Author: janjordan

Is A Retirement Crisis Looming?

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Numbers are being released showing that the impending retirement crisis may be worse than originally thought.

Half of Americans have less than $10,000 in savings.  Nearly half of the oldest Baby Boomer generation have insufficient resources to pay for basic retirement living expenses and healthcare costs.

The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College estimates that our “retirement income deficit” is $6.6 trillion. That number represents the gap between pension and retirement savings that American households have today and what they should have to maintain their standard of living in retirement.

Over 6 million American seniors are living in poverty.  This number is expected to grow by 33% in coming years.

These stats are concerning not only for the retirees, but also their families. A reverse mortgage can help by becoming an important piece of retirement planning. Seniors 62 years and older now have the ability to fund their retirement using the equity in their homes, alleviating mortgage payments, and receiving either a line of credit, monthly installments, or occasionally a lump sum.  These funds are not taxable as income, and will continue for as long as the borrower remains in the residence. 

For many, this option makes a world of difference, allowing for the sought after prosperous retirement years instead of barely scraping by on a budget. And the reverse mortgage funds can be used for any purpose the borrower chooses, and is often used to help with every day expenses or long term medical costs.

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

How To Vet A Reverse Mortgage Lender

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reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoUsing a reputable reverse mortgage lender is crucial for anyone considering a reverse mortgage, as it can greatly affect the borrower’s financial well-being and peace of mind. A reverse mortgage is a serious financial product and working with a reputable lender can help ensure that the borrower fully understands the terms and risks involved.

Here are some reasons why it’s important to use a reputable reverse mortgage lender:

  1. Avoiding scams: Unfortunately, there are many scams and unscrupulous lenders in the reverse mortgage industry. Working with a reputable lender can help protect the borrower from fraud and predatory lending practices.
  2. Clear and transparent terms: A reputable lender will provide clear and transparent information about the terms and costs of the reverse mortgage. This includes the interest rate, fees, and repayment terms, as well as the borrower’s obligations and responsibilities.
  3. Education and guidance: A reputable lender will provide education and guidance to the borrower, helping them understand the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage and how it fits into their overall financial plan. This can include counseling and education from an independent third-party counselor.
  4. Compliance with regulations: A reputable lender will comply with all applicable regulations and laws related to reverse mortgages. This includes following guidelines from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other regulatory agencies.
  5. Customer service: A reputable lender will provide excellent customer service, answering questions and concerns promptly and professionally. This can help the borrower feel more comfortable and confident throughout the process.

In short, working with a reputable reverse mortgage lender can help ensure that the borrower is making an informed decision and is protected from fraud and predatory lending practices. It can also provide peace of mind and a better overall experience throughout the process. When considering a reverse mortgage, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable lender with a track record of excellent service and transparency.

Reverse mortgages are available to individuals and married couples aged 62 and over. 

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.

Could A Reverse Mortgage Be The Key To Retire In Comfort?

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reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoFor many who remember the reverse mortgage scares of the yester-years, the terms ‘comfort’ and ‘reverse mortgage’ seem like an unlikely duo.  But they shouldn’t  be.

Since the FHA and HUD changed a few regulations stabilizing reverse mortgages in 2015, they have quickly been garnering new attention.  Whether looking to boost monthly income, protect retirement, or even purchase a new home, reverse mortgage is proving to be a versatile and creative tool.

Here are three ways a reverse mortgage can help make retirement more comfortable:

1.) Supplement retirement income.  With a whopping 36% of baby boomers planning to live on nothing but Social Security for retirement, utilizing a reverse mortgage to supplement retirement funds with non-taxable income from the equity of an individual’s home is a great option.  The funds can be accessed via monthly payments or a line of credit, and because the loan doesn’t come due until the borrower passes away or permanently leaves the home, they can live their retirement years both financially comfortable and in the comfort of their own home.

2.) Protect and enhance retirement portfolio.  For those who have a well prepared plan for their retirement, using a reverse mortgage line of credit to supplement their nest egg can offer great flexibility and even enhance wealth.  Some simply want to use the funds to delay Social Security until they can receive the largest amount.  Others may have investments they are looking to protect or allow to mature.  Retirement and financial planners are now discussing how a reverse mortgage can be used as part of a long term retirement plan.

3.) Purchase a retirement home.  It’s still a little known fact that a reverse mortgage can be used to purchase a new home – but it can, and it’s a great fit for so many retirees.  Whether looking to moving in to a senior community, move closer to family, or move to a dream home, using a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase should not be overlooked.  This amazing program makes the once impossible possible when it comes to home buying.

