What is a Reverse Mortgage?

Simply stated, a reverse mortgage is a loan that enables homeowners (age 62 and older) to convert part of the equity in their home into a tax-free income without having to sell the home, give up the title, or take on a new monthly mortgage payment. More and more homeowners are using this to supplement their retirement income, pay for health care, modify their home, or just get some cash for emergencies. Since this is a new product, some people have misconceptions of what a reverse mortgage is. The bank doesn't give you money and take your house. Let's look at some of the most common questions.

Are reverse mortgages for desperate people? No. It is an excellent financial planning tool used from people of all walks of life.

How do I qualify? You must be 62 or if both parties are on the mortgage, then you both must be at least 62. And, you must have equity in your home.

What if I still owe on my home? You may still qualify even if you have a balance on your first mortgage. The proceeds must be used to pay off the mortgage, first.

How much can I get? This depends on several factors such as, the age of your home, the value, your age at the time of closing, and interest rates.

Is it just monthly payments? No. You can get a lump sum, line of credit, monthly payments or a combination of monthly income and a line of credit.

But, won't I have to pay taxes on these monthly payments to the government? No. The funds are tax-free. Its your money, not additional income.

Should I seek a lawyer or receive some counseling before I get a reverse mortgage. Yes. You must be counseled before receiving a reverse mortgage. You don't have to talk to a lawyer or accountant, but it would be advised.

Who owns the title to my house? You still own the title.

What happens when I die? Once your home is passed on to your heirs, the mortgage becomes due. Your heirs may pay the mortgage and keep the home or sell the home and pay off the home. They may keep any excess sales proceeds.

What if I owe more than the house is worth? You can't. Your repayment amount will never exceed the value of the home at the time the loan comes due. Also, there are no prepayment penalties.

What if I move? If you move, then the mortgage becomes due and must be repaid.

Where can I learn more? The National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association at http://www.reversemortgage.org

Stuart Simpson has a neat mortgage calculator FREE to use. Try it out at: http://www.mortgage-refinance-review. com/calculator.php

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Bad Credit Home Financing - Get The Mortgage Loan You Want Even With Poor Credit

Having poor credit alone cannot hold you back from getting... Read More

Secured Homeowners Loans ? In Case You Thought a Home is Worth Few Dollars

Money is like music, if managed well, produces a good... Read More

Homeowner Loans ? Drawing Lessons of the Past

Loans are not of a recent origin. People used to... Read More

Imagine Cutting Over $8,000 Off Your Mortgage This Year

I once helped a customer cut over $700 off his... Read More

Home Loan Lenders - Finding the Best Home Mortgage Lender

The process of obtaining a mortgage or home loan can... Read More

Thought You Can Go All Alone In Mortgages! Mortgage Advice Beneficial In All Important Decisions

Mortgages are easy as long as you understand them well.... Read More

FHA Mortgage: When Your Downpayment is a Gift

There has been so much fraud discovered in the FHA... Read More

No Money Down Mortgage Loans - Ways To Get Approved For a Home Loan Online With Zero Down

No money down mortgage loans enabled more people to own... Read More

Refinancing Your Home Mortgage - Get Up To 125% Cash From Your Homes Value

With the low interest rates being offered by lenders today,... Read More

Homeowner Loans - Whats Available?

It isn't difficult to get a homeowner loan if you... Read More

No Deposit Home Loans

A few years ago, many of us would have had... Read More

How to Find the Best Home Improvement Loan

If you're looking for the best home improvement loan for... Read More

Total Cost Of Credit vs Monthly Payments

I read a press release the other day which points... Read More

Home Mortgages: Does a No-closing-cost Loan Make Sense for You?

I have heard a number of radio ads and have... Read More

Basic Tips for First Time Home Buyers

The first time you purchase a home is an exciting... Read More

Mortgage Lead and Mortgage Leads

A mortgage lead is an exciting thing because you are... Read More

Refinance Your Second Mortgage

A 2nd mortgage is a secured loan on your property,... Read More

Mortgage Questions to Ask Your Lender

Buying and financing a home today can be overwhelming. Here... Read More

6 Helpful Mortgage Tips

Here are some mortgage tips that can help you obtain... Read More

Remortgages Guide

Outlined below is a useful remortgages guide. Remortgaging has become... Read More

Council Right to Buy Mortgage ? Helping Everyone Have a Home of

"We will help every Council Tenant to become Home Owners"... Read More

Guide to Remortgages

Here is a useful guide to remortgages. What is a... Read More

Choosing The Right Mortgage For You

This article will help you understand the differences between a... Read More

Taking the Time to Find the Best Home Improvement Loans

The best home improvement loans usually aren't going to be... Read More

Fixed Rate or Adjustable?

Fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgages are two choices of... Read More

Home Mortgage Loan Pre-Approval Online ? Keys When Applying For A Mortgage Online

Applying online for a mortgage is very fast and easy.... Read More

Save Time With a Bridge Loan

Why You Need a Bridge LoanYou have to move fast... Read More

Be Prepared when Seeking a Mortgage

When you're looking for a mortgage, whether it's a first... Read More

Home Equity Line of Credit ? Great Idea for Rainy Day Emergencies

Most Americans tend to live on a paycheck-to-paycheck basis, and... Read More

Home Equity Loans - 5 Useful Application Tips

Obtaining a home equity loan does not have to be... Read More

Home Equity Line of Credit or Second Mortgage Loan Online - Things To Do With Your Homes Equity

If you are wanting to get a home equity loan,... Read More

Debt Counseling ? Healing Touch for the Ailing Finances

The financial stories remain similar over the months and the... Read More

10 Questions To Ask Your Mortgage Rep or Banke

This post is a must read for anyone considering purchasing... Read More