janjordan, Author at Colorado Reverse Mortgage Specialist

Author: janjordan

What You Need To Know About Reverse Mortgage For Purchase

Posted on October 16, 2020October 19, 2020 by janjordan

Reverse Mortgages, once typically thought to only help struggling seniors, have undergone enormous changes recently and are being used to help even affluent retirees achieve their retirement dreams and home buyers purchase new homes.

The Reverse Mortgage for Purchase program is quickly gaining in popularity. This program allows seniors to purchase a home using a reverse mortgage and live mortgage payment free. To qualify for this program, borrower(s) simply need to be age 62 or older, be purchasing a home to become their primary residence, and have their “required investment”. There are no income or credit requirements and just like with any other type of home loan, the borrower will still be the homeowner and will always retain the title. In addition, similar to a homeowner who owns their home free and clear, there will not be a monthly mortgage payment but the borrower will still be required to pay property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, HOA fees, and basic upkeep and utility payments.

The borrower can use this loan to purchase single family homes, town homes, and FHA approved condos. Unfortunately, these loans cannot be used to purchase homes under construction and the home must have a “Certificate of Occupancy” issued prior to starting the application process.

As mentioned above, the borrower will need to have their “required investment” or down payment. This amount is determined by a calculation set by HUD based on: the lesser of the sale price or appraised value, the age of the youngest of the borrowers, and the current expected interest rate. There are many examples available of these numbers to help real estate professionals and borrowers determine the price bracket they should search based on the required investment they have available.

Unlike a traditional mortgage where the loan reaches a “maturity date”, reverse mortgages have a “maturity event”. This is the event which causes the loan to become due and payable. These “events” include: the last remaining borrower passes away, the homeowner sells the home, the last remaining borrower leaves the home for 12 consecutive months, or the homeowner defaults on property taxes or insurance.

Prior to being approved for a reverse mortgage, HUD’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) requires each borrow to participate in a counseling session with an approved agency. These not-for-profit agencies are funded by the federal government and work closely with both the FHA and lenders to ensure a smooth process. The goal of this session is not to steer a potential borrower in one direction or another, but to make sure they clearly understand all aspects of a reverse mortgage.

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

Should Reverse Mortgage Be Part Of Your Retirement Portfolio?

Posted on October 9, 2020October 19, 2020 by janjordan

For the past quarter century seniors have easily managed to retire on three things: company pension plans, social security, and personal savings. But with an uncertain economy in front of us, baby boomers are being forced to take a second look at their retirement portfolios. Previously, tapping into home equity for retirement has been considered a last resort. But should it be?

Both company pensions, personal investments, and social security benefits face much uncertainty down the road. And if retirees have had the ability to hold onto any personal savings during the economic downturn, it likely took a hit as well. But when adding home equity into the retirement equation, statistics show most baby boomers 51 and over have enough to retire comfortably. So where does this leave reverse mortgages?

In a recent Forbes article, author and retirement income planning expert, Jamie Hopkins says: “Home equity is often forgotten as a potential retirement income source. If you do bucketing correctly and in a holistic manner, your home should be in the plan.”

And he’s absolutely right.

For seniors 62 and over, reverse mortgage is something that should be considered when seeking retirement funding solutions. Homeowners can access the equity in their home and no repayment is due until the last borrower passes or permanently leaves the home. For retirees, it could mean the difference between living, living comfortably, and living out retirement dreams.

When looking down the road toward financial planning for retirement, ask yourself a few questions and determine if a reverse mortgage might fit into your Plan A or your Plan B. Discuss it with your spouse and with your financial planner. Learn the facts about reverse mortgage and how it will affect your loved ones after you pass.

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

Breaking Down The 7 Top Reverse Mortgage Myths In Colorado

Posted on September 25, 2020 by janjordan

Reverse Mortgage was created to give our retiring generation a way to keep their homes and manage the ever increasing costs of life in America after working long and hard over the years. It is an option that could be just right for you. All applicants are required to participate in HUD approved counseling to ensure all their questions and concerns are addressed. Working with a reputable reverse mortgage specialist will also be critical in the process, as this person should be your advocate – even telling you when a reverse mortgage may be wrong for you.

In the meantime, unravel the myths floating around about what a reverse mortgage is and what it does.

Here are a few myth busting facts:

Myth #1: Reverse mortgages are only for poor people.
Fact: Many retirees use reverse mortgage as a way to fulfill their desires for retirement, or to help grandchildren with college, or even to move into their dream home.

