan, for example, you may change from having some or all of your funds in the line of credit to receiving monthly payments.(1)

Even when you use some of the funds each year you will be taking advantage of having the additional money you need annually plus still having funds in your line of credit for future use.

The Principal Limit or Loan Amount is based on age with the older one is receiving more funds. At the current Principal Limit Factors the increase is approximately 1% for each year. This is lower than the line of credit growth rate. With this taken into consideration, in just 5 years the funds in the line of credit with no draws will likely be higher than if you wait the 5 or 10 years to do a reverse mortgage.

Lucy* stated, “Having done the reverse mortgage has given me a new sense of security.”

Have No Monthly Mortgage Payments, Lower Interest Expense, Funds for Needs or Wants for Retirement Planning or Long Term Care Planning or Needs

In addition to a lower interest rate(2) with a reverse mortgage, eliminating your monthly payment will improve your cash flow because you don’t have to pay out that monthly payment each month. While the loan balance will rise because you are not making payments, the reverse mortgage is non-recourse which means there is no personal liability to you or your estate if the loan balance is higher than what the home can be sold at fair market value in the future. When the loan is being repaid, if the loan balance is lower than what the home can be sold for, the borrower or the estate receive the difference.

You have the funds to use during the term of the loan for whatever you need or want. By doing the reverse mortgage earlier you have use of funds that otherwise would go toward your monthly mortgage payments. Why not improve your cash flow sooner than later?

You do have the option of making payments with your reverse mortgage – it’s just not required. You can choose when, how often and how much you want to pay.

If you make the payment(s) on the reverse mortgage, the payments will reduce the loan balance. And with the adjustable rate, open-end reverse mortgage the payment will increase the Line of Credit meaning the funds are available in the future. And over time the funds available are likely to exceed the home value at the time the reverse mortgage was initiated. Additionally, using Moody’s Analytics, the line of credit is likely to grow faster than the home is appreciating.

Consider if you do the reverse mortgage now, let the line of credit grow and in 8 years you have a medical situation. If you have a conventional mortgage you’ll have to balance paying mortgage payments with paying medical bills. With the conventional mortgage if you don’t pay your mortgage in a few short months you are likely to be facing foreclosure.

If you are choosing to make monthly mortgage payments on the reverse mortgage, you could stop the payment being they are not required and therefore eliminating the risk of foreclosure from not making the monthly mortgage payments. You have the option of resuming making payments if you choose. You still need to pay your property taxes, keep hazard insurance on your home and pay home owner association dues if applicable.

Take advantage of doing the reverse mortgage now while the interest rate is low. And then when the interest rate does increase, the line of credit will grow even faster (the growth rate is determined by the interest on the loan plus 1.25%). The line of credit will grow regardless of the home values increasing or decreasing.

In waiting to do a reverse mortgage until you feel you have a need, you are taking risks. For example:

Reduced Loan Amount or Principal Limit

Over the last few years HUD has reduced the calculation of the Loan Amount (Principal Limit). We don’t know if HUD may find it necessary to decrease this again and/or increase the FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums. Waiting may mean less funds are available if HUD reduces the Loan Amount or Principal Limit.

Higher Expected Interest Rates Equals Less Funds Available

With FHA Reverse Mortgages the Expected Interest Rate is calculated weekly and is used to determine initial funds available. The Expected Interest Rate is considered a long term projection of future interest rates. As the Expected Interest Rate changes to a higher rate, in the future less initial funds could be available to borrowers. It is unknown as to the timing of when the rates may rise but at some point they will likely go up.

Properties that qualify

HUD already has restrictions on condos that are not FHA approved making it difficult to do a reverse mortgage on condos. (The spot condo approval was removed in 2010.) We are seeing lenders add manufactured homes, log homes, berm, and rural homes to their list of ineligible homes. While there are still some lenders who continue to lend on these properties based on HUD’s requirements, this may change in the future and they are likely to tighten the underwriting requirements for these types of properties. If you are in one of these properties you should look at doing a reverse mortgage now while it’s still an option.

Higher Valued Home Owners Should Do A Reverse Mortgage Before The Lending Limit Is Reduced

Currently the FHA HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) Lending Limit is $625,500. At some point this rate could be reduced to a lower national limit or be based on a lending limit in the county where one lives (as is currently with a Forward FHA). What this means is that if your home is valued more than the Lending Limit amount you can receive is based on the Lending Limit rather than the home value. For example if your home is appraised at $700,000, currently we would use $625,500 to determine the reverse mortgage Principal Limit. A lower Lending Limit would make a big difference on the amount one can receive. If you have a higher valued home look at doing your reverse mortgage now instead of waiting.

