Category: Retirement

Buying a Home in Retirement: Reverse Mortgage vs. Paying Cash

Posted on by lesley

As more seniors seek homes that fit their retirement lifestyle, such as single-level or low-maintenance or close to family, they often face a major decision: Should they pay cash, or use a reverse mortgage for purchase?

Both options have merit. But for many older homebuyers, especially in Northern Colorado where home values and living costs have steadily increased, a reverse mortgage offers flexibility, preserves retirement savings, and supports long-term independence.

A reverse mortgage for purchase, also known as HECM for Purchase, allows homebuyers aged 62 or older to finance part of their new home without making monthly mortgage payments. Instead, the loan is repaid when the homeowner sells the property, moves out permanently, or passes away. To qualify, buyers make a one-time down payment and the reverse mortgage covers the rest.

This approach provides several distinct advantages. It lets retirees hold on to their savings or investment accounts, rather than tying up a large portion of their funds in real estate. That extra liquidity can be useful for medical bills, travel, or simply peace of mind. It also means not having to worry about monthly mortgage payments, which can be a major relief for those on a fixed income.

Paying cash, on the other hand, offers simplicity. There’s no loan involved, no fees, and no interest accrual. You own your home outright from day one, and all future appreciation goes directly to you or your heirs. For those who have the means, paying cash may feel like the safer, more traditional route.

But that simplicity comes at a cost—namely, tying up hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single, illiquid asset. In today’s economy, where inflation and healthcare costs continue to rise, that may not be the best use of capital. Using a reverse mortgage for purchase allows seniors to “right-size” into a more appropriate home while maintaining financial flexibility for whatever the future brings.

There’s also the broader context of aging in place. According to a wide body of research, including a 2020 study published on arxiv.org, over 90% of older adults say they want to remain in their own homes as they age. A reverse mortgage supports that goal by allowing retirees to move into a safer, more manageable home now, without draining their savings, and remain there comfortably without a mortgage burden.

Paying cash gives you full equity, but it also leaves less room to respond to future financial needs. A reverse mortgage, by contrast, gives retirees access to a home that meets their needs while preserving their other assets for long-term care, family support, or simply enjoying life.

In the end, the best choice depends on your goals, resources, and lifestyle. But for those looking to buy a home in retirement without giving up financial security, a reverse mortgage for purchase offers a compelling solution.

Jan Jordan and Kelsey Jorck are Reverse Mortgage Specialists serving Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Dacono, Erie, Boulder, and surrounding areas across Colorado’s Front Range.  Click here to contact them and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

Why a Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit Makes Sense for Northern Colorado Retirees

Posted on by janjordan

For homeowners 62 and older, a reverse mortgage line of credit can be a practical way to access the equity in your home without selling it or taking on monthly loan payments. It’s an especially appealing option for retirees in Northern Colorado, where home values in places like Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Windsor have grown significantly over the years.

This type of loan works differently than a traditional mortgage or home equity line of credit. With a reverse mortgage line of credit, you’re not required to make monthly payments. Instead, the loan is repaid when you sell the home, move out, or pass away. In the meantime, the unused portion of the credit line actually grows over time, giving you more borrowing power the longer you let it sit.

That makes it a great tool for planning ahead. Even if you don’t need the money right away, setting up the credit line early in retirement gives you a flexible backup plan. If an emergency comes up—like a major home repair, unexpected medical bills, or rising living costs—you’ll have access to funds without dipping into savings or retirement accounts.

The money you withdraw is tax-free, because it’s considered a loan rather than income. That means it won’t affect your Social Security payments, Medicare, or other benefits. You can use it however you want: to pay for home improvements, cover healthcare expenses, or simply enjoy a more comfortable retirement.

Of course, you’re still responsible for paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, and keeping up with basic maintenance. And there are some upfront costs involved, including closing fees and mortgage insurance. But for many seniors who want to stay in their homes and keep their financial options open, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

In a region like Northern Colorado—where home equity is often one of the biggest assets retirees have—a reverse mortgage line of credit offers a smart, flexible way to make the most of it.

Jan Jordan and Kelsey Jorck are Reverse Mortgage Specialists serving Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Dacono, Erie, Boulder, and surrounding areas across Colorado’s Front Range.  Click here to contact them and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

How a Reverse Mortgage Can Help Seniors Navigate Divorce

Posted on by janjordan

reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoDivorce among seniors is becoming more common. With retirement often lasting decades rather than just a few years, many people are choosing to make the most of their later years, even if that means making a major life change.

