What do reverse mortgage originators do to earn their money?

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

Calculating reverse mortgage originator's time Often stated, the reverse mortgage is expensive and the fee the originator makes is part of the reason. Originating reverse mortgages is not as easy as one, two, three but a very time consuming process whether one is a retail officer (works directly for the lender) or a broker (one who works with various lenders). Note that brokers are often more involved in the process, not just taking an application and moving on to the next application.

My clients often make comments at the closing that they understand and appreciate all the work I did to get to the closing table. To help you understand the work and time we, as reverse mortgage expert originators, put into originating and processing a reverse mortgage let me walk you through an outline and approximate time involved. Note: While you may not read the outline word for word (yes, it’s long), you’ll at least have a good idea of the time involved for originating each reverse mortgage. Make sure you go to the last five paragraphs for the conclusion.

Take the phone call from one interested in a reverse mortgage. Generally spend 30 to 60 minutes gathering information about the situation, why they are inquiring about the reverse mortgage, providing initial information, discussion options available, and getting information to run calculations to determine eligibility.
We generally spend time on researching property values. This can be critical to determining the feasibility of completing a reverse mortgage if there is a significant mortgage balance outstanding and important even without debt payoff concerns just to give the homeowner the most accurate estimate of loan proceeds possible – 20 to 60 minutes.
Enter information into computer program, run calculations, prepare informational folder – approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
Drive 60+ minutes round trip to the prospect’s home for an initial educational meeting.
Discuss their situation and educate them on the reverse mortgage, the various program options, i.e. adjustable rate vs fixed rate, monthly vs annual adjustable rate programs, cap on draw in 1st 12 months, and possible other options – 1 to 3 hours.
1. Leave a list of reverse mortgage counselors for the required FHA HUD insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) counseling.
Generally there are numerous phone calls to answer additional questions. These calls can be 15 minutes to an hour or more each call.
1. Sometimes we talk with family members or have an additional 1 to 2 hours face-to-face with prospect and their family.
2. If one is doing the HECM for Purchase, using the reverse mortgage to purchase a new home, we also meet with the real estate agent, building contractor, etc. – additional 1 to 2 hours with each along with numerous calls in between.
Receive phone call that the prospect is ready to proceed with the loan. Schedule application time and date – 10 to 30 minutes (longer if they have additional questions).
Call prospect to gather information needed for application as well as which option they are choosing – 15 to 20 minutes.
Enter complete information into computer program – 30 to 60 minutes.
Prepare the full application package for signatures and a separate borrower set – 60+ minutes.
Drive 60+ minutes round trip for the application. Drive time can be 5 to 10 hours round trip if the client is outside the metro area. (Some lenders will mail the application or use a notary however I believe that the face-to-face meeting provides better explanations of each of the forms one is signing. Note that notaries, unless a licensed or registered mortgage originator, cannot answer any questions, they are there only to verify your identity and make sure you sign the application forms in the appropriate spots.)
Spend 1 to 2 hours, sometimes longer to review information on application and get signatures.
If counseling wasn’t completed prior to the application, work with borrower to receive counseling certification with signatures of both the counselor and the borrower(s) which is needed prior to starting the processing of the loan – 15 to 30 minutes.
1. Make phone calls to have the signed counseling certificate faxed – 15 minutes. Or will drive to pick up certification – another 60+ minutes round trip plus 10 to 15 minutes with borrower.
2. May need to contact counselor for corrections on address or correct names or Power of Attorneys – 15 to 30 minutes.
Review file, making sure everything is collected and prepare for submitting for processing – 30+ minutes.
Start processing. We are a reverse mortgage broker (one who works with more than one lender) and we process the loans in our office, we don’t send them off somewhere to another office or state to be processed. While the processor is different than the originator, the originator of a broker is often involved in the facilitating the processing by working with the processor and the borrower through to the closing and funding, not just taking an application.
1. Enter information into processing software program (one we have developed on our own) – Processor: 30 to 45 minutes.
2. Request FHA Case Number – Processor: 10 minutes.
3. Order Title Report – Processor: 10 minutes.
4. Order appraisal from Appraisal Management Company – Processor: 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Order Insurance Binder – Processor: 10 minutes.
