Tag Archives: Senior Finances

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

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Enjoying remaining at home with a HECM reverse mortgageWhen 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.

© 2012 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-wT

Related articles:

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

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

Where The Heart Is: Using Technology To Remain At Home

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I was privileged to present a webinar for GrandCare Systems webinar series:

Where The Heart Is: Using Technology To Remain At Home

You have the opportunity to listen and view the webinar.

Seniors have always wanted to remain at home. Now with the housing market where it is, seniors are staying at home even longer. We’ll discuss how using technology adds benefits to remaining at home.

In this webinar you will learn:

  • How housing conditions are impacting seniors remaining in their homes longer.
  • The benefits of using technology to remain at home.
  • How using technology and a reverse mortgage can be cost effective and expand the time one can remain at home vs moving to senior housing.

Access the webinar here:  http://grandcare.wordpress.com/2011/12/07/1215-webinar-where-the-heart-is-using-technology-to-remain-at-home-with/

© 2011 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-wH

Related articles:

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

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

Giving Thanks Because of Our Reverse Mortgage Customers

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Giving Thanks Because of Our Reverse Mortgage Borrowers (c) 2008 Beth PatersonMy reverse mortgage borrowers often call to say “Thank you!” for helping them obtain their reverse mortgage.  They proceed to tell me what a difference it has made in their lives as well as for their families.  I always appreciate hearing from them as well as hearing their stories.

I also receive comments and notes of appreciation from others who work with seniors, my referral sources, the vendors who we need to do a reverse mortgage and operate our business, and those in my networks.

For me it goes beyond receiving the thank you’s from others.  I too have to say “Thank you!”  Thank you to my reverse mortgage borrowers and all I work with for the opportunity I have to serve.  I am rewarded to be able to assist in making a difference in the lives of seniors.  I  recognize that it is because of you I have this opportunity to serve and I feel blessed to be able to do so.

Many years ago I found the following poem on a restaurant place mat.  I don’t know who wrote it but I did copy it down and have it hanging on my office wall… a wonderful reminder.

Because the Customer

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

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

Because the customer has sensibilities,
we must be considerate.

Because the customer has urgency,
we must be quick.

Because the customer is unique,
we must be flexible

Because the customer has high expectations,
we must excel.

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

Because of the customer,
we exist!

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

May you find reasons to give thanks for the blessings in your lives this Thanksgiving day and every day.

© 2011 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-wo

Related Articles:

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

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

Are you afraid to do a reverse mortgage? Twelve Reasons You Shouldn’t Be.

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Twelve Reasons You Should Not To Be Afraid To Do A Reverse MortgageDoes what you’ve heard about reverse mortgages make you afraid of them?  Has your fear kept you from getting the facts to see if one might benefit you?

A reverse mortgage is a mortgage with special terms for seniors 62 and older.  The most popular, and only one available in Minnesota, a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM, is insured by HUD.  Let’s look at twelve reasons you shouldn’t be afraid of reverse mortgages.

  1. Reverse mortgages are highly protected – One of the protections includes that borrowers receive counseling from a HUD trained and approved third-party counselor.  Others include prohibiting cross-selling, disclosures and implementing requirements that limit scams and fraud.
  2. No monthly payments required – Your cash flow improves because you don’t have to make a monthly mortgage payment.   Instead of making monthly mortgage payments, the reverse mortgage is due when the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrower(s) or on the 150th birthday of the youngest borrower.  And with no monthly mortgage payments required, the risk of foreclosure is reduced.
  3. A variety of program options are available – The HECM Standard, HECM Saver and Home Purchase Programs are available with a fixed rate and adjustable rate options.  This gives you options to find one that is right for your situation.
  4. The interest rate is not determined by your income and credit score – The interest rate is based on the program chosen, no matter what one’s income or credit score is.  With a conventional mortgage, one’s credit score, income and assets will impact the interest rate of their loan – with a fixed income the interest rate is likely to be higher if one even qualifies for a conventional mortgage.
  5. Funds are guaranteed to be available during the term of the loan – As long as one abides by the terms of the loan, the funds are guaranteed to be available.  Borrowers are responsible to pay property taxes, insurance and maintain the home and if applicable pay home owner association fees.
  6. Flexibility on how funds are received – Funds are available to borrowers in a line of credit (has a growth rate), monthly payments (structured to your needs), lump sum or a combination of these.
  7. No limitations on how the funds can be used – One can use the funds received from the reverse mortgage however they choose – there are no restrictions.  The reverse mortgage is like any other mortgage where the borrower is using the equity of their home to meet their needs and desires now.
  8. The title stays in your name – the bank does NOT own your home, you continue to own the home.
  9. Closing costs are comparable to conventional loans – as with any mortgage there are closing costs.  While often said to be expensive, actually the reverse mortgage closing costs compare to those of a conventional loan.
  10. Fees charged are regulated by HUD – HUD only allows the necessary fees which are standard and customary – no mark up and “junk” fees are allowed.
  11. Reverse mortgages are non-recourse – This means if the loan balance is higher than what the home can be sold for, the borrower or their estate does not have to come up with the difference.  If the home is sold for more than the loan balance, the difference goes to the borrower or their heirs.
  12. Social Security and Medicare are not Impacted – One can still receive Social Security and Medicare with a reverse mortgage.  Medicaid may also be received under ceratin circumstances.  The reverse mortgage is a loan and the proceeds are not considered income.

