Month: March 2019

Finding A Reputable Reverse Mortgage Lender In Colorado Is Easier Than You Think

reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoFor many seniors, a reverse mortgage is a feasible option to living within a budget, without the constraints and worry of excessive financial distress.  In order to qualify for a reverse mortgage, the individual must own their home, be at least 62 years old, and have some equity in the home.  Funds from a reverse mortgage can be accessed in various ways including a line of credit, monthly installments, a lump sum, and they can even be used to purchase a new home. In general, the older the borrower (or the youngest borrower in the case of married couples) and the more valuable the home, the more money available.  Other factors also come into play, such as: the appraised home value, interest rates, and the amount of equity in the home.  Once a basic understanding of how a reverse mortgage works, the next step is finding a lender.

Where to find a lender?

Reverse mortgages are marketed in every possible way.  Television, radio, mailers, internet, etc.  Although not all of these methods ensure trouble, some of them can be scams.  When seeking a reverse mortgage lender, it’s important to speak with people you trust.  Ask around at your bank or financial institution.  Speak with a financial or retirement adviser.  Talk with neighbors or friends who have utilized a reverse mortgage.  Seek information from the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau.   Utilize other resources that may be available in your community.

What to look for in a reverse mortgage lender?

Working with a reputable reverse mortgage lender is critical.  The reverse mortgage industry is riddled with scams and flashy sales.  It can be risky to get involved with a lender who does not offer all the details or who is just looking to make a “quick sell”.   A reputable lender will have strong connections in the community, working closely with a network of professional organizations.

Accreditations and ratings?

Seek out a lender that is a member of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA).  Members of the NRMLA must conform to a strict code of lending ethic.  Look for a lender that is affiliated with the  Better Business Bureau (BBB), where you can also learn of any complaints against the company.

Follow your gut.

When it comes down to it, always follow your gut.  Just because a lender may meet all this criteria doesn’t mean they will be right for you.  If you do not feel comfortable or feel your questions are not being adequately answered, there is nothing wrong with seeking out a different lender.

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Lupton, Erie,  Lafayette, Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Boulder and other Front Range areas of Colorado. Click here to contact Jan and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

Can You Sell A House With A Reverse Mortgage On It?

Typically when a senior takes out a reverse mortgage loan on a home, they intend to age there.  But on occasion and reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradofor various reasons, the homeowners wants to or needs to sell the home before the loan comes due and payable.  So, what now?

Although this is an important factor, it’s not nearly as daunting as it sounds.  Here’s where to start:

Step 1.) Locate your reverse mortgage loan documents and find any pertinent information regarding the sale of the home.  It will vary from lender to lender.  Most (but not all) reverse mortgage loans are FHA insured.  This means even if you owe more on the loan than the home is worth, you will never owe more than the home sells for.  Consult with a real estate or elder law attorney if you have questions or concerns.

Step 2.)  Contact the reverse mortgage lender to get a payoff quote.  This combined with a home appraisal will give you a good idea of what the sale will look like and what amount of funds you could potentially walk away with.

Step 3.)  Find a real estate agent.  When seeking out an agent, be sure to provide your reverse mortgage loan information up front and look for someone who has experience with such a sale.

Step 4.)  Prepare the home for sale.  From here, everything is similar to any home sale.  You want to prep the home, keep it clean for showings, update anything you may need, etc.

Step 5.)  Sell the home, pay off the reverse mortgage loan (consult with a real estate or elder law attorney if you have questions when paying off the loan), then reap the rewards.  Congrats!
Reverse mortgages are available to seniors 62 and over all over Colorado.  To learn more, contact a reputable reverse mortgage lender.

 

Retirement and Reverse Mortgage

reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoWith the varieties of opinions about reverse mortgages out in the marketplace a question comes up, that is, ‘would a reverse mortgage be a fall back, last resort, or would it be a positive option for a financial plan?’ While the answer lies in the hands of the borrower, or owner, there are worthy considerations to take into account.

