What is a Reverse Mortgage?
Simply stated, a reverse mortgage is a loan that enables homeowners (age 62 and older) to convert part of the equity in their home into a tax-free income without having to sell the home, give up the title, or take on a new monthly mortgage payment. More and more homeowners are using this to supplement their retirement income, pay for health care, modify their home, or just get some cash for emergencies. Since this is a new product, some people have misconceptions of what a reverse mortgage is. The bank doesn't give you money and take your house. Let's look at some of the most common questions.
Are reverse mortgages for desperate people? No. It is an excellent financial planning tool used from people of all walks of life.
How do I qualify? You must be 62 or if both parties are on the mortgage, then you both must be at least 62. And, you must have equity in your home.
What if I still owe on my home? You may still qualify even if you have a balance on your first mortgage. The proceeds must be used to pay off the mortgage, first.
How much can I get? This depends on several factors such as, the age of your home, the value, your age at the time of closing, and interest rates.
Is it just monthly payments? No. You can get a lump sum, line of credit, monthly payments or a combination of monthly income and a line of credit.
But, won't I have to pay taxes on these monthly payments to the government? No. The funds are tax-free. Its your money, not additional income.
Should I seek a lawyer or receive some counseling before I get a reverse mortgage. Yes. You must be counseled before receiving a reverse mortgage. You don't have to talk to a lawyer or accountant, but it would be advised.
Who owns the title to my house? You still own the title.
What happens when I die? Once your home is passed on to your heirs, the mortgage becomes due. Your heirs may pay the mortgage and keep the home or sell the home and pay off the home. They may keep any excess sales proceeds.
What if I owe more than the house is worth? You can't. Your repayment amount will never exceed the value of the home at the time the loan comes due. Also, there are no prepayment penalties.
What if I move? If you move, then the mortgage becomes due and must be repaid.
Where can I learn more? The National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association at http://www.reversemortgage.org
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 CEP News | A Rush Into Refinancing as Mortgage Rates Fall New York Times, United States - Mortgage rates immediately dropped, and that led to a surge in mortgage refinancing activity for the week — even with the Thanksgiving holiday. ... Mortgage Refinance Applications Soar As Rates Fall Homeowners' Refinancing Jumps by Record Pace Treasury mulls plan to lower mortgage rates to 4.5% |
 Yahoo | US MBA’s Mortgage Applications More Than Doubled Last Week Bloomberg - The Mortgage Bankers Association’s index of applications to purchase a home or refinance a loan jumped 112 percent to 857.7, the highest level since March, ... FINANCIAL STOCKS Bulls outlast bears in Wednesday grudge match Falling rates spark rush to mortgage applications UPDATE 1-US mortgage applications post largest gain ever |
Lower mortgage rates help but jobs, prices key Reuters - Applications to buy and refinance homes hurtled higher last week as the lowest rates since the summer of 2005 unleashed pent-up demand. ... |
 Gothamist | Bally Total Fitness files for bankruptcy again San Francisco Chronicle, USA - Refinance volume more than tripled, while purchase volume increased 38 percent. Refinances accounted for 69.1 percent of applications, up from 49.3 percent. ... Thanksgiving week saw rise in mortgage activity |
 Boston Globe | Geithner May Seek to Push Bair Out After Clashes During Crisis Bloomberg - ... that contributed to the subprime mortgage mess. This year, Bair has proposed using taxpayer funds to help refinance loans for struggling homeowners. ... Mortgage proposal has faced conflict |
US Economy: Service Companies Shrink at Record Pace (Update1) Bloomberg - “Things overall still look bad, but this, together with last week’s doubling in MBA refinancing, provide glimmers of hope,” Ian Morris, chief US economist ... |
UPDATE: Builders Soar On Lower Rates, But Pain Persists CNNMoney.com - As consumers raced to lock in lower rates, applications to refinance existing loans jumped 203.3% last week from the week before, while mortgage ... "Good" news on housing |
Mortgage Brokers: Now Is Good Time To Refinance MyNC.com, NC - By Lauren Hills, NBC17, 14 hours, 38 minutes ago While most money matters aren't looking up right now, if you're looking to refinance your home, mortgage ... |
Fresh Data Is Sour Forbes, NY - 28, from the previous week's 404.4 reading, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's survey. Refinance volume more than tripled, accounting for 69.1% ... |
Fed’s Kroszner Says Foreclosures Harming Middle-Income Areas Bloomberg - ... the highest on record as home prices dropped and stricter mortgage standards made it harder for homeowners to sell or refinance, RealtyTrac Inc. said. ... |
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