Face your fear and get the facts about reverse mortgages and see if one may be right for your situation.  You may find that a reverse mortgage could make your life easier and provide you cash for your needs and desires.

© 2011 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-w7

Related Articles:

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

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

Evaluating HECM Reverse Mortgage Payment Plan Options

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Reverse Mortgage Payment OptionsA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM, also known as a reverse mortgage, is a mortgage which allows seniors 62 and over to convert the equity of there home into cash.  Unlike a conventional mortgage, with the HUD insured HECM there are no monthly mortgage payments required.  Instead the borrowers have options on how they want to receive the cash “paid” to them: a lump sum, monthly payments, a line of credit, or a combination of these.  It shouldn’t be looked at as “one size fits all.”  One needs to evaluate the different options to decide which is best for their situation.  Let’s review them here.

A Lump Sum – A lump sum is pulling an amount of funds at the time of closing.  A lump sum can be done with both the adjustable rate program and the fixed rate program.  The adjustable rate program offers more flexibility because one can choose the amount they want at the time of closing with the remainder received in monthly payments or a line of credit.  The fixed rate program requires borrowers pull out all of the funds in a lump sum at the time of closing.

Considerations that need to be taken into account with the lump sum:

  • Pulling all funds at closing is ideal if one has a use for all the funds.  For example used to pay off a current mortgage or other debt or to purchase a new home without the requirement of monthly mortgage payments.
  • If one doesn’t have a use for all the funds, what will be done with funds not used?  A savings account and CDs are not paying much interest so that is generally not wise to pull all funds and place in savings accounts or CDs.
  • The interest starts accruing on the loan balance when the funds are drawn so in the case of a lump sum, the interest is added on the amount drawn up front.  If one doesn’t have a use for the funds and they are put in a savings account, the interest accrued will likely be higher than what is earned as interest on funds in a savings account.
  • Pulling all the funds in a lump sum could impact one who is on or going on Medicaid (Medical Assistance in MN) or other public benefits.  Funds from the reverse mortgage are not considered income because it is a loan against the property, so they are not considered an asset for Medicaid qualifications.  However if one pulls funds from the reverse mortgage and place them in their checking account, savings account, a CD or other investments, they could then be considered an asset and impact qualifying for Medicaid and other public benefits.

Minnesota law allows for reverse mortgage borrowers to pull funds and spend them in the month they were received and not impact their Medical Assistance and other public benefits.  Check with your state’s laws to see what is allowed where you live.

  •  For example I had a borrower who was on Medical Assistance (MA), doing the reverse mortgage to be able to remain in her home with home care.  For her convenience the family was having a bathroom installed on the main floor.  At the time of closing they pulled $10,000 for the bathroom installation.  Because it was spent within the month, she remained on MA.  However if they had only spent $5,000 of the lump sum draw, she may have lost her MA benefit because the additional $5,000 would have put her over the allowable $3,000 in assets.  (Check with an elder law attorney to see what is allowable in your state.)

With their fixed income Paul and Mary were struggling making their mortgage payments on their conventional mortgage.  They did a fixed rate payment plan HECM using all the funds available from the reverse mortgage to pay off their conventional mortgage.  Without having monthly mortgage payments their cash flow improved:  the $1,200 monthly mortgage payment they had been making on their conventional mortgage was now available to meet their other needs.

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

I emphasize that choosing to pull the funds out in a lump sum should only be done if you have a use for all or the majority of the funds at the time of the draw.