6. Pull Flood Certificate – Processor: 10 minutes.
7. Pull Credit Report – Processor: 10 minutes.
8. Pull other required documentation – Processor: 10 minutes each when necessary.
9. Review Title Report when received – Processor and Originator: 15 to 30 minutes.
10. Review appraisal when received – Processor and Originator: 30 minutes.
11. Review Insurance Binder – Processor: 10 minutes.
12. Review Flood Certificate – Processor: 10 minutes.
13. Review Credit Report – Processor: 10 minutes.
14. Request any changes if necessary – Processor: 10 minutes for each change that is necessary.
15. Phone calls with borrower for clarifications on any information that is on title, credit report, etc. For example if a mortgage is on title that we didn’t know about, showing taxes weren’t paid, a judgment is on title or the credit report – Originator: 15 to 30 minutes each call; sometimes 3, 4 or more calls.
16. When appraisal is received, enter new value, if repairs are required, etc. in software program for calculations – Originator: 15 to 30 minutes.
17. Update processing software program with changes – Processor: 10 to 15 minutes.
18. Call borrower to advise borrower of appraised value, required repairs if any, and any calculation changes – Originator: 15 to 30 minutes.
  1. Or up to several hours based on the appraised value, repairs, or other factors, the borrower decides a program change would be in their best interest (i.e., a change from fixed rate to adjustable rate), or contractor bids or additional inspections are needed for repairs.
19. Prepare re-disclosure for borrower – Originator: 15 to 30 minutes.
  1. Or up to several hours or more if, based on the appraised value or other factors, the borrower decides a program change would be in their best interest (i.e., a change from fixed rate to adjustable rate).
20. Mail re-disclosure to borrower – Originator: 10 to15 minutes.
21. Review all documentation to make sure everything needed is in the file for underwriting – Processor: 20 to 30 minutes.
  1. Multiple follow up calls to the borrower may be necessary to remind them and/or advise them on missing, corrected or additional documents that are necessary (i.e., SS card shows maiden name, etc) – Originator: 10 to 20 minutes each call.
22. Scan and submit file to underwriting – Processor: 15 minutes.
23. Request final fees from title agent – Processor: 10 to minutes.
24. Address any underwriting conditions by contacting title company, appraisal management company, borrower, or making other necessary changes – Processor: 30 minutes to several hours depending on the conditions. Conditions are required so that HUD will insure the loan and the investors will provide the funding.
25. Have borrower sign letterof commitment – required in MN to be signed and dated by borrower and can’t close for 7 days – Originator: 60+ minutes round trip to get borrower’s signature plus 10 to 15 minutes with borrower. Can be done via fax or scanned and emailed if borrower has this capability. If they live outside the metro area and don’t have capability to fax or scan and email the commitment will be done through the mail delaying the time for the closing (not what the borrowers want at this point).
26. Gather, review and Submit changes/conditions to underwriter – Processor: 10 to 15 minutes.
27. Discuss with borrower how they want their reverse mortgage funds and their availability for closing – Originator: 15 to 30 minutes.
28. Schedule closing according to availability of title agent/signer (and possibly a notary), borrower and loan officer and lender’s closing department’s timing requirements, and possibly with family members and/or Power of Attorney (POA) – Processor and Originator: 30 to 40 minutes each of the phone calls.
29. Prepare closing document request to send to lender – Processor: 2+ hours.
30. Receive closing documents, review that the numbers match those in our program; make sure title company’s and lenders numbers match- going back and forth between those involved – Processor: 2+ hours.
31. Attend closing. We believe in attending the closing with our borrowers to assist in explaining the closing documents. We generally close at borrower’s home for their convenience or would drive to the title company’s office – Originator: 60+ minutes round trip drive time. Drive time can be 5 to 10 hours round trip if the client is outside the metro area.
32. Closing with borrower – 1 to 1 ½ hours.
33. Follow up on funding conditions, i.e. missed signatures or documents, if there are any (we rarely have any) – Processor: 30 to 60 minutes.
  1. If necessary, we may make another trip to the borrower’s home to get a signature on a document in order to keep on schedule for funding) – Originator: 60+ minutes round trip drive time. If outside of the metro area we will assist borrower via phone and having sent over-night the necessary documentation – 60+ minutes.
34. Keep borrower advised of funding status, i.e. when funds were wired to their bank and payments made for paying mortgages, taxes, etc. – Originator: 10 to 15 minutes per phone call, generally 2 calls.
35. Once funded, send thank you letter – Originator and Processor: 15 minutes to prepare and mail.
Answer questions from borrowers during the life the loan – generally 15 to 30 minutes each call. We often talk with our borrowers once or twice a year.