Myth #2: It’s free money.
Fact: It is a loan specialized for those 62 years old and older that does not need to be paid back until the last borrower passes away or leaves the home permanently. If anyone attempts to market a reverse mortgage as “free money”, beware as it is likely a scam.

Myth #3: You lose your home.
Fact: The title of your home stays in your hands.

Myth #4: It is not a safe program.
Fact: Reverse mortgages are FHA insured and fully guaranteed – regardless of how you receive the payout.

Myth #5: My equity is safe if I don’t use a reverse mortgage right now.
Fact: Your equity is dependent upon the housing market, which is always changing.

Myth #6: I must be a homeowner or use my current home to obtain a reverse mortgage.
Fact: Reverse mortgages can be used to purchase a home, even if you have never owned a home before.

Myth #7: If I’m married, my spouse will lose the home if I pass away.
Fact: Married couples can both be on the loan if both are 62 or older. There are many ways to ensure both spouses are not at risk.

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the 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.

Aging At Home vs Nursing Home In The Era of COVID

Posted on September 18, 2020September 25, 2020 by janjordan

In our society, the elderly and nursing homes go hand in hand, but in the age of COVID there are all new concerns. When speaking with elderly people, one of their biggest fears is being placed into a nursing home. Who can blame them? According to National Center on Elder abuse, one study interviewing 2,000 nursing home residents reported that 44% said they had been abused and 95% said they had been neglected or seen another resident neglected. When considering the psyche of an older senior, nursing homes or convalescent homes mean “end of life”. Often times adult children don’t know a better solution as the needs of the parents increase, the home is no longer suited for their parent, and/or they do not have the funds or the time for in home care. Reverse mortgages have been helping seniors in need for years. But now as retirement planners are realizing the benefit the can offer long term, they are now being used more proactively.

Reverse mortgage is a great method to finance in-home care to avoid nursing homes, pay for medical care, and even fund home modifications. For seniors who are looking to situate long term and prepare to live their golden years in their own home, a move to a new residence closer to family or more suited for senior life may be in order. The reverse mortgage for purchase is perfect option for these situations. Reverse mortgage for purchase allows the purchase of a different residence using a reverse mortgage while still employing the perks of a traditional reverse mortgage – living mortgage payment free. In addition, reverse mortgages do not affect social security, pensions, or medicare.

Both reverse mortgage for purchase and traditional reverse mortgage are available to seniors 62 and over. The home must be the primary residence and it must be a HUD approved property type.

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

Is Your Home HUD Eligible For A Reverse Mortgage?

Posted on September 11, 2020September 14, 2020 by janjordan

Reverse Mortgages are a specialized loan available to seniors 62 and over. This creative resource is used by a wide demographic – from those looking to supplement a fixed income, to the more affluent in need of protection for retirement assets, and even those wanting to purchase a home in retirement. But there are some requirements when it comes to the actual home…

Which types of homes are included?

According the HUD’s Federal Housing Administration, the home must be a single family home or a 2-4 unit home with one unit occupied by the borrower. Some condominiums and manufactured homes that are approved by HUD also meet FHA requirements.

In the case of a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase, borrowers can use a reverse mortgage to purchase a single family home or 2-4 unit home with completed construction that has received a certificate of occupancy.

Are there reasons my home may not qualify?

A home with very little equity may not qualify, although homes with existing mortgages may.

In addition, homes must be maintained with general upkeep and be current on property taxes and other expenses relevant to the home.

A second home or vacation home may not qualify. The borrower must be living (or plan to live) in the home.

Bottom line

The funds from a reverse mortgage can be accessed via a lump sum, line of credit, monthly installments, or to purchase a home. If you have questions let your specialist guide you in the many scenarios that are possible and the two of you can think creatively about your needs and desires.

Delaying Social Security Benefits With A Reverse Mortgage

Posted on September 4, 2020September 14, 2020 by janjordan

When planning for retirement, there will no doubt be a discussion about when a retiree should start taking their Social Security benefits.

There are perks to delaying, for example Social Security benefits stand to increase as much as 7-8% per year if you don’t apply until age 70. But many seniors need this income. With the ability to apply for a reverse mortgage at the age of 62, and current low interest rates, retirees stand to actually make gains by using a reverse mortgage to supplement while delaying benefits.

