If you haven't heard by now, a reverse mortgage is a loan that converts home equity into tax-free cash for home owners aged 62 and older. These loans are hot. It seems like every celebrity is pitching them lately. Much has been touted in the media and by many lenders about the benefits to seniors of reverse mortgages. But here are some of the red flags. The upsides are great. The downsides can be ugly. Discuss these 13 red flags with family members and any lender you talk to. If you recognize these red flags you can avoid some common reverse mortgage problems.



Red Flag #1. Complicated paperwork may have unforeseen consequences. If you don't understand the document, you won't understand the consequences. Take the time to get proper guidance, second opinions, and a review of appropriate alternatives.

Red Flag #2. High cost of a reverse mortgage may outweigh the benefits of alternatives. As in any loan, there are going to be associated fees and costs. These should be clearly spelled out up front. Consult your lawyer, accountant, or other trusted adviser to review any loan application before making a major financial commitment like a reverse mortgage.

Red Flag #3. Uncertain benefits. The strange thing about reverse mortgages is that you cannot calculate the true cost of this loan because it depends on how long you are going to live. But, if you want to pass anything to your heirs, it's worth considering the alternatives. There is no way to predict the home appreciation and future interest rates so consider the reverse mortgage carefully. Yes, payments come to you tax free but the debt on that asset is going up. This may be fine as long as you live and as long as you live there. Again, just know your options.

Red Flag #4. Tight-lipped lenders. Lenders who don't fully disclose fees and terms are a big problem. As we've just seen in the sub-prime lending mess, many consumers didn't understand what they were getting into. Some sleaze-ball lenders have gone so far as to work themselves into the deal to gain a large percentage of the property's appreciation. Ask your lender if they are attempting to gain any percentage of the appreciation as part of their profit.

Red Flag #5. Forcing borrowers to buy additional financial products such as variable annuities. In this case, consumers can lose their principle and the earning potential of that money. Sometimes it's alright to combine financial products but if you do, please double check the terms with someone who understands both types of products.

Red Flag #6. Numerous front end and back-end fees can be exorbitant. Artificially inflated fees raise the cost to the borrower and deflate consumer benefits fast. Oh yes, the definition of exorbitant can be debated all day long but that is exactly why you need to take the time to educate yourself, get several reverse mortgage proposals, and obtain advice from a trusted expert like your accountant, lawyer or financial adviser.

Red Flag #7. Reverse mortgage counselors imply that they are there to protect the interest of the seniors applying for the loan. This may be legitimate but if they present themselves as a counselor yet, have an affiliation with the lender; there is an inherent conflict of interest. Unfortunately the government still allows this practice. Your tax advisor doesn't work for the IRS does he? Well then your reverse mortgage counselor should not work for the lender he is trying to protect you from.

Red Flag #8. Borrowers should not pay a referral fee for an agent just for the privilege of introducing you to a lender. That fee has been as much as 10% of the loan amount in some cases. Don't pay referral fees or finder's fees for reverse mortgages just find a new agent or broker.

Red Flag #9. You don't know your lender. Laws and recourse vary from state to state. It's a good idea to know your lender. Get referrals from family and friends and ask for references from the agent you are talking with.

Red Flag #10. HUD might be a DUD. You cannot assume that because Uncle Sam is guaranteeing some aspect of a reverse mortgage that it is safe or good for your situation. HUD does provide some helpful and free info on its website but it is very limited. If the sales rep says this loan is safe because it's backed by the U.S. Government, don't be overly impressed.

Red Flag #11. Information is withheld. When Total Annual Loan Costs (TALC) rates are not disclosed, be careful. When information is withheld and real costs and fees are not fully explained up front, there's trouble on the horizon.

Red Flag #12. If a borrower's ability to make a major decision is in anyway questionable, everyone including the agent, the lender, and family members should slow down and get additional professional assistance. If you are dealing with agents and lenders with any degree of integrity they will certainly offer any senior who doesn't understand the consequences of the reverse mortgage, the resources and time to get more assistance. Families should work together to keep tabs on senior family member's financial needs and lend a helping hand and a second set of eyeballs to major financial decisions such as reverse mortgages.

Red Flag #13. Alternatives to reverse mortgages are not known. There are several safe and secure alternatives that should be considered.

The bottom line to reverse mortgages is this. There are reverse mortgage alternatives beyond lines of credit or selling your home. Get the facts, recognize the red flags and take the time to do your homework.

Elder abuse is an ongoing concern when it comes to reverse mortgages or other financial products. The best way to fight this problem is to punish lenders who have no ethics and to teach seniors and their family members the facts and the alternatives. Families need to keep closer tabs on senior members and do the homework when it comes to reverse mortgages.