Monthly Payment Option – The amount of money one could receive as a monthly payment.  The borrower can receive tenure (for “life”/as long as the home is your primary residence) payments or determine the amount they wish to receive each month.  For example, a term payment can be received for a certain period of time, i.e. 10 years.  Or a fixed amount each month, i.e. $100 each month or $800 each month.  This option is only available with the adjustable rate program.

Considerations for receiving monthly payments:

  • It’s a great option to add extra cash each month in an amount that fits one’s needs if they need a regular amount each month.
  • Offers control so one pulls out what one needs each month.
  • The loan balance won’t grow as quickly as with a full lump sum draw.  Interest only accrues on the amount pulled at which time it becomes part of the loan balance.
  • If one has not accessed all the funds via monthly payments  they are not part of the loan balance to be repaid.
  • One can receive Medicaid and other public benefits while receiving funds in monthly increments.
  • If one is not spending the funds each month and one is leaving them or a portion of them in their checking account, their checking account balance could accumulate so that they have an asset more than what is allowable for Medicaid or other public benefits.

Margaret was receiving home care and needed additional funds to cover the private pay charges.  A reverse mortgage was set up for the amount she needed each month.

With his reverse mortgage, Gene chose the monthly payment option to meet his need of an additional $200 a month to supplement his Social Security payments.

Reverse Mortgage Line Of Credit OptionA line of credit – A credit amount from which the borrower can receive funds at any time and in any amount of their choosing.  With the reverse mortgage the amount of the line of credit cannot exceed the Principal Limit.  This option is only available with the adjustable rate program.

Considerations  for the line of credit payment option:

  • One chooses when they want to draw funds and in the amount they need or want.
  • Offers flexibility and control over your cash flow.
  • The loan balance won’t grow as quickly as with a full lump sum draw.  The loan balance is increased at the time the borrower accesses funds in the line of credit.
  • If one has not accessed the funds in the line of credit they are not part of the loan balance to be repaid.
  • One can receive Medicaid and other public benefits with the line of credit option – as long as the funds pulled are spent in the month they are received (check with your state).
  •  Money in the line of credit can grow, so more money could be available to the borrower in the future.  Often confused as an interest rate, it is actually a growth rate.  Growth rate means more funds are available for use at a future date.  If one has not accessed the money in the line of credit it is not their money so interest is not earned.

Connie did a reverse mortgage so she would have funds available in a line of credit for emergency needs.

After paying off a conventional mortgage for Bob, he left the balance in a line of credit.  A year later he pulled some funds and took a dream vacation to Yellowstone with his nephew.  He also pulled funds at a later date to modify his home so it would accommodate a wheel chair when the time came.

A combination of payment plans – An option to pull funds as a lump sum at closing, leave some funds in a line of credit and receive monthly payments; pull funds as a lump sum to meed an immediate need then leave the balance in a line or credit or set up as monthly payments; or leave some funds in a line of credit as well as receive monthly payments.  This option is only available with the adjustable rate program.

Considerations for the combination payment plan:

  • Offers flexibility to meet one’s needs.
  • Review considerations for each option outlined above.

When Jerry and Delores did their reverse mortgage a conventional mortgage was paid off, they pulled $3,000 out in a lump sum for some immediate needs, set up a payment plan of $300 a month and left the rest in a line of credit.  This fit their needs to improve their cash flow.

Dorothy needed hearing aides.  She did her reverse mortgage, using a lump sum draw to purchase her hearing aides then leaving the balance in her line of credit for her future needs.

Note that with the adjustable rate program one can change the payment plan during the term of the loan.  For example, after having a mortgage of $50,000 paid off at closing, and initially one pulls $1,000 at the time of close but leaves the balance in the line of credit, after 3 years one can have the payment plan restructured to receive a monthly payment amount.  There is a one-time fee of $20 for the payment plan change.

Three years after Jerry and Delores did their reverse mortgage they no longer needed the monthly payments so they contacted the servicer of their reverse mortgage and stopped the monthly payment, leaving all the funds in the line of credit.

These same payment plan options are available for both the HECM Standard and the HECM Saver.

The reverse mortgage is beneficial to seniors if the right payment plan is chosen.  As outlined, there are advantages and disadvantages for each of the options.  Review these considerations and work with your reverse mortgage expert to help you decide which option is right for your situation.