When approved for a reverse mortgage, the borrower can choose from a variety of ways to access the funds. It could be a monthly installment, a lump sum, or even a line of credit that in itself stands to grow over time.

This is a creative way to use the hard earned equity in your home to your benefit. A well educated financial advisor would easily be able to help you decide if this is a good option. Reverse mortgages are available to seniors 62 and over, including married couples, with an approved type of home. The borrower will always retain the title to the home and reverse mortgages are insured by the FHA.

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.

Common Questions Adult Children Have About Reverse Mortgages

Posted on August 28, 2020September 14, 2020 by janjordan

As your parents age, their needs will inevitably change. And as they change, your need to consider options with them will increase. While these conversations may be the first of their kind, it will also be a chance to offer support. Reverse mortgage could be a viable option to meet everyone’s wishes, especially your parents.

Concerns will arise. Here is a brief answer to some of them. For more in depth answers, feel free to contact me.

• If my parents and I decide to repay the reverse mortgage loan, what happens to the equity in the home?

There are two options at this point. The first is a decision by your parents to sell the home and use the money received to pay off the reverse mortgage. The second is to keep the home and choose another way to pay the balance due on the loan. In both options, the borrowers will keep the equity that remains in the home.

• Will the home inheritance Mom and Dad have prepared for me and/or my siblings be used up?

They will be tapping into equity but their home may also be appreciating. If this is the case the appreciation will keep some equity in the home for you to receive upon their passing. This conversation with them will be the most meaningful. Oftentimes parents assume their children want an inheritance and create stress in their lives just so they leave as much as they can. Unspoken assumptions on both sides can leave everyone in the dark. The needs of your parents, and the ability to support themselves without draining anyone else’s finances may outweigh what is received when they are gone.

They may need to know how you really feel about inheritance and your thinking about what it means to you is just as important.

• If my parents take a reverse mortgage out on their home, will it affect their retirement benefits?

This type of loan does not affect the benefits of Medicare or Social Security or other pensions, and additionally, the income is non-taxable. If your parents have other forms of assistance such as federal, state or Medicaid programs, a reputable reverse mortgage lender can help navigate this.

Reverse mortgage is an individualized, specialized loan for those 62 and older that allows seniors to tap into the equity of their home while living mortgage and loan payment free. The funds can be accessed via a lump sum, line of credit, monthly installments, or even to purchase a home. If you are planning ahead let your specialist guide you creatively to suit your needs and desires.

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Erie, Firestone, Fort Lupton, 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.

The Reverse Mortgage Line Of Credit Is Highly Unique And Here’s Why

Posted on August 21, 2020September 14, 2020 by janjordan

The HECM Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit is still relatively new, and to this day many within the financial and retirement industries haven’t fully grasped how it works. Well, they need to get on board because consumers are interested – and they should be. Here’s why..

First, what is a line of credit? Simply put, a line of credit are funds available to you through a financial institution that you can access as needed, or not at all if the need doesn’t arise. Interest is not acquired if the funds are not used. This makes line of credit options excellent safety nets, especially for the purpose of creative retirement strategy.

When looking at a HECM Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit, the two are obviously intertwined, meaning the qualification requirements for any reverse mortgage still apply. These are: age 62 and over, using your primary residence for the loan, this home must meet HUD’s guidelines and needs to be either paid off or have substantial equity, and the borrower must have the financial capability to continue to pay homeowners insurance, property taxes, and the like. Because there are various options to receive the payout from a reverse mortgage, the line of credit is only one of them.

When you have a reverse mortgage line of credit, you have money that is available to you — but you only accrue interest on the money you withdraw. This means the reverse mortgage line of credit can act as an excellent back up source of funds or can be used for retirement fun, whether it be vacation, spoiling grandchildren, or knowing you have the funds available when you’re ready to take on new ventures.

There are other benefits though. This line of credit is pretty astounding beyond just being a safety net.

Growth: Not only are you not paying interest, but your untouched reverse mortgage line of credit can grow in value. Money in a reverse mortgage line of credit grows at the same rate as the interest rate on the loan PLUS 1.25% monthly. So, if the interest rate on your reverse mortgage is 2.50%, then your line of credit will grow at 3.75% (2.50% + 1.25%).

Unique: This growth is unique to reverse mortgage lines of credit — a HELOC for example does not grow.