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 and help creatively suit your needs and desires.

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

Aging At Home With A Reverse Mortgage

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reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoAs you grow older your needs of body, mind and heart change, sometimes requiring assistance. Have you considered a reverse mortgage to help you with this assistance to stay in your home, instead of moving where that is provided like assisted living or nursing home?

This is a very possible option for those who wish to remain in the place where family memories are held, and familiar rooms hold personal furniture and mementos marking the years.

The average resident of a nursing home lives about four months, so short a time for this cherished time of life. With a little investigation by you, or by your loved ones, a number of other options could prove to be the best choice.

For one, home health care has grown exponentially over the years. Certified aides, care givers and nurses can come to you to meet your defined needs. Add in a bit of tender loving care from family and friends to balance home care, doctor’s appointments, therapy and all the rest and a second option presents itself. In addition to the one on one focus both these options provide are an endless stream of senior services such as meals on wheels, senior centers, day care assistance and many more falling under the umbrellas of social services.

A Reverse Mortgage could be an easy way to create the lifestyle you want, meeting your changing needs, right within your own home!

The first step would be to create a plan for your life of retirement.  Set your vision for the future, naming long term health care providers, establishing the roles of family members, look at your resources (or seek professional counsel to assess costs of living for years to come,) and be honest about what needs you have now, and what needs you want to provide for in the future. Include the unexpected in your assessment so the stress of change is not compounded by lack of resources.

Once you make your plan, discuss it with all involved. If it makes sense include those helping you in your will so they can provide a line of continuity from their care for you, to the care of your estate and affairs once you pass.

Review your plan yearly so you have the security and freedom to change as you change. A reverse mortgage can not only provide you by covering your monthly expenses as you live mortgage payment free, but can also be included in the planning process increasing your options as you see how much you will receive from the equity of your home.

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

Is There A Max Age Limit For A Reverse Mortgage?

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The minimum age for a reverse mortgage loan is 62, but what about a maximum age?  Is anyone ever too old for a reverse mortgage?  I don’t think so, although it won’t be right for everyone.

Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners, or those seeking to purchase a home, who are 62 and older, including married couples.  There are NO loan or mortgage payment requirements while living in the home, but they are responsible for continuing to pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any other associated costs such as HOA fees and utilities.  The loan becomes due when the last borrower passes away or permanently leaves the home (for 12 consecutive months).

Common reasons for seeking out a reverse mortgage include boosting retirement income, strategically protecting retirement assets or delaying the use of them, medical care, or simply to have a safety net.   The creative uses for reverse mortgages go full circle.  But what about the very elderly?  How can it help them?

I once worked with a 100 year old man to obtain a reverse mortgage on his home and fund in-home care while he continued to age.  He was able to reside at home with 24 hour care at a cost of $10,000 a month.  When I was sitting at the closing table with this client and his lawyer, the lawyer mentioned that that he could move to an assisted living facility at half the cost ($5,000/month). This gentleman’s quick, sharp answer back to everyone? “NO…. I’m staying in my home.”  And he did.  And I was honored to have helped him be able to do that.

Another example would be if a parent-adult child duo were living together as they both age.  In many of these cases, it’s common both are age eligible to be on the loan.  And why shouldn’t they be?

Sometimes the elderly want to live out the final years of their life by sharing time and gifts with those they love.  Why not offer inheritance while you’re here and can enjoy watching those you love reap the rewards of it?

Whatever the reason, reverse mortgage may be the answer, no matter how old the borrower is.

One concern that can arise is whether or not the elderly can pass the financial assessment needed to obtain the reverse mortgage loan, since they likely have limited income by this point.  But older borrowers can tap a larger percentage of their home’s equity, allowing for a potential set-aside of funds to cover required expenses. The reason is that their life expectancy is shorter, meaning the expected term of their loan will be shorter, too.

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.

A Look At How Reverse Mortgages Have Evolved

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reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoSince the reverse mortgage industry saw big changes in 2015 then again in 2017, financial advisers, retirement planners, and reverse mortgage specialists are collaborating more than ever before.  In an effort to ensure these changes are are thoroughly understood and appropriate solutions are offered to clients, a strong relationship between professionals is vitally important.

Because of these newly developed relationships, it appears a wonderful shift is taking place.  Reverse mortgage, once stereotyped as a product for poverty stricken widows or the like, is now being realized as a product of opportunity.  More and more we’re seeing affluent and middle class retirees utilizing this option to provide financial stability and financial freedom throughout retirement.  The industry has only begun to scratch the surface of those who would benefit or will discover the possibilities when tying a reverse mortgage into their retirement plans.