While the emotional side of a divorce can be difficult, the financial aspects can be just as complex. One of the biggest assets often involved is the home, which may be fully paid off or have significant equity. For individuals aged 62 and older, a reverse mortgage can offer a helpful solution for dividing assets and maintaining financial independence.

Scenario 1: One Spouse Stays in the Home

Instead of selling the home and dividing the proceeds, one spouse could choose to remain in the home and take out a reverse mortgage. The proceeds from the loan can be used to pay the other spouse their share of the equity, allowing both parties to move forward.

If the divorce is finalized before the reverse mortgage closes, the financial settlement can often be incorporated into the loan itself. In this case, the reverse mortgage becomes part of the broader divorce agreement. The person who remains in the home will still be responsible for ongoing housing expenses, including property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and maintenance.

Scenario 2: Transitioning to a Single Income

Going from two sources of income to one can be a major financial shift, whether it’s from wages, Social Security, or pensions. Securing the home in the divorce can provide a foundation for stability. After the divorce is finalized, the single owner can take out a reverse mortgage on the home to create cash flow.

Funds can be accessed in monthly installments, as a line of credit that grows over time, or as a lump sum—depending on what fits best. If moving is preferred, a reverse mortgage for purchase could be used to buy a new home, often expanding your range of options. Either way, you’ll enjoy the benefit of not having a monthly mortgage payment.

Exploring Your Options

If you’re going through a divorce or considering one, a reverse mortgage may be a practical financial option. Reach out anytime to learn more about the process.

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

Your Retirement Is Different Than Your Parents – Here’s Why

Posted on by janjordan

reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoDecades ago, when our parents were working and raising a family, they looked at retirement as the true golden years.  It would be a time when they stopped working and lived off the fruits of their savings and investments.  Retirement planners used a three-legged-stool strategy back then.  The make up of this stool was Social Security, employer-sponsored retirement plans, and personal savings.  But somewhere between their retirement and now this stool became unbalanced – and now today’s retirees are needing to compensate for it.  But how?

First, it’s important to remember that these three components of retirement are still an integral part of retirement success, which is why it should be considered how they can be best utilized as well as protected.  But it’s also important to consider what else has changed – things like life expectancy, a more active retirement, and a move toward non-traditional and even extravagant retirement goals.   Why not have it all?  And what are the options to achieve it?

Part-Time Work: It’s not uncommon for retirees to utilize a phased retirement strategy, where they can work and begin receiving benefits.  In addition to the obvious point of this – additional income – working can help to delay Social Security benefits, as well as keep older people engaged in the community.  

Reverse Mortgage: For those with substantial equity in their homes, a reverse mortgage can be an excellent way to balance out that stool analogy with a fourth leg, or simply get the boost retirees need to live that extravagant retirement life they’ve been dreaming of.  Funds are available via a line of credit, monthly installments, a lump sum, and even to purchase home (or a combination).  Because the income is not taxed, it can be used strategically with investments, or used to delay Social Security benefits.  Another common function is a stand-by strategy that taps the line of credit now, but only uses it during bear markets to protect investments.  These FHA backed reverse mortgages do not incur any mortgage or loan payments, although borrowers must keep up with homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, and other associated costs.  In addition to living mortgage payment free, they can actually eliminate any existing mortgage or HELOC payments, and the loan is not payable until the last borrower passes away or permanently leaves the home.  

Downsizing and HELOC’s:  When considering how to make ends meet during retirement, downsizing is often part of the conversation.  Selling the home and moving to smaller one, then using any additional equity as a retirement funding source.  For anyone considering this, I’d suggest looking at the details of a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase prior to making a final decision.  A Reverse Mortgage for Purchase option can allow buyers to get more house for their money, while still having cash to stash away for retirement. 

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is another common solution.  When going this route versus a reverse mortgage, ensure the new monthly payment will not cause damage down the road if other needs arise, like medical care.  

Reverse mortgages certainly won’t be right for everyone, but for many they can be used creatively to aid in funding today’s retirement that is so different than what we are used to.

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.

Older Adults Want To Age At Home – And Reverse Mortgages Can Help

Posted on by janjordan

reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoAs traditional forms of elder care continue to be overshadowed by numerous other options, reverse mortgage is often helping senior individuals stay in their homes while they age.  Since reverse mortgages can open up opportunity to turn home equity into liquid cash, without having to move or make a mortgage loan payment, seniors and their families are using this opportunity to pay for care that would otherwise not be covered by basic Medicare or Medicaid.

Traditionally, “long term” elder care takes place in a nursing home or assisted living facility.  Medicare or Medicaid will often cover these expenses. but there is little public assistance for “in-home care”, although it varies from state to state.  As economic woes lend to retirement fears, reverse mortgage is more commonly being utilized for what it can do best, provide security for those most in need and offer a longer-term lifeline without disrupting the lives of the recipients.