What would it be like for you to have security knowing you readily have funds available in your Line of Credit during your retirement years and the benefit of improved financial health?

You may not need a reverse mortgage now but it may benefit your retirement and long term care planning if you do one now.

(1)Consult with an Elder Law Attorney or financial consultant regarding the impact of pulling all your funds from a line of credit will impact Medicaid.
(2)Historically the HECM open-end credit reverse mortgage interest rate has been lower than what one can generally qualify for with a conventional mortgage.

Some information used in this article obtained from nu62(sm)

*Name changed to protect privacy

*As of April 27, 2015 income and credit are used for the Financial Assessment to determine borrower’s ability and willingness to pay property taxes and insurance into the future

Topic first published 2009; Updated 2014
© 2009-2014 Beth Paterson, Beth’s Reverse Mortgage Blog, 651-762-9648

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

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.

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-YR

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.

A Reverse Mortgage Doesn’t Leave An Inheritance. But How Are You Going To Meet Mom’s Needs Today?

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

“I want to leave an inheritance for my kids.” “I want my son to get my house.” “The reverse mortgage will eat up my inheritance.” “The reverse mortgage isn’t good for the kids.” “The reverse mortgage should only be done with those who don’t have children.” These are statements that are often seen or heard when a reverse mortgage is mentioned. My question is, do you, the children, have the money needed to cover the costs of mom or dad’s needs today if they don’t have the money and don’t do a reverse mortgage?

Let me share a story. As I always do, I have a discussion on the needs and desires of one who is considering a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) or a reverse mortgage. In this one particular situation, the woman, Chris, was living off her Social Security income of about $600 a month. She needed new teeth, new glasses, some new clothes, and her home needed some repairs. She loved going to plays but couldn’t even afford the community plays for $5 to $10. Doing a reverse mortgage would help Chris “live with more” so she completed the application.

A few days later she called to say she decided not to proceed. When I inquired why the change, she replied that her son didn’t want her to do it. After some exploratory questions as to why, she said her son wanted her home after she had passed away so he could rent it out and make money.

How outrageous is this? Was she really going to do without all the things she needed as basic necessities not to mention just being able to have some money for a few extra things to enjoy life while she’s still alive just so her son could make money off her house after she passed away?

While I was astounded by this response, I kept my tongue in check and calmly asked her if her son was going to provide the money she needed now or was she going to do without the glasses, teeth, clothes, and home repairs so her son could benefit after she passed away. She said, “Of course not, he doesn’t have the money to help me.”

Is living from Social Security check to Social Security check just to get by and maybe doing without some of the things in life that give dignity such as having lunch with friends, getting one’s hair done, or having cable TV really a good option over a reverse mortgage? Why should one be more concerned about leaving an inheritance than having their independence and control of their life and living comfortably? Why do children think they deserve an inheritance rather than their parents being able to live comfortably, have security, independence, dignity and control of their lives? Aren’t these the same things every one of us wants? Why would you deny your parents?

Even if one’s children are able to help their parents today, do their parents really want to be dependent on their children? What happens if “life happens” to their children, they lose their job, get sick, have to come up with money to pay for their kid’s college, etc. and they no longer have the funds to help their parents? This can impact everyone!

What if one needs home care or has medical expenses? Why should one do without needed care so they can leave an inheritance? Why do children think they should receive an inheritance over their parents having the dignity of paying for their own care and expenses?

If one moves into senior housing, whether independent living, assisted living or skilled care, does one really think there will be funds left to leave for an inheritance? Or will the children have to help pay for the senior housing? Whether private pay or services paid by Medicaid or other government funds, there may not be an inheritance.

And whose money is it anyway? Who should benefit from the use of funds or assets that the senior worked so hard for? Shouldn’t the money and assets be used for whatever one’s parents need or want?

Many seniors say, “My kids are doing better than I am.” This is often the case but even if this isn’t the case, why should one be concerned about leaving money after their gone?

A reverse mortgage is a loan against one’s home to allow seniors 62 and older to remain in their home with security, independence, dignity and control. The most common, and only one available in Minnesota, is the FHA insured HECM. The reverse mortgage offers many benefits including no monthly mortgage payment requirements, and no income or credit requirements to qualify for a low interest rate. The loan is due and payable when the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrower(s) or on the 150th birthday of the youngest borrower. As a non-recourse loan, if the loan balance is higher than what the home can be sold for at fair market value, the borrower or their estate are not responsible for the difference. And the opposite is true too, if the loan balance is lower than what the home is sold for, the borrower or their estate receives the difference.

The borrower remains the owner of the home with the title staying in the name of the borrower(s). In addition, the reverse mortgage has many protections, likely more than any other financial product or service. To learn what these are read, “You Need To Know Reverse Mortgage Borrowers Are Highly Protected.”