© 2011 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-vk

Related Articles:

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

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

You Need To Know That With A Reverse Mortgage You Remain in Control

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Reverse Mortgage borrowers remain in control of their homeWhen 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, 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, as a non-recourse loan the borrower or their heirs only need to pay 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.

Reverse Mortgage borrowers remain in control of their homeThe 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.

© 2011 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-v0

Related articles:

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

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

It May Be To Your Advantage To Do A Reverse Mortgage Now

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Couple benefited from doing reverse mortgage sooner than laterIt may not be to your advantage to heed the advice of those who state a reverse mortgage should be a last resort or one should wait until they are older before doing one.  Let’s explore why doing a reverse mortgage now rather than later may be to your advantage.

First you must know the Principal Limit or Loan Amount 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 and 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.

Continued Decline in Real Estate Values and Sales Volume

It appears that the real estate values have not yet stabilized so with potential continued decline in home values, one will receive less funds from the reverse mortgage in the future.  To determine the value of the home the appraiser must use homes that are similar in size, number of bathrooms, bedrooms, style, etc. and that have sold in the last 6 months. If homes in the area are selling for lower values and/or are foreclosures which means less comparables are available and the homes are valued lower.  So before the home values continue to decline, doing the reverse mortgage now will mean more funds will be guaranteed to be available based on the current value.  (Note once the loan closes the funds are guaranteed available to borrowers as long as they meet the terms of the loan.)

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, 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.

Ron who has a manufactured home was in the process of doing his reverse mortgage however during the processing of his loan the lender the loan was being done through changed their underwriting requirements.  Now to proceed with his loan has to be put through another lender.  If other lenders change their underwriting requirements he would not be able to do his reverse mortgage.

Reduced Principal Limits

In 2009 and 2010 HUD reduced calculation of the Principal Limit (Loan Amount) by 10% each year.  In 2010 HUD increased their on-going annual FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium.  While we have not heard this is happening again, given the real estate market and the political climate, HUD may find it necessary to decrease the Principal Limit again and/or increase the FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums.  Waiting may mean less funds are available if HUD reduces the Principal Limit.

No Servicing Fees/Set-Asides

Currently most reverse mortgage programs don’t have a service fee or service set-aside.  However servicing fees may return in the future which means the service fee set-aside will reduce the net Principal Limit available to borrowers.  Taking advantage of no servicing fee means more funds are available now.

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.  Currently the Expected Interest Rate is below HUD’s floor of 5% which means more funds are available. (Expected Interest Rates at 5% or below have the same Principal Limit.)  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 for sure go up.

Even if the home value increases in the future the amount available on the reverse mortgage could be the same or less if you wait to do a reverse mortgage.

Let’s compare doing a reverse mortgage now to waiting 5 years before doing your reverse mortgage.

TODAY 5 Years from now Initial Interest Rate is currently below 3%
AGE 70 75
HOME VALUE $200,000 $225,000
*Based on Expected Rate of 4.39 7.515
AVAILABLE (Approximate net after fees) $122,690 $97,687
DIFFERENCE $25,003
These are all estimates.  Different assumptions would result in different numbers.  Interest rates are based on rates of 10/4/2011.

Keep in mind, with an Adjustable Rate Reverse Mortgage funds left in a Line of Credit grow. So if you have $122,690 in your line of credit today, in the future you could have more funds available to you.  Here’s an estimated example:

Line of Credit Growth* No Draws Draw $5,000 each year
Today $122,690 $122,690
Year 1 Balance $127,357 $122,357
Year 2 Balance $132,201 $122,011
Year 3 Balance $137,230 $121,652
Year 4 Balance $142,450 $121,279
Year 5 Balance $147,868 $120,892
*Growth Rate based on Assumption of Expected Interest Rate of 3.739% in this example.  Actual Line of Credit Grows based on current interest rate plus 1.25%.


What would it be like for you to have security knowing you readily have funds available in your Line of Credit without paying additional closing fees in the future?  When you use the funds each year you will be taking advantage of having the money you need during your retirement years and the benefit of improved financial health.

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

Eliminate Mortgage Payments, Have Lower Interest Expense by Paying Off Your Conventional Mortgage

In addition to a lower interest rate* with a reverse mortgage, eliminating your monthly payment will improve your cash flow because you don’t have to payout 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.  And you have the use of 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 payments.  Why not improve your cash flow sooner than later?

Note that 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.  When payments are made the payment reduces the loan balance and with the adjustable rate will be applied to the Line of Credit meant it’s available in the future.