What is described above is an ideal no-problem/issues loan. The majority of our loans can have multiple issues that increase our time investment significantly including POA, Conservatorships, Trusts, non-borrowing and non-occupying individuals on the title, private liens and a long list of property issues including manufactured homes, condos, rural properties, repairs, etc. These can result in additional huge time requirements on the originator’s and processor’s part.

We also continually market for new clients meeting with referral sources and reverse mortgage prospects (some of whom decide to wait or not do the reverse mortgage), as well as other marketing efforts.

A good loan originator will take time to meet with the prospects, educate them, their families and advisors about the various reverse mortgage programs and options. They will also be familiar with the processing and assist with the processing as well as be available to answer questions even after the loan is closed. Originators, processors, underwriters, lenders, title companies and their settlement agents, and all involved in the loan process need to be compensated for their time, experience, and expertise.

The originator does NOT receive the full fee collected. The fee received by the reverse mortgage broker covers the originator’s salary, the processor’s salary, overhead for the business such as computers, office supplies, copiers, health insurance for employees, taxes, licensing, marketing expenses, etc. Originating a loan is not charged by the hour but this gives an idea of the hours involved for the originating and processing reverse mortgages.

As we go through the application and process, my borrowers, recognize the time we put into helping them with their reverse mortgage and don’t question the fee we are paid. I hope this outline helps you also understand that it is a time consuming process and the reason the fees are what they are. And when broken down “all that money” is not really all that much compared to the time involved.

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-1a2

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.

Widower’s Financial Situation Improves with Reverse Mortgage

Posted on November 9, 2014 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

Reverse Mortgage benefited widower

Gary’s financial situation was impacted when his wife passed away a year ago. Instead of having income from two Social Security checks, there was only one. Having gone to just one Social Security check he wasn’t able to maintain his lifestyle as he had been accustomed and it was difficult to have enough funds to pay his property taxes. And for awhile he started using a credit card to cover some of his living expenses.

Wanting to stay in his home of many years, Gary contacted me to do a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage is a loan with special terms for those 62 and older. The funds available are based on the age of the youngest homeowner, the lessor of the appraised value or FHA lending limit of $625,500 and the Expected Interest Rate of the program chosen; income or credit score qualifications are not used for the interest rate.* Similar to a traditional mortgage, the title stays in the homeowner’s name. The most common, and only reverse mortgage currently available in Minnesota, is HUD’s FHA insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM),

The additional benefits Gary liked about the reverse mortgage was he doesn’t have to make monthly mortgage payments and with the flexibility of the adjustable rate program he can receive funds in a lump sum, a line of credit with a growth rate, monthly payments or a combination of those.

In addition, Gary liked the fact that the loan isn’t due until he is no longer in the home as his primary residence or on his 150th birthday and it’s a non-recourse loan which means there is no personal liability when repaying the loan, it is repaid from the property only. For example, if the loan balance is $300,000 when the loan become due and payable but the home can only be sold for $250,000 the borrower or the estate do not have to come up with the $50,000 difference. The loan is generally repaid from the sale of the property when the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrower, usually when they move, die or sell. If the home is sold for more than the loan balance the remaining equity goes to the borrower or the estate.

At closing Gary’s home equity line of credit was paid off so he didn’t have any more monthly mortgage payments. Additionally his property taxes were brought current, he took out some funds to pay some bills that had accumulated. And now he has funds in a line of credit. There is a small amount available under HUD’s limit to 60% in the 1st 12 months with the balance available after the 1st year. Recognizing he is responsible for paying his property taxes, keeping homeowners insurance on the property and maintaining the property, the reverse mortgage provides the funds he’ll need for these responsibilities as well as funds for emergencies and the little things that may come up. Gary’s financial situation has improved and he can maintain his lifestyle going forward.

Think about how a reverse mortgage will make a difference in your life and contact your local originator, one who works with several lenders to be able to offer you all options available and one who will meet with you in person.

*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.

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-19A

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 wonder if reverse mortgages are so good, why more people aren’t doing them?

Posted on October 15, 2014 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

This is a question that I was asked recently during an initial meeting from potential reverse mortgage borrowers. A great question that I think has a couple answers.

People still haven’t heard of them. When I was talking with one of my reverse mortgage borrowers the other day he said he’s been mentioning that he had done one but is surprised on how many people still haven’t heard about them. While there are many ads and media coverage, some people are still unfamiliar with them.
A lot of misinformation has been spread through the media, politicians and the community putting fear into the minds of potential reverse mortgage borrowers. Unfortunately the media, politicians and people in our communities have not reached out to the experts, those to who specialize in reverse mortgages, to get the facts but continually spread the misinformation. Even some of the articles that tend toward being accurate don’t get all the facts right. Or the comments on the article contain misinformation. This misinformation is what scares people from doing a reverse mortgage even when they could benefit from one.

Let’s look at the facts of reverse mortgages and some of the misinformation that people have that keeps them from doing a reverse mortgage.

A reverse mortgage is a mortgage that has special terms for those 62 and over. Unlike a conventional mortgage or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) monthly mortgage payments are not required. Income and credit scores are not factors in determining one’s interest rate or how much can be loaned. As without or with a conventional mortgage, a HELOC, homeowners are responsible for paying their property taxes and homeowners insurance.

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

My smart phone has so many bells and whistles I don’t understand all the options or how it works… complex yes, but I still utilize one and I don’t think I could live without it any more. If people are open to getting the facts, they will likely have a better understanding of reverse mortgage and might just find it useful.

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

The amount repaid is the amount borrowed by the homeowners including interest and FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums. Any remaining funds go to the borrowers or their heirs. As a non-recourse loan, if the loan balance is higher than the fair market value of the home, the borrowers or their heirs don’t have to come up with the difference.