I’m happy to say Chris did proceed with her reverse mortgage. And for the last six years I’ve received at least one call, sometimes a couple calls, a year saying she’s so relieved to have the money to meet her needs. Besides the initial needs, she has had funds to fix her car when it needed some repairs, to cover some medical expenses and she had funds to take a trip to attend a family wedding. And yes, she’s even enjoying the community plays every now and then.

Once Chris passes away her son will have the opportunity to keep the home by obtaining a conventional mortgage to pay off the reverse mortgage. If he’s renting the property out, the rent payments he will be receiving will cover the mortgage payment – he could still make money if priced accordingly. In the meantime Chris is remaining in her home with the security, independence, dignity and control she deserves and enjoying her life.

So what do you think is better? Doing without today just so a child can have an inheritance or the senior being able to fulfill one’s needs and wants while they are alive?

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.

Seniors Find Hope and Opportunity With Reverse Mortgages

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

It’s the season of hope and new growth and opportunity. Flowers are blooming, trees are budding, the grass is growing. As with the season, seniors can find this hope, new growth and have new opportunities that they can remain in their home with security, independence, dignity and control. And like the many types of flowers, buds and new growth, the variety of how the reverse mortgage funds are used and numerous, basically endless. Here are some of the ways seniors have found hope and opportunity with their reverse mortgage.

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 mortgage payments.
Save one’s home when faced with foreclosure or tax forfeiture.
Have improved cash flow with no monthly mortgage payments.
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.
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.
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 the travel for the family wedding or reunion.
Take the vacation they have dreamed of all their life.
Protect some of their other retirement funds or investments where there might be taxes or penalties on withdrawals.
Purchase a new home to downsize and/or move closer to family
Have funds for emergencies.
Reduce financial stress.
Have funds to full fill needs and goals.
To live with security, independence, dignity and control.

It’s fulfilling to me to be able to help seniors find hope, growth, and opportunity with reverse mortgage (visit the links below for some stories). A reverse mortgage has given hope and opportunity 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 and opportunity, a reverse mortgage may be their answer.

To determine if a reverse mortgage is right for one’s situation, talk with an experienced licensed reverse mortgage expert to get the facts. Learn some of the facts at our website: www.RMSIDAC.com. “What to Consider When Talking With Reverse Mortgage Lenders” will help you determine questions to ask when choosing your originator.

Related articles of stories on how seniors have used the reverse mortgage and how it’s made a difference in their lives:

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 Receive Some Good PR Coverage

Posted on March 24, 2012 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

While the media often feeds into the myths and misconceptions about reverse mortgages, the past two weeks there were two pieces that provided accurate and good information about this finance option for seniors.

First was a post in the New York Times on March15th titled, “More Homeowners Seek Reverse Mortgages At Earlier Age” http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/15/more-homeowners-seek-reverse-mortgages-at-earlier-age/

And on March 21, NBC Today Money 911 panelists provided a good answer to a daughter who thinks she should get an inheritance rather than her mother having done the reverse mortgage. http://www.finishrich.com/blog/nbcs-today-show-money-911-march -21-2012/

The reverse mortgage provides funds for the senior’s needs and wants. It helps them have money for their security, independence, dignity and control… no matter what their age.

It’s good to see the media catching on and providing facts for a change.

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.

Eleven Statements To Listen For Indicating A Reverse Mortgage May Be Beneficial

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

When you hear any of these eleven statements from a homeowner 62 and older a reverse mortgage may benefit them. They should be encouraged to get the facts to see if a reverse mortgage is right for their situation.

“I want to stay in my home.”
“My only option is to move.”
“I can’t afford home health care.”
“We can’t afford a mortgage payment.”
“We can’t afford to make home repairs or modifications.”
“Not enough money at the end of the Social Security check.”
“I need help with keeping up my home with housekeeping or yard work.”
“I’m downsizing and moving.” or “I’m moving closer to my children.”
They need funds for retirement planning.
They can’t afford the little extras that would help them maintain and enjoy their life.
They want Security, Independence, Dignity, and Control which they are missing in some way now.

A reverse mortgage is a mortgage with special terms for seniors 62 and older. Some of the differences include income and credit scores are not considered to qualify for the interest rate and monthly mortgage payments are not required. Rather than a 15 or 30 year term, the loan is due and payable when the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrowers or on the 150th birthday of the youngest borrower. In addition, the reverse mortgage is non-recourse, which means if the loan balance is higher than what the home can be sold for there is no personal liability to the borrower or their heirs. If the home is sold for more than the loan balance, the borrower or their heirs receive the difference. The most common and only reverse mortgage available in Minnesota is the FHA HUD insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM.

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

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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