*Historically the HECM reverse mortgage interest rate is lower than what one can generally qualify for with a conventional mortgage.

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.  While we have not received final notice from HUD, word was received that the Lending Limit would remain at the $625,500 through FY 2012 – but this is an unknown.  At some point this rate could be reduced to $417,000 or be based on a Lending Limit in the county where one lives.  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.  January 1, 2012 or after, we would be mandated to use $417,000 (or the county lending limit) for this calculation, making 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 until 2012 or after.

Minnesota Reverse Mortgage Borrower Prepared for FutureMary, a Minnesota Reverse Mortgage borrower whose home value, as most homes, had decreased over the last few years chose do to the reverse mortgage at the time instead of waiting even though she didn’t have any mortgages to pay off and didn’t have immediate needs for the funds.  Her decision was based on the fact that if she waited her home value may continue to decrease whereas if she did the loan now she would have the funds in the line of credit for future use and they would grow so more funds would be available when she needs them.  Additionally if she waited the Expected Interest Rate (used to determine how much can be loaned) may be higher making less funds available to her to her in the future.

We’ve talked with seniors whom we originally talked with 2, 3 or 4+ years go and had educated them about the reverse mortgage option.  At that time they decided to wait and not do a reverse mortgage.  Some even did a conventional mortgage or what we in the industry call a “forward” mortgage.  “Life has happened” and they decide they now want to do the reverse mortgage.  Unfortunately with many of these seniors we have to tell them the sad news that less funds are available now and in some cases there aren’t enough proceeds to pay off their current mortgage.  They can be short $6,000, $10,000 and sometimes $30,000 or more.  This is due to decreased home values and changes in the Principal Limit.  We are finding this can also be the case for even those we talked with just 6 months ago.

Now a few years after Mary did her reverse mortgage, Mary is still happy with her decision to do have done her reverse mortgage sooner than later.  She has security knowing she has funds available for her needs, independence to live on her own without relying on others for financial support, she’s maintained her dignity of being able to pay her own bills, and continues having control of her life and the ability to make her own choices.

Doing a reverse mortgage now may be to your advantage.  Are you ready to live with more now?  And to have security, independence, dignity and control in your retirement?

Note that I am not posting this as sales pitch, rather to make you aware of anticipated changes so you can make the best decision for your situation.

© 2011 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-uP

Related articles:

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

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

“Our Reverse Mortgage Is Great. Gives Us Some Elbow Room.” And More Testimonies by Reverse Mortgage Borrowers

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"Our Reverse Mortgage Is Great."While some people will say they have heard bad things about reverse mortgages I haven’t been able to get the real definition of “bad” or the reasons behind these statements.  However, actual reverse mortgage borrowers have lots of good things to say about their reverse mortgage.   Let me share some of them here.

“The reverse mortgage has allowed me to be able to breathe again and alleviate $tress” S.R.

“My reverse mortgage gives me financial security due to my fixed income.”

“It was a good experience.  The extra money each month is wonderful.” D.M.

“Since my cash assets have been spent down over twenty years of retirement, it became pertinent that my $750 mortgage payment needed to be ended.  I got this far in life seventy eighty years, without a monthly pension.  Now I have funds to supplement my Social Security Income.” D.W

“It’s great not to have to make mortgage payments.” M.L.

“I did the reverse mortgage to have extra money every month for expenses.  It gives me a little more financial freedom.” J.F..

“After retiring I found that my income was too little for the active life I was used to, with trips to family and a modest vacation each year.  But bills were piling up and I needed a real solution to stay in my home. I have my dignity and security back again.”  E.B.

My reverse mortgage has helped me...“The reverse mortgage allows me to have more means to meet future needs.  Having it has taken some of the fear away that I had for the future” C.G.

“I did the reverse mortgage to pay medical bills, credit cards and other debts.  It has made my life less stressful.” C.J.

“The reverse mortgage has allowed me to stay in my home with comfort to do things with my family.” J.T.

“With joy and delight I have felt hope and even vision anew in knowing that this home belongs to me. It comes with a challenge for me to realize that I am accountable in using these funds to achieve goals otherwise not possible.” B.L.M.

“Affords me the ability to retire and make ends meet.” S.G.

“The Reverse Mortgage helps out a great deal and solves many problems.”  C.C.