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

Borrowers receive many benefits in having funds to use without having to make monthly mortgage payments, improved cash flow without restrictions on how the funds can be used, being able to stay in their home or purchase a new home. Originators and lenders do get paid for reverse mortgage loans, but everyone gets paid for the work they do. Personally I find it rewarding to help people, and I’m not ripping people off, in fact I and others I know in the industry are certainly not getting rich in this career…there is a lot of work involved to originate reverse mortgages, but we’re passionate in making a difference for people. In fact, because of all the work, on some loans our compensation works out to very little.

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

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

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

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

If they do wish to sell maybe to downsize, move closer to their children or to purchase the home of their dreams, the HECM for Purchase program gives them the option to purchase without having to make monthly mortgage payments.

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

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

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

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

Don’t buy into the scare tactics! Before believing everything in the media, those commenting on stories, politicians or your friends or neighbors, get the facts about reverse mortgages. As I often ask, “Do you go to a plumber if you’re having health issues?” Of course you don’t! So why are you listening to those who can’t or aren’t providing the facts on reverse mortgages?

Take time to understand and have the facts. When people do, they see the benefits and more people will do a reverse mortgage!

And hopefully, as my borrower is doing, reverse mortgage borrowers will spread the word on how the reverse mortgage has benefitted them so more people will hear about them.

*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

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.

We Were Able To Use A Reverse Mortgage To Purchase Our Beautiful New Home

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

HECM for Purchase allows one to buy a new home with a reverse mortgage “Without the help and knowledge of Beth Paterson who first told me about the reverse mortgage to buy I would never have been able to get our beautiful new townhome, which my wife needs because of her mobility to navigate a lot of stairs.”

This was comment I received from Mike after they closed on their HECM for Purchase (H4P) and moved into their new home.

Mike and I had originally talked about 6 years ago when he and Carol were considering a reverse mortgage on the home they had lived for many years. For various reasons they decided to wait. We did talk periodically and I kept them informed of product changes. When Carol was having some issues navigating the stairs they had in their home they decided that it would be better to find a home without all the stairs. This is when I introduced them to option of using use the reverse mortgage to purchase the new home.

Their search ensued until they found a beautiful townhome not too far from their current home in Minnesota but easier for Carol to navigate now and into the future. Still interested in the idea of not having a mortgage payment, we met and discussed the H4P so they would have an understanding of the program. We also met with their real estate agent and the builder to educate them on how this unique option worked.

Like it did for Mike and Carol, the HECM Home Purchase Program provides financing to those who desire to re-size, move closer to children or purchase a new home without having mortgage payments.

The advantages of using a reverse mortgage to purchase a home:

There are no monthly mortgage payments required (borrowers are responsible for paying property taxes, insurance and maintain the property).
Preserves cash savings and investments rather than liquidating savings and investments to pay all cash for the home purchase.
It is a way to leverage funds to make it possible to purchase a higher valued home.
Provides financing so one can re-size to a lower maintenance home, one-level home, a home more suitable for aging in place, move to be closer to children or even purchase one’s “dream home.”

Keep in mind, a reverse mortgage is a mortgage but has special terms for those 62 and older. It offers the most flexibility on how the funds are received and when the loan needs to be repaid.

The steps to do purchase a home with the reverse mortgage are the same as with the regular reverse mortgage. However there are some unique points for this beneficial home purchase option that one needs to be aware.

Eligibility requirements:

All borrowers going on title must be 62 years old or older.

The properties that qualify must be residential and include:
- single family
- 1 to 4 family dwelling units if the borrower/owner resides in one unit
- FHA approved condos or manufactured homes that meet HUD’s standards

To determine how much is available from the reverse mortgage for the purchase, we run our calculations on the lessor of the final appraised value, sales price, or FHA mortgage limit for a one-family residence (currently $625,500).

For example, if the purchase price is $250,000 and the appraised value is $275,000, we would use the $250,000. Or if the purchase price is $285,000 and the appraised value is $275,000, we use the $275,000.

The proceeds available to the borrower are calculated the same way as with any reverse mortgage, having all the closing costs (origination and FHA MIP, reports, title and escrow/settlement fees) included in the loan so there are no out of pocket expenses other than the appraisal and potentially any inspections. The “Net Principal Limit” is the amount available to the borrower after costs.

Note: When I’m working with those exploring homes, I run several calculations at various possible home values so when the borrower and their real estate agent are looking for a home, they will have an idea of the home value and the cash the borrower will need at close.

The borrower will need to have the difference between the Net Principal Limit and the purchase price available. For example:

If the purchase price and the appraised value is $275,000 and the Net Principal Limit is $165,000, the borrower will need $110,000* to purchase the $275,000 home.

Rather than using all reverse mortgage funds, more personal funds can be used for the purchase so the reverse mortgage can be set up with a line of credit option. (HECM LIBOR option only; the fixed rate requires you to pull all available funds at close and does not offer the line of credit option.)

