Reverse mortgages are a relatively new financial product. Generally, if you are close to (or in… the minimum age is 62) retirement, you can take out a reverse mortgage on the equity in your home. Just like the product’s name, you would then get a payment from the bank which holds the reverse mortgage. Sound good? In some cases, a reverse mortgage can be a lifesaver. In other, it’s best to stay out of reverse…
How Does it Work
- Keep Your House! From David Sawyer
You are eligible for a reverse mortgage if you are 62 or older and either own your home outright or have a very low balance. In the United States, if you take out a reverse mortgage you will have to pay off your other mortgages. The reverse mortgage will not have to be paid back by you (but it will need to be paid back by your heirs… or they could just sell the house) in your lifetime. You will need to attend a counseling session from an approved source (approval comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development) There are a number of factors that affect the payout of the mortgage:
- Value of the Property (and the cost to bring it up to code)
- Your Age
- Choice of Payout (Monthly? Lump Sum?)
- Current Interest Rates
What’s The Catch?
You know I was going to get to this section eventually… outside of the fact that the mortgage will have to be paid eventually by your heirs, there are a number of caveat to this type of loan. As the number of reverse mortgages taken out increases, there is fear that they are the next ‘subprime’ bubble. By definition, the customers who take out these loans generally have low cashflow, and are eager to tap their equity. Unscrupulous lenders can take advantage of the lack of knowledge about these loans. Additionally, another complaint about these types of loans is the cost to the consumer and the fees. It’s important to study up and consult an expert before taking out this type of loan. A good starting resource can be found at the AARP’s website.
In Closing…
Sometimes a reverse mortgage is a good option out of necessity. It can allow seniors to stay in their homes when that ability has been called into question due to cash flow issues. Sometimes a reverse mortgage is the perfect product for a desperate situation. However, because of the concerns I listed above, it’s best to do your homework. Other products, such as Home Equity Line of Credits or straight Home Equity Loans are a better (read: more mature and cheaper) option if you have the proper cash flow. Caveat emptor, talk it over with your financial adviser, and good luck with the options!
Portions of this post promoted by our partners at Living Senior.
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