This paradigm shift will likely increase knowledge across the board regarding both traditional reverse mortgage loans and the reverse mortgage for purchase program.  Both products are available for seniors 62 and over.

If you have any questions regarding the changes that have taken place surrounding the reverse mortgage industry in Colorado, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

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.

Reverse Mortgage Info For Married Couples

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reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoIf you and your spouse are considering obtaining a reverse mortgage, it’s important to understand the long term effect it could have on either spouse once the other passes away, and feel confident any appropriate protections are in place.

What Married Couples Need to Know 

When applying for a reverse mortgage the amount of money you can receive is calculated according to the age of the youngest borrower.  The older the borrower, the more money is available from the lender.

If both homeowners are over the age of 62, both homeowners can be on a reverse mortgage loan.  If both spouses are on the loan, the loan continues if either passes away and will continue until both borrowers have passed.

Another scenario to consider is if a borrower obtains a reverse mortgage and then remarries.  If this was to happen, it wouldn’t be unheard of for the married couple to live in the home for 20 or more years before the borrower passes.  At this time the new spouse would not be protected under the existing reverse mortgage loan.  If you have reverse mortgage and you remarry, you could consider looking into refinancing the reverse mortgage and adding the new spouse to the loan.

And yet one more thing to note is the possibility one spouse needs to move out of the home into an assisted living facility due to health concerns.  If this happens, as long as the spouse that remains in the home is on the loan, they can continue under their current reverse mortgage.

Bottom line: If you are married and are considering obtaining a reverse mortgage, it is extremely important to work with a trusted and experienced reverse mortgage specialist who can easily answer all of your questions and address any concerns you may have.  Making sure both spouses are protected should be a lender’s top priority.

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.

Reverse Mortgages: When The Homeowner Passes Away

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reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoA common question and concern surrounding reverse mortgage is what will happen to the home after the homeowners pass away?  Will the bank take possession?  Will it be allowed as inheritance?  Will it be possible to keep the home in the family?  Will the family of he deceased be held liable?  These are very valid concerns – so I’d like to offer some clear and concise guidance.

When the last homeowner passes, whether we’re talking about you or a loved one, the home will transfer into the estate or a specific person according  to the wishes expressed in the homeowner’s will.  At this time there are three main options:

1.  Pay off the remainder of the loan

Depending on the amount of equity that still exists in the home, the financial situation of the family, and just the overall ability of those involved, this may or may not be a feasible option.  It’s not uncommon for a portion of life insurance to be used in this manner.  Because these loans are FHA insured, if the loan is repaid, it will never be more than the home is worth – even if the housing market is in a deep low spot.

2. Obtain a conventional loan.

Many mortgage brokers are familiar with the reverse mortgage process and the right broker will be able to help those in need identify the best route in obtaining a conventional loan and keeping the home.

3. Sell the home

The final option is to sell the home.  When there is not a desire to keep the home, the heirs can sell the home.  When the home is sold, the loan will be repaid and any remaining equity from the sale will go to the heirs.

If there are no heirs or the heirs are not interested in the home, no one will be held liable.

One last note, as long as the communication lines remain open, the bank will typically allow up to one year to help with the transition.  This one year is allotted in three month increments.

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.

Fact Checking 7 Top Reverse Mortgage Myths

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reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoReverse 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.

Purchasing A New Build With A Reverse Mortgage

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reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoOne of the hidden gems within the reverse mortgage program has long been the ability to purchase a home with it; the Reverse Mortgage for Purchase program.  But within that program was a frustrating rule – the requirement that the home being purchased have a Certificate of Occupancy before a loan application could be submitted.  This meant seniors seeking this option were limited to pre-built homes. 

Well, this rule was quietly changed and few are talking about it.  Here’s the scoop:

A few years ago the FHA announced that it will allow mortgagees to take applications for HECM Reverse Mortgage for Purchase loans from potential borrowers without a certificate of occupancy and before the completion of reverse mortgage counseling.  The FHA will not insure the loans until the local officials deem the property to be habitable and issue a certificate of occupancy.  Lenders will be responsible for getting the appropriate paperwork once it is available.

The Reverse Mortgage for Purchase program allows seniors to purchase a home using a reverse mortgage and live mortgage payment free. To qualify for this program, borrower(s) need to be age 62 or older, be purchasing a home to become their primary residence, and have their “required investment”. 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. 

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.