For example, if a borrower has $150,000 in funds they want to use to purchase the same $275,000 home, they could combine their $100,000 with the $165,000 from the reverse mortgage proceeds to purchase the home and then have $40,000 in their reverse mortgage line of credit.

The funds the borrowers use must be from cash on hand, cash from the sale, liquidation of assets or Gift funds (must meet HUD’s approved funding sources and source of funds needs to be documented).

The additional funds cannot come from Builder incentives, Seller financing, Seller contributions or concessions, any person or entity that financially benefits from the transaction or third party that is directly or indirectly reimbursed by any of the parties benefitting in the transaction or Credit Card advances, sweat equity, trade equity, rent credit. Purchasers cannot use loan discount points, interest rate buy downs, closing cost down payment assistance, gifts or personal property given by the seller or any other party involved in the transaction. Seller can pay their share of taxes and Home Owner Association fees if applicable.

The borrower may choose any of the options/interest rate options:
- HECM Adjustable
- HECM Fixed

For calculation purposes our rates change every week. The rate cannot be confirmed until the week of closing. However, on the adjustable rate LIBOR we have a Principal Limit Rate Lock which means we can use the rate at the time of application or closing, whichever is the most favorable to the borrower. For the process of planning how much will be available to the borrower, I initially use the rate and amount of the program chosen at the time of application.

Seller has to be the owner of record for 90 days prior to the date of the sales contract (based on when recorded). (This is to protect against property flipping.)

Prior to completing an application HUD requires the Certification of Occupancy.

The Original Purchase Contract or Certified Copy of the Purchase Contract is needed for underwriting.

Counseling must be completed by a HUD approved HECM counseling agency that has been approved to provide reverse mortgage counseling. Minnesota requires that the counselor be located in Minnesota. We will provide a you a list of HUD approved counselors.

The property must be livable at the time of closing. Any required repairs must be completed prior to closing by the seller – no repairs or repair set asides are allowed.

Funds are provided at closing, as there is no rescission period.

The new property has to be the primary residence and occupancy must happen within 60 days of closing.

One’s existing home may be retained as rental property or if purchasing current home prior to the sale of existing home, income verification will be required to document the ability to maintain both properties. (This is prevent the practice of “buy and bail.”)

Using the reverse mortgage to finance the purchase of your new home may be your solution to meeting your goals without having a monthly mortgage payment.**

Like Mike and Carol, if you or someone you know are 62 or older and want to…

…downsize
…move to a townhome so they don’t have to do the yard work
…move to a one-level home
…move closer to their children
…move to a larger home to have space for when their family comes to visit

The HECM for Purchase program may be your financing option!

*You may also need funds for property taxes, initial hazard insurance premium, home owner association dues, etc.
**Borrowers are still responsible for paying property taxes, hazard insurance, maintaining the home and abiding by the terms of the loan.

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:

– See more at: http://rmsidac.com/beths-reverse-mortgage-blog/#sthash.3C3ljz4F.dpuf

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:

– See more at: http://rmsidac.com/beths-reverse-mortgage-blog/#sthash.3C3ljz4F.dpuf

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.

This site or information provided is not from, or approved by, HUD or FHA or any US Government Agency or Department. – See more at: http://rmsidac.com/#sthash.vv8MiYI8.dpuf

This site or information provided is not from, or approved by, HUD or FHA or any US Government Agency or Department. – See more at: http://rmsidac.com/#sthash.7ZcOk1EU.dpuf

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:

– See more at: http://rmsidac.com/beths-reverse-mortgage-blog/#sthash.3C3ljz4F.dpuf

Reverse Mortgages Offer New Products for Better Options for Borrowers

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Beth Paterson, CRMP

Reverse Mortgage Options Change doesn’t always have a positive image but change can be a good thing as it is with the recent reverse mortgage product changes that are insured by HUD. Here is information on the reverse mortgage products available.

First let’s look at understanding the FHA/HUD Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), which is currently the most common reverse mortgage, and the only option currently available in Minnesota. It is federally insured and regulated. Lending limits are set by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The maximum disbursement allowed at closing cannot exceed the greater of 60% of the Principal Limit/Maximum Loan Amount or the sum of mandatory obligations (closing costs, loan and judgment payoffs, set asides, etc.) plus 10% of the Principal Limit/Maximum Loan Amount.

The up-front FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) is .5% for initial draws of 60% or less in the 1st 12 months. If one draws more than 60% at closing or in the 1st 12 months due to mandatory obligations, the up-front MIP is 2.5%. The maximum distribution of funds allowed at closing and in the 1^st 12 months is the greater of 60% of the Principal Limit or the total of mandatory obligations plus 10% of the Principal Limit; the amount drawn cannot exceed the Principal Limit.

*Mandatory Obligations include closing costs, loan and judgment payoffs, set asides, etc.