Some might label those choosing a reverse mortgage as poor planners, those that did not take the time or effort to look long at their future needs and desires and work that into a plan. This mentality is changing fast though, as retirement experts are determining reverse mortgages can not only supplement the needs of some senior, they can offer them the retirement they always dreamed of.

There are many reasons to consider a reverse mortgage in a forward moving plan, making the choice before it might be the only option available (though this is not bad either.) First of all, many coming into retirement are ready to downsize or move. Maybe they raised their children in a two story house in Illinois, and now do not need five bedrooms, or to weather the cold when their children and families are in clement areas such as Georgia or South Carolina. A reverse mortgage makes this possible.

The amount a reverse mortgage can be reaches a defined limit, taking into account the equity of the present home and the age of the borrower(s.) This limit can be used in multiple ways, it can go towards that downsized home, be a line of credit, can cover monthly payments for the rest of their lives, or can even be a lump sum the borrower receives immediately.

There are also other typical reverse mortgage scenarios.

For instance, as well as one might plan, life offers us unexpected events. A reverse mortgage is a respectable option when a family is in distress, many foreclosures have been avoided with the solid help of a reverse mortgage. And sometimes, when a family is not even in distress, they wish to take advantage of all their hard work, which is there in the form of the home they own, and have liquid resources instead of just equity that cannot be utilized. The ways a reverse mortgage can be brought into the questions of a plan are as unique as the personal life situations existing.

For seniors 62 and older, a reverse mortgage can objectively be considered as an alternative revenue option. This takes away the stigma sometimes attached to it as a choice that was the only option left, a fall back when it is really a move forward.

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Lupton, Erie,  Lafayette, Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Boulder and other Front Range areas of Colorado. Click here to contact Jan and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

 

Debunking Reverse Mortgage’s 5 Most Common Myths in Colorado

Reverse Mortgage Loveland Fort Collins ColoradoThe Reverse Mortgage, created to aid the realization of retirees dreams, will be in your face if you have approached, or are approaching, the eligible age of 62. As with the all special offers across Colorado, marketing can promote it in such a way as to allure you – or to terrify you.

There are a number of points to know when you begin to learn about reverse mortgage. These are simple facts and not marketing strategies.

1.) First of all, married couples can both be on the reverse mortgage loan if they are both over the age of 62. This means when one passes, the other can continue living in the home under the same agreement. No changes take place just because both are no longer in the home.  This gives the remaining spouse a true security as they navigate through the transition of losing their life partner.  The same would apply if one spouse was to leave the home permanently and move into an assisted living facility.  As long as both partners are on the loan,  and one still remains in the home, nothing changes.

2.)  Second, there are NO monthly mortgage payments. So long as the borrower(s) remain in the home as their primary residence, their only financial responsibilities are the homeowner’s insurance, HOA payments, property taxes and basic upkeep/utilities.  This is the case whether a traditional reverse mortgage is acquired, or a reverse mortgage to purchase a home.  No mortgage payments, ever.

3.) Third, funds from a reverse mortgage will not affect Social Security, Medicare or pensions because they are considered “tax free” income.  They also are not declared on tax returns as income.

4.) Fourth, you retain the title to your home and it stays in your name.  There is not a transfer of ownership just because you drew upon the equity of your personal asset.

5.) Lastly, you can access the funds in various ways including monthly payment, a line of credit, a lump sum, or as a purchase.  And the funds can be used however you see fit.  Borrowers can even use a reverse mortgage to buy a new home via the Reverse Mortgage for Purchase program allowing the home purchase and the reverse mortgage loan transaction to take place at the same time.  This a great option for those who wish to be close to family, in a desired location or have a place that fits your new lifestyle, or even move to your retirement dream home.

Reverse mortgage are available to seniors 62 and over all over Colorado.  To learn more, contact a reputable reverse mortgage lender.

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