Hedge Against Falling House Prices: The growth in a reverse mortgage line of credit is guaranteed — without withdrawals, your line of credit is guaranteed to grow. This means you lock in the current value of your home without taking out an interest acruing loan.

Pretty great, isn’t it?

How A Reverse Mortgage Can Help A Widow Purchase A Home

Posted on August 14, 2020September 14, 2020 by janjordan

It’s a scenario all to familiar for the elderly in Northern Colorado…

A spouse passes away leaving behind a widow. The remaining partner wants to move closer to family. But there’s a catch – although the widow’s current home is owned outright, they would typically need to sell it before they could purchase another. And they wish to move to an area where the median home price is much higher than the home available to sell.

Reverse mortgage for purchase may be an excellent option for this widow. Let’s look at the scenario in detail:

Predicament #1: Widow needs to sell current home before purchasing a new home.

Solution: With a reverse mortgage for purchase, this widow would not need to sell the home immediately. Any personal funds or assets used to purchase the new home could be replenished when the current home sells – and the funds from a reverse mortgage would supplement the initial funds needed. This would allow her to move and get settled immediately.

Predicament #2: The cost of a home in the area the widow is moving is much higher than where she currently lives, meaning the proceeds from her current home sale will not cover the entire purchase.

Solution: When utilizing a reverse mortgage for purchase, her out of pocket cost would be substantially supplemented. For example if she anticipates selling her current home for $200,000 and purchasing a home for $300,000, the reverse mortgage may cover the $100,000 difference allowing her to live mortgage payment free and best of all – near her family.

Reverse Mortgage for Purchase (aka: HECM for Purchase) is an FHA insured program for seniors 62 and over, with minimal income and credit requirements.

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado as well as Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming.

How Prepared Are You If Your Spouse Dies? A Guide

Posted on August 7, 2020August 13, 2020 by janjordan

Regardless of age, losing a spouse is difficult – and the impending “business” that comes along with it doesn’t make it any easier. This is why we should all ask ourselves at some point, “Am I prepared if my spouse dies?”. There are so many various aspects to being “prepared”, and although I can’t help with many of them, I can help with some simple suggestions to making sure you aren’t stuck with unexpected questions.

It’s not uncommon in marriages or partnered relationships for each spouse to take care of different bookkeeping tasks. For example, it’s very common for the husband to manage retirements funds – pensions, IRA’s, etc. While the wife may handle personal address books or paying bills. Take a minute and think about this? Not only what you may not know, but what your spouse may not know.

Here are some suggestions to putting this information in order:

• Begin by making a list over a week or two, and ideally an entire month. Make note of what “business” you do. How many passwords did you need online? How many account numbers on the phone? What about PINs? The results may surprise you. In today’s high tech yet overly scammed world, everything is secured under lock and key.

• Although it is best if both spouses can contribute to this exercise it is not a requirement. Either way, spend some time brainstorming together. We often will remember things when discussing them with someone else.

• It’s important to make a physical list of this information, whether typed or handwritten. What you shouldn’t do though is save this information online. Hackers will seek data that includes account numbers, logins, and passwords and this could lead to compromising your accounts and even identity theft. Even if you think it’s secure, there really is little guarantee that is true. Keeping this list with your most important documents – such as birth certificates, titles to homes and vehicles, etc – is going to be your safest bet, but make sure both spouses know where to find it.

What to include on your list:

Name and phone number of company, account numbers and any PINs associated. If using online management of account, include website URLs of where to login, login name and password, and any auto pay information. If there are specific people you work with at these companies, include their names.

If only one spouse is listed on the account, make an effort to add the other one. I recently witnessed an elderly woman at the DMV who was unable to renew her driver’s license because all the mail that came to the home was in her husband’s name. This is more common than many people realize – and often they don’t even know until they’re caught in jam.

• Home loan
• Home insurance
• Car loan
• Car insurance policies
• Health insurance policies
• Life insurance policies
• Bank accounts
• Credit card accounts
• Pension, IRA, annuities, etc
• Utilities – electric, water, gas, phone, trash
• Facebook, LinkedIn, etc
• Contact information for family and friends
• Contact information of bankers, retirement or financial planners, loan officers
• Contact information for doctors, dentists, pharmacies, veterinarians, etc (and a little info about what each one is for)

These lists will vary from person to person, so make sure to add your own ideas. Also be sure to update it when anything changes or is added – because hopefully you won’t need it for quite a few more years!

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 and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.