Features on all reverse mortgage programs include:

No monthly mortgage payments however borrowers are still responsible for property taxes, hazard insurance, maintaining the home and abiding by the terms of the loan
No income or credit qualifications for the interest rate*
No personal liability, they are all non-recourse
No equity sharing or appreciation sharing
Loan is due and payable when the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrower(s)
Independent Counseling is required

Now let’s look at the various program options including the adjustable rate options and the fixed rate options as well as the HECM For Purchase.

The Adjustable Rate Program, offering the most choices on how the funds are received makes it the most versatile reverse mortgage program.

Funds available in a line of credit, monthly tenure or term payments, lump sum or a combination of these subject to HUD program limits, i.e. cannot exceed 60% in the 1st 12 months.
The available funds in the unused line of credit grow so more funds become available over time.
With the Adjustable Program, after the 1st 12 months the remaining loan proceeds become available.
One can make repayments which reduce the loan balance and then have the option to re-borrow those funds again via monthly payments or the line of credit.
The interest rate is based on the LIBOR (London Inter-Bank Offered Rate) plus a margin.

One of the features of the Adjustable Rate program is the Principal Limit Protection feature, implemented in 2006, this allows the lock of the Expected Rate index – however it does not lock the margin. Click here to learn about the Principal Limit Protection feature.

Reverse Mortgage Adjustable Rate Mortgage With the HECM Monthly Adjustable Rate program the rate can change monthly with the first rate change occurring on the 1st day of the second full month and can occur every month thereafter. There are no limits on the amount of the rate change each month. With the monthly adjustable rate there is a lifetime cap of 5 percentage points or 10 percentage points above the interest at the time of closing depending on the lender.

The HECM Annual Rate program has the same features as the Monthly Adjustable Rate although the rate adjusts annually with the first rate change occurring between 12 and 18 months from the date of closing. The rate changes thereafter must occur every 12 months. The rate cannot change more than 2 percentage points at each rate change with a lifetime cap of 5 percentage points above the initial rate at closing.

With some of the same features as the HECM Adjustable Rate program, the HECM Fixed Rate offers a fixed rate option. There is one interest rate, fixed for the term of the loan, for borrowers who are drawing 100% of their available funds up-front. With this option funds are NOT available in a line of credit or for monthly payments.

One may choose to make a payment on the fixed rate option which will reduce the loan balance however these funds are not available to re-borrower again in the future.

NOTE: While a fixed rate reverse mortgage sounds enticing, once it is understood, it may not be the best choice for a reverse mortgage unless you need all the proceeds for the mandatory obligations at time of closing.

With the Fixed Rate the interest is being accrued on all funds drawn up front when it may not be necessary to take all the funds initially. Additionally, the growth rate is not available on the funds in the line of credit on all the Fixed Rate programs. If you are doing the fixed rate, ask for the fixed program that offers the line of credit and monthly payment options for the most flexibility.

Using a reverse mortgage to purchase a home Another program of the reverse mortgage is the HECM Home Purchase Program which provides financing to those who desire to downsize, move closer to children or purchase a new home without having mortgage payments.

The steps to do so are the same as with the regular reverse mortgage. However there are some unique points for this beneficial home purchase option. If you are over 62 and purchasing a new home in Minnesota contact us to learn more about the HECM for Purchase.

While Proprietary or private Reverse Mortgage Programs are not available in Minnesota at this time there is currently one offered. These reverse mortgages are generally for seniors with higher home values and are considered jumbo loans. With much higher or unlimited lending limits, the amount of funds available to a borrower may be much greater for those with home values over $1million than other reverse mortgage programs.

One must always look at their situation, consider how the funds will be received and utilized, to determine which reverse mortgage program will work best for their circumstances. If you are located in Minnesota, contact Reverse Mortgages SIDAC for a review of all the options of reverse mortgages in Minnesota to see which option will be the best for your situation.

*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.

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

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

Reverse Mortgage 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

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

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.

Surprise! Reverse Mortgage Closing Costs Actually Compare to Conventional Mortgage Costs

Posted on February 12, 2014 by sidac

It seems like every article, report or someone you talk with states the reverse mortgage closing costs are high. Have you looked at closing costs on a conventional home mortgage?

As with a conventional home mortgage (called a “forward” by HUD), the closing costs for reverse mortgages may vary depending on the home value and the complexity of the loan. Let’s compare the costs side-by-side for a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM and a conventional/forward mortgage.

The third party and recording fees are standard for any loan. Keep in mind that there has to be a cost involved because everyone in the transaction needs to be paid for their services. If the costs on a mortgage aren’t paid up-front then they’ll be paid over time with a higher interest. Look at an estimated comparison based on a Minnesota home valued at $200,000:

Third Party Fees	Reverse FHA	Forward	Forward FHA
Appraisal	$500	$450	$500
Credit Report	$25	$25*	$25
Flood Certification	$10	$10*	$10
Courier Fee*	$35	$35*	$35
Escrow, Settlement, or Closing	$275	$275	$275
Abstract or Title Search	$110	$110	$110
Title Exam	$110	$110	$110
Document Preparation	$125	$125*	$125
Title Insurance	$475	$392	$392
Endorsements	$50	$50*	$50
Recording Fees	$92	$46*	$92
County/Mortgage Registration Tax	$295	$384	$384
Plat Drawing	$60	$60	$60
Name Search	$35	$35	$35
Special Assessment Search	$35	$35	$35
Counseling Fee	$125	N/A	N/A
TOTAL THIRD PARTY FEES	$2,357	$2,142	$2,238

* These fees are included in the Qualified Mortgage (QM) Rule; included in as part of the “Closing Costs” under Lender Fees.

