A reverse mortgage is a loan, and like any other sort of loan, it has advantages and disadvantages.
We'll go through some of the benefits and drawbacks of reverse mortgages for people over the age of 62.
A reverse mortgage is a type of home loan that allows qualified borrowers to borrow against the equity in their property.
The majority of reverse mortgages are Home Equity Conversion Mortgages, which are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and have specific restrictions.
Reverse Mortgages: The Benefits
The benefits of a reverse mortgage…
- For senior borrowers, a reverse mortgage can provide numerous advantages.
- A reverse mortgage can provide financial flexibility and independence during retirement because the loan earnings can be used as the borrower wishes.
- A reverse mortgage can aid a person or a couple who needs to make house renovations for aging in place, for example.
- Through a special sort of reverse mortgage for purchase loan, a reverse mortgage can even be utilized to buy a new property.
- Some borrowers utilize the money from their reverse mortgage to pay for in-home care or to relieve their children or other family members of the burden of caring for them.
- Others save the money for a rainy day or an unexpected medical need.
- Because HECM borrowers must pay loan-related insurance premiums, FHA insurance provides some critical borrower protections:
- Some spouses of reverse mortgage borrowers are entitled to certain benefits.
- The promise that a borrower and his or her heirs would never owe more on a loan than the house is worth at the time of sale.
- That loan payments will be received in accordance with the loan's terms.
Reverse mortgage requirements are as follows:
- A borrower must be at least 62 years old to qualify.
- To qualify, you must have enough equity in your home (generally 50 percent )
- The borrower is responsible for paying homeowner's insurance and property taxes, as well as keeping the home up to FHA requirements.
Reverse Mortgages: Is there a downside?
A reverse mortgage, like any other loan, has fixed costs such as closing costs and other fees.
- In addition to the upfront insurance fee, reverse mortgages include ongoing insurance costs.
- Some detractors of reverse mortgages argue that the fees are a disadvantage, but it's necessary to weigh those costs against the alternatives, such as those associated with insurance and other types of loans.
- The cost of a reverse mortgage continues to be a disadvantage:
- Fees – much like any other mortgage, a reverse mortgage has fees associated with it.
- FHA insurance payments are paid in advance and on a yearly basis. It's a good idea to weigh the expenses of reverse mortgage insurance against the costs of other insurance products or other possibilities you're considering.
- Inheritance for heirs and projected equity over time – a reverse mortgage will draw down on equity over time.
- Another disadvantage is the possibility of losing home equity.
A reverse mortgage may not be the greatest option if you want to leave your heirs a home that is completely paid off.
It's worth noting, though, that any leftover equity after the loan is paid off will be given to the borrower or his or her heirs.
A reverse mortgage can be a wise financial decision, but there are certain drawbacks to consider.
Reverse mortgages are designed to assist people who plan to stay in their homes for several years, therefore they may be a reasonable choice for those prospective borrowers who plan to move within a few years.