“As a senior citizen, I had been having some concerns with my finances.  Being on a limited income made much needed household repairs and property tax payments very difficult to meet.  I was going to have to make a choice soon about whether to continue to live in my house, or move on to an apartment.  The costs of continuing to live in my home were getting beyond my means, but I wasn’t ready to leave the home that I had raised my children in.  I decided t use the equity in my house to make life easier and meet the financial obligations that I had.” S.M.

"Our Reverse Mortgage Allows Us To Travel To Florida Every Year."“We can now continue to travel to Florida every winter.”  L.C.

“A reverse mortgage means I’ll have a place to live even in case of serious illness.”  D.B.

“It helps me keep up with bills I cannot cover with my limited income.  It also allowed me to remodel my home to improve it’s value and be more comfortable.  I greatly appreciate it.”  R.D.

“It is really great not to have to be concerned about where the money will come from for my long term care insurance policy payment and emergency repairs.  It has relieved us of a great deal of stress and makes grocery shopping a lot easier too.”  M.S.

“After six years of non-payment of property taxes, nearly four years of confession of judgement, and the home I had lived in for nearly 69 years within weeks of tax forfeiture, the Reverse Mortgage lender Beth Paterson, I worked with came to the rescue with a Reverse Mortgage.  The property taxes are now current for the first time in a decade, and I have a line of credit of approximately $100,000.”  R.W.J.

“The only way we could comfortably stay in our home of 42 years” S.H.Celebrating having a revese mortgage

“Once we realized that we could only relieve the stress on us by contracting 24-hour nursing care for grandma, a reverse mortgage was the only way to do it.” L.T.

“I didn’t have money to keep up with my living expenses so I did a reverse mortgage.  I paid some bills and my credit cards and have some additional funds for future needs.” J.D.

“The relief I feel from not having to make a mortgage payment each month is so great!  Now that my credit card is paid off, I will only need occasional one-time draws from my Line of Credit. To continue living in my home and travel and pursue some hobbies.” E.B.

Keep these testimonies in mind and share them when you hear reverse mortgages are “bad.”  As you can tell, actual borrowers think they are great!

© 2011-2015 Beth Paterson, CRMP, Beth’s Reverse Mortgage Blog, 651-762-9648

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

Related articles:

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

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

Facts Are Needed About The 101 year-old Woman Who Did A HECM Reverse Mortgage And Was Evicted

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Headlines give misinformation about HECM Reverse MortgagesThis last week headlines across the country talked about the eviction of a 101 year-old Detroit woman with a FHA insured HUD Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) reverse mortgage.  In reading the articles and viewing the TV media pieces I find that facts were missing or misconstrued about this situation and reverse mortgages.  While Ms. Texana Hollis is returning home, her story leaves a lot of misinformation about reverse mortgages and the benefits they provide to the many borrowers.  Let’s take a look at the misconceptions of Ms. Hollis situation.

  • Foreclosure/eviction of Ms. Hollis was not due to reverse mortgage but due to lack of payment of taxes, a requirement of the loan (all mortgages as a matter of fact).
  • Ms. Hollis son and POA facilitated her in getting the reverse mortgage but didn’t follow through on assisting in making sure the terms of the loan were followed, i.e. he or other family members ignored the requirements to pay property taxes, insurance and maintain the home.
  • I’ve seen statements such as “signed the house over to a reverse mortgage.”  A reverse mortgage is a mortgage with special terms for seniors 62 and older. The title remains in the borrower’s name – they are not signing the house over to anyone, they are taking out a mortgage with a lien against the property.  My blog article “Beware Of Reverse Mortgage Misstatements – The Fact Is Reverse Mortgage Lenders Do NOT Own The Home!” addresses this fact.
  • Articles state that the son failed to make payments on the mortgage.  Payments are not required on a reverse mortgage.  One of the special terms of the reverse mortgage is that the borrower can have access to funds without making monthly mortgage payments.  The loan is repaid when the home is no longer the primary residence of the borrower(s).  The amount repaid includes the funds received up-front or through monthly payments or draws on the line of credit along with the closing costs, interest and on-going FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP).
  • Ms. Hollis’ reverse mortgage funds were used for home repairs.  It appears from several sources that they were also used by the son for his purchase of a car, donations to a church and other things.  If this is the case, this is financial exploitation, NOT the fault of the reverse mortgage and NOT reverse mortgage fraud as some articles indicated.
  • Statements such as, “Ms. Hollis only learned about the eviction when the police arrived and carried out her belongings” are misleading.  In reality loss mitigation notices were sent by HUD, however it appears that those who were taking responsibility to “assist” Ms. Hollis ignored these notices.  I’ve seen statements that her son who is her POA didn’t tell her about the notices because he “didn’t want to worry her.”  In some reports he has admitted to ignoring and throwing the notices away.  She personally may not have been informed of the eviction because her family intercepted the notices.  Don’t blame HUD or the reverse mortgage for actions of her family.  If her family didn’t respond to notices it is neglect on their part (i.e. the son/POA) – not HUD or the reverse mortgage.

