August 2014 - Colorado Reverse Mortgage Specialist

Month: August 2014

Baby Boomers Have Largest Home Equity, Study Finds

Posted on August 28, 2014 by janjordan

Although Zillow’s Negative Equity Report for the second quarter of 2014 may have some negative numbers (for instance there are more than 8.7 million homeowners with a mortgage still remaining underwater), there are a few highlights to mention.

First, while approximately 18.7 percent of Generation X homeowners are underwater on their mortgage only 10.9 percent of Baby Boomers are underwater. In addition, the national negative equity rate continued to decline falling to 17%, down an incredible 14.4 percentage points from it’s peak in 2012. Negative equity has fallen for nine consecutive quarters as home values have risen. This number is expected to fall to 14.9% within the next year.

For baby boomers looking to incorporate a reverse mortgage into their retirement strategy this is very positive news. As retirement planners are working with seniors to develop long term plans to help ensure retirees do not run out of money during their often decades long retirement years, a reverse mortgage line of credit is being considered as a part of the strategy. Since retirees can not only use a reverse mortgage as a line of credit, but also live mortgage payment free, it’s a fantastic option when utilized in a timely and appropriate fashion.

On the other hand, for baby boomers looking to relocate, downsize, or purchase their dream home once they hit retirement, a reverse mortgage for purchase is a very viable option. And with lower negative equity rates across the nation, it is easier to make transitions like this. Not only do the positive housing numbers point to faster sells, but also with nearly 90% of baby boomers having neutral or positive equity in their homes, it means increasingly larger down payments if they are wishing to use all or some of those funds for a reverse mortgage for purchase.

Traditional Reverse Mortgages and Reverse Mortgage for Purchase are available to seniors 62 and over regardless of income or credit. The funds can be received via fixed monthly payments, a one-time lump sum payment, a line of credit – (or a combination of the above), or the purchase option. There are no limitations as to how the borrower can spend the funds. And with retirees living more active and adventurous lives, the more creative, the better!

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado as well as Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming. Click here to contact Jan and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

Reverse Mortgages Can Eliminate House Payment

Posted on August 14, 2014August 18, 2014 by janjordan

Just yesterday, Fox Business published a very thorough article outlining how and why a senior may want to use a reverse mortgage to pay off an existing conventional mortgage loan. After discussing the positive recent changes the reverse mortgage industry has seen, including using it as a retirement planning tool, the article discussed different scenarios and how they would work.

A reverse mortgage is essentially a home equity loan in which the borrower is not required to make payments. The homeowner must be at least 62 years old and income and credit are irrelevant. Although a reverse mortgage does accrue interest, it does not have to be repaid until the last borrower passes away or leaves the home permanently. These loans are FHA insured.

Here is a common scenario from the Fox Business article:

Barbara is a 75-year-old widow with a house worth $400,000. She owes $25,000 on a home equity line of credit, with no other mortgage debt.

Based on her age and the home’s value, she can get a reverse mortgage for up to about $245,600 (the principal limit). Closing costs, including FHA initial mortgage insurance, reduce the available amount to around $234,900.

Under FHA rules, she can get a reverse mortgage, pay off the HELOC balance and take out up to around $111,600 in cash during the first year. A year later, the remainder would be available to her.

A common question with reverse mortgage is who technically owns the home? The borrower does. They will retain the title and can make modifications or upgrades to the home. The borrower is also responsible for paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities and any HOA fees.

In addition, with both HELOC (home equity lines of credit) and Making Homes Affordable home loan modifications geared up to have some major resets, it’s important for seniors and their lenders to be aware that a reverse mortgage may be great solution to eliminate the associated payment all together.

Will A Reverse Mortgage Affect Social Security, Medicare & Pension?

Posted on August 1, 2014 by janjordan

A very common concern among seniors and adult children when considering a reverse mortgage is how it will affect social security, medicare, and even certain pensions. For many seniors, these benefits are a large part of their income. Fortunately, because the funds from a reverse mortgage are NOT considered taxable income, a borrower’s benefits will not be affected when taking out a reverse mortgage.

On the other hand, borrowers who have Medicaid, TANF, Food Stamps or SSI may see those benefits affected by this additional income. Because these programs are government sponsored programs with strict approval guidelines based on all sources of income, even non-taxable income, there is a possibility the additional cash flow will need reported. Other supplemental and assistance programs would need to be addressed on a case by case basis. Working with a reputable reverse mortgage lender and required third party counseling will ensure all your questions are answered thoroughly and honestly.

Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners 62 and older, regardless of income or credit. The proceeds can be received as a lump sum, as monthly installments, or a reverse line of credit and can be used for any purpose the borrower sees fit. This FHA insured loan allows the borrower(s) to live mortgage payment free.