Now let’s compare the Lender Fees:

FHA’s Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) is paid directly to FHA. The FHA reverse mortgage includes a .5% or a 2.5% initial mortgage insurance premium, determined by the funds being drawn in the first twelve months. The advantages with FHA insuring the reverse mortgage include:

Guaranteeing the funds are available for you during the term of the loan.
Guaranteeing the reverse mortgage lender against default or shortfalls means the interest rates are lower compared to other mortgages for the benefits one receives with the reverse mortgage.
Providing a line of credit growth rate (available only with reverse mortgages).
As a reverse mortgage it is a non-recourse (no personal liability) loan; the FHA MIP will cover the difference to the lender rather than the borrowers or their heirs having to come up with the difference

The origination fee is what the originating lender receives to cover the loan officer’s compensation, overhead to run the business, i.e. staff salaries, administration costs, computers, electricity, office supplies, marketing expense, gas mileage, health insurance of employees, etc.. The origination fee also includes the processing and underwriting costs which are generally separate and charged to the borrower on forward loans. HUD regulates the reverse mortgage origination fee to be 2% of the 1st $200,000; 1% thereafter with a cap of $6,000. With a minimum of $2,500.

In some situations the lender will offer no or a reduced origination fee however the interest rate will be higher than if one pays the origination fee.

The reverse mortgage fees are based on the full home value because over time borrowers can access more than the home value at the time of origination. One is essentially borrowing the interest and mortgage insurance premium each month because they are not making a payment. And as one draws from their line of credit or through monthly payments the loan balance will increase making the loan amount higher.

An estimate based on a $200,000 home value (based on loan amount at 80% for the Forward loans):

LENDER FEES	REVERSE FHA	FORWARD	FORWARD FHA
Origination/Points	$4,000	$4,800*	$1,600
MIP	$1,000**	$0***	$2,800
Administration Fees	$0	$900*	$900
SUBTOTAL LENDER FEES	$5,000	$4,800	$5,300

Prepaid Interest****	N/A	$375	$375
TOTAL LENDER FEES	$5,000	$5,175	$5,675

*QM Rule closing costs cannot exceed 3% of the loan amount. Number of points are directly related to interest rate charged; the more points paid the lower the interest rate; the lower points paid, the higher interest rate.
** Based on .5% – taking 60% or less within the 1st 12 months.
*** Conventional loans may have a Private Mortgage Insurance fee.
**** Forward loans have up-front prepaid interest due for remaining days in the month of closing; this is an example amount. Funds will also be needed up-front to set up escrow.

TOTAL LOAN FEES	REVERSE FHA	FORWARD	FORWARD FHA
	$7,357	$7,026	$7,913

NOTE THE DIFFERENCE IS BASICALLY THE FHA MORTGAGE PREMIUM! Refer to above comments on the benefits of FHA insuring the reverse mortgage.

The fees associated with the reverse mortgage are fully financed as part of the loan with no out of pocket expenses other than the FHA appraisal. (As of 2010 Appraisal Management Companies must be used to order and process the appraisal. This fee is required to be paid for by borrower up front or “out of pocket.”) All of the fees for reverse mortgages and forward mortgages must be disclosed on the Good Faith Estimate (GFE).

When considering whether to do a forward mortgage or a reverse mortgage you must consider if you can even qualify for a forward mortgage; then if you can make the payments over time. For example, what happens if “life happens,” could you continue making those payments or would you be facing foreclosure?

You also need to consider that if you do a forward mortgage now (if you even qualify), you’ll be paying the closings costs on that loan and then when you need more funds in the future and you refinance you’ll be paying the closings costs again.

Whereas with the reverse mortgage you pay the closing costs up-front and then without paying closing costs again you have access to more funds through your life as long as you are living in the home as your primary residence. The additional funds would be either through monthly payments, a line of credit if that is the type of loan you have chosen.

Consider the benefits of the reverse mortgage which include:

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

Now that we’ve compared the costs side-by-side, are you surprised that they are comparable to a conventional loan?

Comparison of fees first published 2009; Updated 2014; updated 12/3/2014
© 2009-2014 Beth Paterson, Beth’s Reverse Mortgage Blog, 651-762-9648

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

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

Without The Reverse Mortgage Money I Would Have Been “Up The Creek Without A Paddle.”