And now let’s look at the facts of the misconceptions of reverse mortgages which have been shared along with this story and other media coverage.

  • The bank does not own the home and the title is not passed to the bank.  The title remains in the name of the borrower(s) as long as the home is the primary residence of the borrower.  If the borrower does not abide by the terms of the loan (pay property taxes, insurance and maintain the home, the home may go into foreclosure just as with a conventional mortgage.)
  • One report stated that a danger of the reverse mortgage is if one spouse passes or goes into senior housing, the other may have to pay back the loan.  In reality as long as one borrower remains in the home, the loan does not become due and payable until they, the second spouse, is no longer in the home as their primary residence.  If a non-borrowing spouse (one that is not on title with the reverse mortgage) is the one remaining in the home, yes, the loan is due and payable because the borrower (the one on title) is no longer in the home as their primary residence – this is the terms of the loan.
  • HUD Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) are FHA insured.  As with a conventional/forward FHA mortgage, borrowers pay an up-front Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) as well as an on-going MIP.  The benefits to FHA insuring the reverse mortgage include:
    • Guaranteeing the funds are available for you.
    • Guaranteeing the lender against default or shortfalls
    • Keeping the interest rates lower, the interest rates have historically been lower compared to other mortgages.
    • Providing a line of credit growth rate (available only with reverse mortgages).
    • Ensuring as a reverse mortgage it is a non-recourse (no personal liability) loan.  If the loan balance is higher than what the home can be sold for at fair market value, FHA will cover the difference because one has paid the MIP.
    • Requiring counseling by a third party HUD trained and approved counselor.
    • The HECMs are highly protected.  See my Blog article “You Need To know Reverse Mortgage Borrowers Are Highly Protected.”
  • “The Government will step in” is another statement I’ve heard.  The government doesn’t “step in,” borrowers are paying the FHA Mortgage Insurance to receive the above listed benefits.
  • And of course we have the all too common statement that reverse mortgages are expensive.  Unfortunately, many do not look at the costs of a conventional mortgage, they just make blanket statements without really doing the comparison as I have done.  I’ve written blog articles to address this misstatement:

I think it’s important to note that with a forward FHA mortgage, the up-front Mortgage Insurance Premium is 2.25% vs the 2% on the FHA reverse mortgage. So the forward FHA mortgage is more expensive than a reverse mortgage.

Ms. Hollis story has a happy ending, she is being allowed to return to her home of 50+ years according to HUD spoke’s person Brian Sullivan.  Unfortunately the story still led to a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding about reverse mortgages giving them a bad name.  It would be nice if the media would provide corrections and facts about these valuable and beneficial options for seniors.

Update September 24, 2011:  Facts are still needed!  The revere mortgage took a hit in the media with misinformation about this viable option for seniors yet we still don’t know if this was a reverse mortgage or a conventional/2nd mortgage that was on Ms. Hollis’ home.  However it appears it was NOT a Reverse Mortgage but a 2nd mortgage on the home… or maybe for non-payment of taxes.  Earlier in the week another article reported:

“Action News also found out the background on what really happened and why Texana and her son Warren Hollis were evicted from their home.

“At first, it was thought that Texana’s son had signed a reverse mortgage on the house or that maybe it was a back-taxes issue.

“It turns out that Warren took out a second mortgage on the home in return for $32,000. He claims the money was spent on repairs for the house. He also admits to buying a car with the money and donating some of the money to his church.

“He says the remaining $5,000 was used to pay a number of other expenses. Warren Hollis defaulted on the second mortgage and never told his mother what was going on or that he was receiving eviction notices and warnings. The news broke her heart and she had no time to prepare for being evicted.

“The house no longer belonged to Texana Hollis or her son Warren – who had been living with her. It belonged to HUD. The agency had asked for a court order to have the occupants removed from the home.

“One of the judges from the 36th District Court granted that order several weeks ago and the order was carried out on Monday.