Studies have shown that the benefits of aging in place can be enormous for the right candidate.  Not only can a move be both emotionally and physically challenging on a senior, especially one with medical concerns, it’s known that the quality of life tends to increase when seniors maintain their independence and their community ties.  Benefits include:

  • Comfort.  We all know the saying “There’s no place like home”, but this is often especially true when a senior has lived in a home for years or has lost a spouse.  Uprooting from such familiarity can have drastic affects.
  • Community Ties.  More often seniors are developing strong community ties well into their retirement years.  Family and friends are wonderful for grounding an aging loved one.
  • Independence. Remaining independent keeps seniors healthier than ever realized before.  It also allows them to continue doing many of the things they have always done and enjoyed.
  • Mentality. Our home life strongly impacts how we feel mentally. If a senior stays home to age they are likely to feel much better and happier than one that has been put into a nursing home or assisted care facility.

A reverse mortgage can help seniors 62 and over tap into their home equity regardless of income or credit.  For more detailed information on how a reverse mortgage works, click here.

Jan and Kelsey are Reverse Mortgage Specialists serving the Erie, 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 Kelsey to learn if a reverse mortgage is right for you.

Are Reverse Mortgages an Underutilized Life Line?

Posted on by janjordan

Two or three decades ago, the idea that an elderly couple or individual could live comfortably in their home far beyond retirement was practically unheard of.  Preparing for aging meant retirement homes, assisted living, or moving in with adult children.  Now today people are living longer and healthier lives than ever, but on the flip-side, they are retiring with less.  The Pew Research Center has found that the percent of adults who said that they “will not have enough money to live comfortably” in retirement rose from 32% to 53% in ten years. Among adults in the 55 to 64 age bracket, the percent who are “not too” or “not at all” confident that they will have enough to live on in retirement rose from 26% in to 39%.  These are alarming statistics.

Many seniors can improve their retirement outlook by considering a reverse mortgage, but very few use it as a retirement tool.  Homeowners, 62 and over, qualify for these FHA insured loans.  When creating a retirement portfolio, looking into home equity and a possible reverse mortgage can often mean the difference between getting by and living well.

So why is this option not utilized more often?  It is usually for one of two reasons: senior homeowners are either unaware or uneducated on the option, or negative public perception has steered them away.  Media coverage may report a negative story, but will fail to include the facts as to why these situations happened in the first place and how they can be prevented.  The majority of reverse mortgages are favorable experiences, although this is not considered newsworthy.  Some financial advisers or retirement planners are ambivalent to reverse mortgages, not adequately educating their client on this possibility.  It’s important to stay educated while watching out for scams.  And working with a reputable lender is critical when going through the reverse mortgage process or obtaining information to share with others.

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

How to Use a Reverse Mortgage to Eliminate a Traditional Mortgage

Posted on by janjordan

reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoIt’s not uncommon that I get questions about why a senior may want to use a reverse mortgage to pay off an existing conventional mortgage loan.  This scenario would vary from person to person, but in the long run, if the equity in the home can eliminate a mortgage payment without acquiring another loan payment, it’s often a win-win. 

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 meet certain income and credit guidelines.  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. Almost all of these loans are FHA insured.  There are certain things like property taxes and HOA fees that the homeowner will still be responsible for. 

Here is a scenario:

Barbara is a 75-year-old widow with a house worth $495,000. She still owes $125,000 on her conventional mortgage, with no other mortgage debt such as a HELOC.Based on her age and the home’s value, she can get a reverse mortgage that would not only pay off her mortgage but give her extra funds as well that could be accessed via a line-of-credit.She could live mortgage payment free for the remainder of her time in the home.  

A common question with reverse mortgages is who technically owns the home?  The borrower does.  They will retain the title and can make modifications or upgrades to the home.  

In addition, this is a great option for eliminating a HELOC (home equity lines of credit).

Jan Jordan and Kelsey Jorck are Reverse Mortgage Specialists serving the Erie, Dacono, Fort Lupton, Windsor, Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Boulder and other Front Range areas of Colorado.  Contact Jan and Kelsey to learn if a reverse mortgage is right for you.

What To Know About The Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit (HECM-LOC)

Posted on by janjordan

A reverse mortgage line of credit is a financial product designed for homeowners who are at least 62 years old and have significant equity in their homes. It allows them to access a portion of their home’s value without having to sell the property or make monthly mortgage payments.

