A: For adults over the age of 62 who own their home and plan to continue living in it there is a form of mortgage - called a reverse mortgage - that could be the solution to your need to have money today.
A traditional mortgage is one in which you borrow the money to purchase a home and pay it back, with interest, on a monthly basis. This is the type of loan most homebuyers use to make their purchase. Equity builds up over time and eventually you pay off the loan either when you sell the property or at the end of the term of the loan.
With a reverse mortgage you can turn the value of your home into cash without having to move and with no monthly payments to make. You do not have to pay back a reverse mortgage so long as you continue to live there. Instead of turning your income into equity, you reverse the process and turn your equity into income.
There are a variety of options on how to take the income from the mortgage. You could arrange for monthly cash advances, a single lump payment, a credit line account that you draw on as needed or any combination of these.
Even better, there are no restrictions on how you can spend the money. Travel, medical expenses, remodeling or just adding a cushion to your financial situation are all legitimate reasons people have elected to take a reverse mortgage. So long as all owners of the property are at least 62 years old and it is a single-family home (detached, town home or condominium) or a two- to four-unit building you are likely to be eligible for a reverse mortgage.
Unlike a traditional loan where you build equity, with a reverse mortgage you build debt as you withdraw the home's equity - but you postpone having to repay that debt typically until you leave the home by moving or through death. An exception to this would occur if the value of your home rose considerably over the time you had the reverse mortgage. In that case, you could actually have some equity available even after you have taken what you could on a reverse mortgage. You keep any difference between what you owe the lender and the value of the home at the time the reverse mortgage is paid off.
As with any important financial decision it is best to consult with a professional - a bank, mortgage broker or a REALTOR? - who could help you decide if a reverse mortgage is appropriate.
Reverse Mortgage Home Equity
A Reverse Mortgage is a national program which typically is offered to homeowners 62 years and older but some private programs have recently been opened to borrowers down to 59 1/2 years old which allows the homeowner access to their equity in the form of cash, monthly income to the homeowner, or a combination of both with the homeowner never making another loan payment for life. The money the homeowner receives is usually tax-free and does not affect Social Security benefits or Medicare (check with your financial advisor for your circumstances). There are very minimal credit requirements and no income requirements to qualify, borrowers can even be in foreclosure and still obtain a reverse mortgage.
Did you know that if you are a senior borrower, aged 62 and over you can use a reverse mortgage to purchase a home as well as just to refinance your existing home? Many senior borrowers have heard about the benefits of paying off an existing mortgage with a reverse mortgage, that they never have to make another mortgage payment, but many are still unaware of the fact that they can also purchase a new home or second home using that same reverse mortgage.
This enables borrowers to purchase the home, you don't have to pay 100% cash for the home and you still never have to make a mortgage payment for life!
Many senior borrowers are set with their current homes and have no desire to move. However, there are also a growing number who need to downsize, have decided that their current home just doesn't fit their needs and can't easily be changed to do so(like wheel chair access or multiple stories) or have amenities that they wish to get away from that they no longer desire (like large lots with pools and excessive landscaping, etc). Some wish to keep their current homes but want a second home near children and grandchildren, near favorite activities, or in climates more favorable during certain times of the year. But with no steady income streams and the fear of starting again with mortgage payments, many have thought that they just can't buy the properties they want.
Some are almost in a position to buy these homes, but it would take all their available savings and they do not want to use all their funds. The reverse mortgage has become an excellent tool for these seniors to purchase the homes they desire without qualification requirements and with no payments for life all without having to pay for the homes outright.
So if you, a loved one or a client of yours are 60 or older and are looking to buy a new primary residence or second home or always wanted to downsize but never thought you could actually do it and still get a home you would be happy with, give a specialist at All Reverse Mortgage Company a call and let us show you how a reverse mortgage might be just the tool for you!
Both Mikcam & Michael Branson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Mikcam has sinced written about articles on various topics from Join the Army, Real Estate and Mortgage. www.secureseniorliving.orgWhat is a reverse mortgage? www.secureseniorliving.org/index1.html. Mikcam's top article generates over 6600 views. Bookmark Mikcam to your Favourites.
Michael Branson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Financial Planning and Mortgage. Michael G. Branson (CEO All Reverse Mortgage Company)is a Mortgage Broker who has over 31 years of mortgage banking experience. Toll Free (888) 801-2762Click Here to visit our Hom. Michael Branson's top article generates over 5400 views. Bookmark Michael Branson to your Favourites.