And in another story it was reported that it was brought on by HUD due to many years of non-payment of taxes.

I wonder if we will ever know all the details and what type of mortgage it was or if it was for non-payment of taxes… 

© 2011 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-u4

Related Articles:

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

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

Questions About Reverse Mortgages Continue Receiving Misinformation As Responses

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Couple Want A Reverse MortgageRecently I saw a question on an on-line forum wondering if the questionnaire’s relative should be doing a reverse mortgage.  They stated that the relative who is in their mid-60’s and in great health recently remarried a woman who likes expensive things.  This relative evidently has a monthly fixed income of $8,000 and an expensive home and wants to do a reverse mortgage.  With concern over the new wife “bleeding him dry” they “want to protect him.”  They asked for others experience and opinions on reverse mortgages.

Now before you go off and start stating this person shouldn’t be doing the reverse mortgage because reverse mortgages are bad and/or expensive or the person should be able to live off of $8,000 a month as replies to the questions stated, read my reply:

There is a lot of misinformation about reverse mortgages.  Most articles in the media, politicians, so called “financial advisors” who write and/or comment about reverse mortgages and those mortgage professionals who don’t offer them, friends or neighbors with the statements that they are “bad” are based on their own opinions, not on the facts.  They have not talked with those of us in the reverse mortgage industry to get the facts.  So don’t base your opinion or decision on these sources.

You don’t go to a plumber if you are having health problems, right?  You go to a doctor, and not just a generalist but a specialist in the area of need.  Well the same should be true with a reverse mortgage – go to a reverse mortgage specialist to get the facts to make your decision.

See my blog post, “Seventeen Facts about Reverse Mortgages That You May Not Know.”

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 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.

Often thought of or stated as expensive, the costs are actually comparable to a conventional mortgage except for the FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium.  See a side-by-side comparison at “Comparing Reverse Mortgage Closing Costs To A Conventional Mortgage – You’ll Be Surprised They Are Not That Different.”  And because the interest rates are historically lower than conventional mortgages, in the big picture the reverse mortgage can be less expensive.

Generally seniors don’t qualify for a conventional mortgage.  And even if they do, one needs to consider that payments are required.  What happens if “life happens” and one can no longer make the payment?  They could be facing foreclosure.  I often get calls from those who took out a conventional mortgage and can no longer make the payments and now want to do a reverse mortgage.  Unfortunately, I often have to say that there are not enough funds from the reverse mortgage to pay off their current mortgage (a requirement of the reverse mortgage).  They would have been better to do a reverse mortgage in the first place.

Now with that said, just like anything, a reverse mortgage is not right for everyone.  While there are no limitations on how the funds can be used one should consider if they will have funds to cover taxes, insurance, maintaining the home as well as other needs in the future.

It sounds like in this situation there is more concern about the new wife’s spending habits.  Are you or others concerned about the new wife eating away at an inheritance?  Because reverse mortgage proceeds use the equity, there may be less inheritance for heirs – this can be considered a negative of the reverse mortgage.

Have a conversation about the reasons for a Reverse MortgageI would suggest a conversation with your relative to understand their reasons for a reverse mortgage.  Is the pension and income paying for the everyday lifestyle but they want extra to enjoy life such as traveling or modifying their home to be prepared for the future?  Do they have a financial and estate plan in place?  Do they have long term care insurance to cover needs of their future?  Have they talked with an elder law attorney to set up a will or trust to determine that the inheritance will go to his heirs and not all go to his new wife?

After helping them get the facts and looking at options, keep in mind it is his decision in the end.  You might check out, “Who Are We To Judge How Reverse Mortgage Funds Should Be Used?

Find a reverse mortgage originator who specializes in reverse mortgages (not conventional mortgages) who has experience and will provide you with the facts and details.  Look for one who has the client’s best interest in mind, not just their own.  Work with one who is local – not doing applications through the mail (for example I originate in Minnesota and meet with borrower’s and their relatives in person.).  And see if your relative will allow you to be part of the meetings with the originator and the counseling.  “What to Consider When Talking With Reverse Mortgage Lenders” will help you know questions to ask reverse mortgage originators and determine who you should have assist you with a reverse mortgage.

To get facts and details on reverse mortgages, explore my website, http://www.RMSIDAC.com and other articles on my blog, http://www.BethsReverseMortgageBlog.wordpress.com.

© 2009 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-tL

Related Articles:

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

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