Here’s how a reverse mortgage line of credit typically works:

  1. Eligibility: To qualify for a reverse mortgage line of credit, you must meet certain criteria, including age requirements and home equity. You need to be at least 62 years old, own your home outright or have a considerable amount of equity in it, and reside in the property as your primary residence. 
  2. Application and Counseling: You’ll need to apply for a reverse mortgage through a lender approved by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). As part of the process, you’ll be required to attend counseling to ensure you understand the terms and implications of the loan. 
  3. Loan Calculation: The amount you can borrow is determined based on several factors, including your age, the appraised value of your home, and current interest rates. The older you are and the more valuable your home, the larger the potential loan amount. 
  4. Line of Credit: Instead of receiving a lump sum, a reverse mortgage line of credit provides you with a pool of funds that you can access as needed. This line of credit can grow over time, allowing you to access more funds in the future. The unused portion of the line of credit can also earn interest, which increases the available funds. 
  5. Repayment: The outstanding loan balance, including any accrued interest, becomes due when you sell the home, move out permanently, or pass away. Typically, the home is sold, and the proceeds are used to repay the loan, but because these loans are FHA-backed, no one will ever owe more than the home is worth at the time the loan comes due. If the sale proceeds exceed the loan balance, the remaining amount goes to you or your estate. 
  6. Flexibility and Payments: One advantage of a reverse mortgage line of credit is that you have the flexibility to choose when and how much to borrow. You can access funds at any time, and you’re not required to make monthly mortgage payments. However, you must continue to pay property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and maintain the property. 
  7. Interest and Costs: Like any loan, a reverse mortgage line of credit accrues interest over time. The interest rate may be fixed or adjustable, depending on the terms of the loan. Additionally, there are upfront costs involved, such as origination fees, closing costs, and mortgage insurance premiums.

It’s important to note that while a reverse mortgage line of credit can provide financial flexibility for seniors, it’s crucial to work with a reputable lender to ensure you thoroughly understand the terms. 

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Erie, 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 Kelsey to learn if a reverse mortgage is right for you.

A Different Look At Retirement Today

Posted on by janjordan

reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoDecades ago, when our parents were working and raising a family, they looked at retirement as the true golden years.  It would be a time when they stopped working and lived off the fruits of their savings and investments.  Retirement planners used a three-legged-stool strategy back then.  The make up of this stool was Social Security, employer-sponsored retirement plans, and personal savings.  But somewhere between their retirement and now this stool became unbalanced – and now today’s retirees are needing to compensate for it.  But how?

First, it’s important to remember that these three components of retirement are still an integral part of retirement success, which is why it should be considered how they can be best utilized as well as protected.  But it’s also important to consider what else has changed – things like life expectancy, a more active retirement, and a move toward non-traditional and even extravagant retirement goals.   Why not have it all?  And what are the options to achieve it?

Part-Time Work: It’s not uncommon for retirees to utilize a phased retirement strategy, where they can work and begin receiving benefits.  In addition to the obvious point of this – additional income – working can help to delay Social Security benefits, as well as keep older people engaged in the community.  

Reverse Mortgage: For those with substantial equity in their homes, a reverse mortgage can be an excellent way to balance out that stool analogy with a fourth leg, or simply get the boost retirees need to live that extravagant retirement life they’ve been dreaming of.  Funds are available via a line of credit, monthly installments, a lump sum, and even to purchase home (or a combination).  Because the income is not taxed, it can be used strategically with investments, or used to delay Social Security benefits.  Another common function is a stand-by strategy that taps the line of credit now, but only uses it during bear markets to protect investments.  These FHA backed reverse mortgages do not incur any mortgage or loan payments, although borrowers must keep up with homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, and other associated costs.  In addition to living mortgage payment free, they can actually eliminate any existing mortgage or HELOC payments, and the loan is not payable until the last borrower passes away or permanently leaves the home.  

Downsizing and HELOC’s:  When considering how to make ends meet during retirement, downsizing is often part of the conversation.  Selling the home and moving to smaller one, then using any additional equity as a retirement funding source.  For anyone considering this, I’d suggest looking at the details of a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase prior to making a final decision.  A Reverse Mortgage for Purchase option can allow buyers to get more house for their money, while still having cash to stash away for retirement. 

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is another common solution.  When going this route versus a reverse mortgage, ensure the new monthly payment will not cause damage down the road if other needs arise, like medical care.  

Reverse mortgages certainly won’t be right for everyone, but for many they can be used creatively to aid in funding today’s retirement that is so different than what we are used to.  

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.

Reverse Mortgage Line Of Credit Explained

Posted on 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.

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.