Posted on January 19, 2014 by sidac

My reverse mortgage was a good decision I recently received the following letter from a reverse mortgage client of mine outlining why a reverse mortgage was a good decision.

Dear Beth,

I am writing about why a Reverse Mortgage was a good decision for me. I have had mine since 2010. My husband died in 2009 and although I was able to keep up with my monthly bills, I would run short of cash when Auto Insurance, Fire Insurance, Property Tax and other unexpected bills would arrive.

My family would always be willing to help me with those bills but I did not want to be a burden to them. My daughter-in-law Nancy belongs to a Women’s Group with you, Beth Paterson, and suggested that I may want to look into a Reverse Mortgage. The family was with me throughout the whole procedure and they agreed that it was a good choice for me.

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. I needed care-givers two times a day. Without the Reverse Mortgage money I would have been ‘up a creek without a paddle’. I simply filled out a form, mailed it to the mortgage company and they transferred the needed funds into my bank account. Financial independence saved the day.

Barbara H.

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 payments required. Senior homeowners maintain the title as 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 HECM Adjustable Rate program allows for borrowers to receive their funds in monthly payments, line of credit, lump sum or a combination of these. The monthly payments can be structured as tenure payments, for life of the loan, or as they need. The line of credit grows so more funds become available in the future. There is also a HECM Fixed Rate option which is favorable if one is pulling all their funds out in a lump sum.

As a non-recourse loan there is no personal liability when repaying the loan, the loan is repaid from the property only. This means if the loan balance when due and payable is $200,000 but the home can only be sold for $150,000 the borrower or the estate do not have to come up with the $50,000 difference. The loan is generally repaid from the sale of the property when the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrower, usually when they move, die or sell. If the home is sold for more than the loan balance the remaining equity goes to the borrower or the estate.

Barbara has the line of credit option which, with the growth rate, has grown over time. The line of credit is there for situations like hers.

Are you or do you know someone who would like to have access to funds providing financial independence and not rely on others? Consider a reverse mortgage!

*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

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.

Changes Are Inevitable and They Are Coming To Reverse Mortgages Soon

Posted on August 19, 2013 by sidac

The HECM reverse mortgage the "cheese" that is changing.

The HECM reverse mortgage is the “cheese” that is changing.

Seems no one likes change mainly because of fear, fear of change and fear of the unknown. But change is a part of life and so we need to accept and adapt. In the book, “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson, M.D., the characters of this parable, mice Sniff and Scurry, and little people being the size of mice, Hem and Haw, search through a maze looking for their cheese, which kept moving. While Sniff and Scurry kept moving forward to find their cheese Hem and Haw hemed and hawed.

Those of us in the reverse mortgage industry as well as you, prospective borrowers, are in the maze and the FHA insured, Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM reverse mortgage is the “cheese” that is moving. We don’t know exactly what direction the HECM will take, what we do know is after The Reverse Mortgage Stabilization Act of 2013 was passed giving HUD authority to make the changes to improve the fiscal safety and soundness of the program, changes will be taking place with reverse mortgages in the very near future.

As we navigate through the maze of the HECM reverse mortgage we are looking at the likely changes:

The amount of the principal limit or maximum funds available to borrowers will be less.
Additionally we expect that borrowers may be restricted on the amount of money they can draw up front.
Financial assessments will be implemented to determine one’s ability to pay taxes and insurance.
Borrowers may be required to set aside funds for taxes and insurance payments.
Some homeowners may no longer qualify for the reverse mortgage based on these changes.

As the characters in “Who Moved My Cheese?” reacted differently, we are all going to be reacting differently to the changes. Which character are you going to be like?

Are you going to be like Sniff and Scurry who saw the changes coming and take action and move forward now?
Or like Haw and realize if you stay in the same situation you could be worse off than if you take action now?
Or are you going to be like Hem and let your fear keep you waiting too long for the most funds available and/or long enough you may not qualify for the new program?

Age only matters if you’re cheese… or doing a reverse mortgage.

My suggestion is if you, or someone you know, are considering a reverse mortgage, do not let your fear keep you from moving forward. Be like Sniff and Scurry and move forward now to find the “cheese” and take advantage of the current reverse mortgage program before the changes go into effect so you still receive the biggest benefits.

If you are in Minnesota and want to ensure you are locked into the current reverse mortgage program before it changes, please contact my office to answer your questions and to assist you. For other states contact your local reverse mortgage originator for assistance.

And for me, I’m taking the paths of Sniff and Scurry, by accepting that changes happen, anticipating the changes, as well as adapting to the changes as they are necessary for the survival of the reverse mortgage program. As I wrote when some lenders exited the reverse mortgage industry, We Are Not Chicken Littles – The Sky Is Not Falling, the reverse mortgage will remain a viable option but it will be different than it is today. I will continue to be here even after the changes have taken place to assist seniors to remain in their home and have funds for their needs and wants through reverse mortgages.

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

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