Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Reverse Mortgage news Scott Larson 10/1 is the date


Remember – October 1 is likely to bring some changes to the reverse mortgage world, so the time to be talking with your customers is NOW!

**  **  **  **  **  **  **   

Reverse mortgages can be one tool for older homeowners seeking to bring in extra income, but there is a lot of confusion and fear about these products, their intention and who should obtain them.

Here are some answers to common questions about reverse mortgages:

1. Why should I (or anyone) consider a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a special type of loan for homeowners aged 62+ that lets you convert a portion of the equity in your home into cash. This loan may be useful for someone who expects to live in his/her home for several years and would like extra money to do so.

Reverse mortgages work best when they are considered part of a broader financial plan, rather than as a tool for getting quick cash or managing a financial crisis. Therefore, a reverse mortgage is not a fit for everyone, and obtaining counseling is critical.

The National Council on Aging’s (NCOA) guide, Use Your Home to Stay at Home™, explains the advantages and disadvantages of reverse mortgages, as well as other resources available to help older homeowners age in place.

2. What’s the difference between a reverse mortgage and a regular home equity loan?

Unlike a traditional home equity loan (or a second mortgage), you don’t have to repay a reverse mortgage loan until you either no longer live in the home as your principal residence or you fail to meet the obligations of the mortgage. At this time, there are also no income requirements for obtaining a reverse mortgage.

There are different types of reverse mortgages with different payment methods, but the most common is the FHA insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). Homeowners can receive their payment either as fixed monthly payments, a lump sum payment, a line of credit, or a combination of these.

3. What does a reverse mortgage cost?

Just like with a traditional mortgage, there are closing costs associated with a reverse mortgage. These closing costs may include a loan origination fee, appraisal, title search and insurance, surveys, inspections, recording fees and other fees. Sometimes these costs can be financed into the loan.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) also requires borrowers to pay a sizable upfront mortgage insurance premium on some HECM reverse mortgages, which can affect the cost of these loans.

The National Reverse Mortgage Lender Association (NRMLA) has a helpful reverse mortgage calculator to estimate your costs. Fees vary by lender, so if you are considering a reverse mortgage, it is important to shop around.

4. Aren’t reverse mortgages just scams that give money to big banks?

Reverse mortgages themselves are not a scam, but there are unscrupulous people and companies that sometimes use reverse mortgages to exploit consumers. The FBI and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) urges vigilance when looking at reverse mortgage products.

The FHA maintains a list of legitimate reverse mortgage lenders that offer HECM loans. To check your lender, visit the HUD website. It helps to work with a lender who has many years of experience with these loans.

Federal law prohibits anyone from requiring you to buy a financial product (e.g., life insurance, long-term care insurance) in order to get a reverse mortgage.

To learn more about common scams targeted at seniors, visit NCOA’s Savvy Saving Seniors®.

5. Why do I need to get counseling before applying for a reverse mortgage?

The federal government requires that all reverse mortgage borrowers receive counseling before they take out a HECM loan. Counselors are trained and approved by HUD to provide unbiased information and to discuss alternatives to a HECM, the costs associated with the loan, the various products and payment plan options and much more.

The counseling session equips the borrower with the knowledge needed to make an informed choice. Depending on your income, you may be charged for this counseling.

You can get counseling through NCOA’s HUD-approved Reverse Mortgage Counseling Network by calling 1-800-510-0301. You can also find a counselor in your area at the HUD HECM Counselor Roster.

6. How can I get real information about this without somebody trying to sell me something?

In addition to the counseling service noted above, you may wish to explore all of your options for staying at home. Use the QuickCheck tool on NCOA’s consumer website, Home Equity Advisor, to identify the different ways you can save money and remain in your home. The site also features additional questions and answers about reverse mortgages.

 

Scott Larson

Reverse Mortgage Specialist

 

(408) 315-2503 direct

(408) 872-4002 fax

 



 

The Information Age offers much to mankind, and I would like to think we will rise to the challenges it represents.    But it is vital to remember that information – in the sense of raw data – is not knowledge, that knowledge is not wisdom, that wisdom is not foresight.  But information is the first essential step to all these.   -unknown

1 comment:

  1. 1000 pound loans fast are small term advances and can be used for more than just emergencies or daily needs. A small business plan held back for monetary reasons can be put into action through requesting loan from a no credit check loans lenders.
    one hour payday loans uk
    short term payday loans no faxing
    12 month loans instant

    ReplyDelete