Month: July 2016

How to Sell a Home that has an Existing Reverse Mortgage

Posted on by janjordan

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.

 

Jan Jordan Reverse Mortgage Info for Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado.

 

 

What Exactly is a Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit?

Posted on by janjordan

Reverse Mortgage for Purchase Loveland Fort Collins Greeley Longmont Westminster Colorado Cheyenne Laramie WyomingReverse mortgages aren’t new, but the shifting perspective on them certainly is.  After undergoing various regulation changes the past couple years, everyone is taking a second look.  Real estate agents are seeking more information on the Reverse Mortgage for Purchase so they can offer this option to their senior buyers.  Adult children are realizing the myths they’d heard over the years are just that – myths.  And now retirement experts are suggesting adding home equity into the equation when helping retirees plan for their golden years.

 

Reverse mortgages are very versatile when it comes to ways to access funds, but this article is going to focus on one that is quickly gaining in popularity – the Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit.

 

What is a Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit?

 

The line of credit option allows homeowners to tap into the equity of their home and have access to the funds whenever needed, but unlike a lump sum or monthly payments, they don’t have to withdraw any funds at all and can keep it as a safety net.  Or the funds can be used when needed to supplement retirement income.  The options are endless.

 

How is the amount on a line of credit determined?

 

Just like all reverse mortgages, the amount is determined based on the age of the borrower and the appraised value of the home.  The older the borrower and the more the home is worth, the larger the line of credit will initially be.  Borrowers also are not required to use all the available equity in their home as the line of credit, and they have options to combine it with other funding sources such as monthly installments or even a home purchase.

 

Will the line of credit funding amount ever change?  

 

Yes and no.  Unlike other reverse mortgage funding options, a line of credit will increase at a compounding rate determine by HUD – and on the flip side, it will never decrease even if home values depreciate.

 

Why get a Line of Credit now rather than wait until I’m sure I need it?  

 

Retirement experts are recommending to many clients to include the reverse mortgage line of credit in their retirement portfolios from the get-go for various reasons.  One, the housing market is strong right now and appraised home values are high.  Two, as the years go on, these programs change and it may not be available in 10 years, but anyone who has an already established line of credit will always be ‘grandfathered’ into the program, even if it is eliminated in the future.  And three, in the case of economic downturn where investments are affected, having the line of credit immediately available can be a future safety net.

 

Is a Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit FHA Insured?

 

Typically yes, as long you are working with a reputable reverse mortgage lender, the line of credit will be FHA insured just like any other reverse mortgage product.  This means there are protections and guarantees in place for the borrower that will never falter.

 

Reverse mortgage are available to seniors 62 and over throughout Colorado and Wyoming.

 

Jan Jordan Reverse Mortgage Info for Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado.

5 Interesting Facts About Reverse Mortgages

Posted on by janjordan

ID-10083591Reverse mortgages have made a serious comeback in the past couple years.  After regulation changes were enacted in 2015, the reverse mortgage loan once considered a desperate lifeline is now being used as a retirement tool for even the wealthy.  The loans are still only available to seniors 62 and older (including married couples) with the amount of funds available increasing depending on age and appraised value of the home, but now those funds are often being accessed in ways not available before – such as a line of credit or to purchase a home.  This really is not your mother’s reverse mortgage, it’s something much more versatile than it was years ago.

 

Here are some lesser known facts about today’s reverse mortgage:

 

1.)  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – the borrower will always remain the homeowner as long as basic responsibilities such as property taxes are paid, homeowners insurance is kept current, and utilities and HOA fees are paid.  One of reverse mortgage’s scariest myths has always been that a bank will own the home.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  Not only will the borrower remain the homeowner, they will also retain the title.

 

2.) There are NO mortgage or loan payments.  That’s correct.  Regardless of how the borrower decides to utilize the reverse mortgage funds, they will not pay a loan or mortgage payment while they remain in the home.

 

3.) With a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase, borrowers can wrap both the home purchase and the reverse mortgage into the same transaction allowing them to buy their dream home – AND the reverse mortgage will substantially supplement purchasing power allowing a home to be purchased that may have once been out of their price range.  When using a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase, the borrower is required to provide some down payment and the reverse mortgage funds will make up the rest of the purchase price.

 

4.) Married couples can both be on the loan regardless of how the funds are utilized.  Another all too common myth is that in the case of a married couple, if one spouse passes away the other spouse will be evicted.  When working with a reputable reverse mortgage lender this should never happen.  As long as both spouses are 62 or over, they can both be on the loan allowing either borrower to stay in the home until the last spouses passes away or permanently leaves the home.

 

5.) Heirs are not “saddled” with the debt of a reverse mortgage.  After the borrower(s) pass away, there are several options as to what the heirs can do with the home.  And in today’s hot housing market, the home may gain equity that can be available to the heirs.  Most all reverse mortgages are FHA insured meaning the loan will never exceed the amount of the home sale – even if more is owed, and it also means it will only ever require the amount of the loan even if the home is worth much more when it comes due.

 

Jan Jordan Reverse Mortgage Info for Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado.

 

How to Find a Reputable Reverse Mortgage Lender in Colorado

Posted on by janjordan

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 Reverse Mortgage Info for Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado.