Author: janjordan

Here’s How To Know If Your Home Qualifies For A Reverse Mortgage

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Jan Jordan Blog : Reverse Mortgage Loveland Fort Collins Greeley Longmont ColoradoReverse 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.

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.

Tips to Navigating Your Loved Ones Aging in Place

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reverse mortgage colorado loveland fort collins longmont greeleyAs you watch your parents or loved ones age, it can often be a struggle to determine the best option for their long term housing. Should they age in place in their home? Should you make space in your home for them? Should they move to a long-term care facility? Or should they move to a home that more adequately suits their changing needs?

To better guide you in the right direction, here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Are they able to get around by him or herself? Are there stairs in the home?

• Is this person able to take medications without assistance? Is there a health concern that would require more regular supervision, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s?

• Is your parent able to manage mortgage payments, home-owners insurance payments, and property taxes. Is the home outdated and in need of frequent repairs – such as a furnace, roofing, electricity?

• Where is this home located? Is it in close proximity to relatives, hospitals, etc? Or is it secluded and away from town?

• Is this person lonely? Has he or she suffered the loss of a spouse? Does he or she have a solid social group or close friends?

Based on your answers to these questions, aging in place may be an option and reverse mortgage can help to fund it. Reverse mortgages allow homeowners age 62 and older to access equity in their home. The homeowner retains the title and remains in the home. With a reverse mortgage homeowners can lessen the financial burden of mortgage repayment and, if needed, in home medical care.  All reverse mortgages are government guaranteedwith an FHA backed loan and no repayment is due until the last borrower passes away or permanently leaves the home. At that time there are several options that include keeping the home in the family.

If selling the current residence and moving into a new home is a more reasonable route, a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase has many perks including living mortgage payment free in the new home.

Often times adult children encourage their elderly loved one to move in with them, not taking into account that this person will be leaving everything that is familiar, including their home, neighborhood, friends and social circles. Before making this decision, consider whether the move will be a strain on the family of which this person will be joining or the person who will be making the move. Depression can be cause for concern with the elderly and interrupting a solid routine or social interaction and hobbies can often make this concern a reality.

If this person has medical concerns, considering live-in care or a long term care facility may be the best option. There are many outlets to help guide you in the best direction when making a decision on the proper route or facility.

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. 

What Is Required Reverse Mortgage Counseling?

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reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoPrior 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.

Here is what you can expect at your counseling session:

The potential borrower will need to schedule an appointment directly with a counseling agency. The lender does not initiate or take part in the session, but can provide you with resources to seek out a counselor. The session will take place in person or over the phone – although the FHA recommends a face-to-face meeting whenever possible.

Prior to your appointment, the counseling agency will provide you with a packet of information to allow you to prepare for the session. During the session the counselor will discuss your immediate and long-term financial needs, your reasons for seeking out a reverse mortgage, address any questions or concerns you may have, and clearly educate you on the process as well as the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage. Again, they are not there to “sell” you on the product, but to educate instead.

Once you have completed the counseling session, you will be provided with a “Certificate of Completion”. This certificate verifies to your lender that you have completed the counseling session and that you understand the essentials of a reverse mortgage. Your counselor will also follow up with you to ensure you have no further needs, questions, or concerns.

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.

IMPORTANT: Watch Out for Scams and Identity Theft

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Did you know senior citizens are the #1 demographic to be hit with vicious scams aimed at stealing tens of thousands of dollars (and more)?  As someone who works with these same people every single day, it breaks my heart.  The kindness and trust they possess is something we should honor – NOT take advantage of.  But unfortunately there are those in the world who see these vulnerabilities as something to exploit – and they do.  Whether you are a consumer yourself, an adult child of an elderly parent, or a professional working with the senior population, please inform yourself and take the steps necessary to prevent access to priceless personal information.  You will never regret being extra diligent.

Just recently, tens of thousands of dollars was sent to a scammer during a 100% legit real estate transaction because unbeknownst to the buyer, they found themselves the target of a “phishing” email scam, and by the time they realized it was a scam that looked identical to the “real deal”, it was too late and they’d wired money they can never get back.  This happened not once, but TWICE!

This is one of the most common types of scams these days and it’s called “phishing”.  This is where highly skilled con artists use various techniques to obtain information about a pending transaction (common in real estate) or other information they can use to obtain financial information.  Sometimes this information is found by hacking into non-secure servers, other times it’s found by following what someone is saying on Facebook or other online forums.  Regardless of how it’s obtained, both the senior consumer and the professional working with the senior consumer need to be advocates for their privacy.

Here are my tips to prevent becoming a victim of this type of fraud:

1.) NEVER provide personal information via email, always do this over the phone, or over a secure server on a website.  If someone requests it from you in an email, call them.  If you’re a professional working with consumers, never request this information be provided via email.  If you do, you are putting your clients at unnecessary risk.

2.) NEVER wire or transfer money according to instructions you receive in an email – even if you have corresponded with this person.  Fake email accounts look nearly identical to authentic ones and it can be very difficult to tell the difference.  This is VERY important; don’t take the risk.  ALWAYS speak with anyone who is asking you to wire money – preferably in person – and always use the phone number you already have for them, not a phone number sent in an email.

3.) NEVER follow a link that comes in an email to your bank account or other account that will have access to your private, personal financial information.  This includes banks, credit cards, loans, PayPal, IRS, etc.  This is one of the most common phishing scams.  When you receive a phishing email, it will seem you are being alerted to various scenarios – possibly a fraudulent transaction, an overdrawn account, or another “urgent” situation.  Everything looks legit; they will have your name and often more information.  Most of the time these emails are scams!  As soon as you go to the link provided, and enter your login and password, it’s been stolen.  To prevent this, ALWAYS login directly from your internet browser by typing in the website URL directly as you already know it and use it.  Don’t hesitate to call and ask the bank or other institution about the email (using the number you already have, again, don’t use information given to you in a potentially fraudulent email).  All financial institutions want these reported.  It’s how they are stopped.

4.) Whether a consumer or professional working with consumers, ALWAYS use secure hosting and servers with strong security.  Password protect your wireless networks.  Hackers are highly skilled – but you are your own first defense against them.

For more information about protecting yourself against identity theft, click here.  You can never be too careful or diligent in protecting your personal details and assets, or those of your clients.

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.

Why Do Only 3% of Seniors Use a Reverse Mortgage to Purchase a Home?

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reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoWhy is it that only 2-3% of older Americans use the Reverse Mortgage for Purchase option to buy a home?  Recent studies show that even with the option available to them, they still seek traditional funding or opt to pay cash.  Why is that?  Well, surveys have shown there are three main reasons:

1.) No one told them they could use a reverse mortgage as a purchasing tool.  Unfortunately this happens far too often.  Real estate agents and lenders are either not aware of this option or are not educated enough to suggest it.  If you’re a senior considering purchasing a home, be sure to ask about using a reverse mortgage.  If you aren’t given proper information, contact a reverse mortgage expert such as myself.

2.) Real estate agents do not have enough knowledge to adequately educate the potential buyer about this option.  If you as a potential buyer find yourself in this situation, ask who you could talk to to learn more or seek out an expert yourself.

3.) The third reason seniors opt for traditional financing is the down payment required to use a reverse mortgage.  The down payment amount varies based on the price of the home, the age of the borrower, and current interest rates.

In order to apply for a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase loan, you must be age 62 or older (each borrower on title must meet this criteria, although others residing in home do not), the home you are purchasing must be your new primary residence, you must have your “required investment” (down payment) from a HUD allowable source.

Jan Jordan Reverse Mortgage Info for Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado.

Senior Housing Wealth Reaches All Time High

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reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoAccording to the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA), housing wealth for homeowners 62 and older grew to $6.6 trillion in Q4 2017, an increase of $149 billion in senior home equity over Q3.

“Today’s retirees are more likely to leave the workforce with a mortgage and other debts that can put stress on monthly cash flow,” said NRMLA President and CEO Peter Bell. “In these situations, financial products that convert home equity to cash could be used to pay off revolving debt from credit cards and reduce or defer monthly mortgage payments. It’s worth doing the math to find out if a mortgage refinance, home equity line of credit, or reverse mortgage loan can help increase financial security during retirement.”

What does this mean for potential borrowers?  It means it’s one of the best times to look into a reverse mortgage. Because the amount of funds available to borrowers is based on the appraised value of the home, when the market is good and values are high, the more funds will be available.  Many seniors are utilizing the Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit option to secure a large chunk of their equity now, even if they don’t plan to use it until later. This is because even if the market stumbles down the road and housing prices decrease, your reverse mortgage will be unaffected – and in fact, with the line of credit, it will grow.  

Reverse mortgages are available to senior homeowners 62 and over – even married couples. They will live mortgage payment free, always retain the title to the home, and because these loans are FHA insured non-recourse, no one – including heirs – will find themselves saddled with the debt after the owner passes. There are also various solutions for adult children or other family members who may want to keep the home in the family.

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.

Three Things You Never Knew About A Reverse Mortgage

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reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoReverse mortgages are available to senior homeowners 62 and over, even married couples.  The borrower will live mortgage payment free and always retain the title to the home.  There are many myths and misconceptions that surround reverse mortgages – but there are also some not-so-known perks to the loans.  

Here are my top three:

1.) Most Reverse Mortgages are Insured By the FHA

It is normal for older adults to be concerned with the welfare of their children after their passing. This is one of the reasons many seniors balk at the idea of a reverse mortgage – they don’t want to “saddle their children with their debt.”  

Fortunately, there are safeguards in place to address this issue.

Almost all reverse mortgage are FHA insured. This means under current guidelines there is a large equity reserve that will always protect their home from going upside down.  Even if the homeowner lives to be 110, has used all the equity in the home, and the market has crashed – the heir will NEVER owe more than the home is worth.  FHA/HUD have guaranteed that they will cover the bank’s losses should the situation arise.  This leaves the homeowner and their estate protected against any possible losses.  

It’s important to also know that on the flip side, if the home is worth more than it sells for after the owners passing, the heirs will receive any excess equity available.  The bank will never take more than what is needed to pay off the loan. 

2.) Reverse Mortgages Have the Option of a Growth Line of Credit

For many years, there were only two ways to tap into home equity when obtaining a reverse mortgage – a lump sum or monthly installments.  This is has changed and HUD has added two new options – a Reverse Mortgage Line of Credit (HECM-LOC) which works similar to a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), with the exception the borrowers will NOT be required to make repayments, and the other option is a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase, which allows seniors to use a reverse mortgage to make a home purchase. 

The line of credit is just as it sounds, it is a line of credit with funds that are available for the homeowner to take when they need it. But the major benefit to this line of credit is it also has a growth factor attached to it. This means that any money left in the line of credit will grow at a rate that is equal to the interest rate and mortgage insurance rates on the loan. 

Here’s an example:

Imagine your HECM-LOC has an interest rate of 4.5% and a mortgage insurance rate of .5%. The combined rate is 5.0%.  You have $100,000 in this line of credit which you don’t plan on using for 15 years unless you need it. That $100,000 is going to grow by 5% annually until you begin accessing those funds.

After year one this line of credit is up to $105,000. After year five the LOC is up to $127,500. And After 15 years the total funds in the line of credit are up to nearly $208,000. In 15 years, that 5% return has grown his available funds by 108%!

3.) A Reverse Mortgage Can Be Used To Purchase A Home

Although the Reverse Mortgage for Purchase program has been around for some years, it’s still relatively unknown – even in the real estate community. 

Reverse mortgages are an excellent option for retirees looking to buy a home near or far.  These loans require a down payment at the time of purchase, but beyond that there are quite a few differences than using a conventional mortgage.  

Borrowers are often able to purchase outside their expected “cash purchase” price range, because the cash is used as a down payment and the remainder of the purchase amount is covered under the reverse mortgage loan, while the borrower lives mortgage payment free.  The borrower will also always retain the title to the home, just as they would with a conventional mortgage.  These loans are also FHA insured, so everything discussed above still applies in that regard. The borrower can own other properties and still qualify as long as the home being purchased is their primary residence.  

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.

 

Tips for Selling an Inherited Property

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reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoSelling an inherited home can be one of the most difficult situations for both realtor and seller. It can be an overwhelming experience, filled with emotion and lots of questions.

While talking about it is hard, it is smart to be prepared. This includes having conversations as a family to determine who will be included in the will to inherit the home, where the deed to the home is kept and where other paperwork is located.

It’s important to remember that each situation is unique, but regardless of the individual situation there are certain ways you can plan.

Here are four tips to help prepare to sell an inherited home:

Work with a Strong Team of Professionals

This is not a task you want to take on alone, and in addition, you want to work with people who are skilled in this area.  This will include a real estate agent, estate lawyer and potentially a tax specialist.

A real estate agent can offer crucial, local market information that is helpful if the heir does not live nearby.

Lawyers and tax specialists can help with important information such as how it will affect the estate and the tax implications the heir may face due to the sale.

Get Organized and Do a Walk Through

Going from room to room and looking at everything from the condition of the floors to how fresh the paint looks can help determine what may need to be done to the home to help it sell quickly.

If the inherited property is older, a home inspection is important before making any decisions as there may be certain systems that need renovations.

Equally important is to gather all of the necessary paperwork such as the deed to the home as well as researching whether there are any mortgages on the inherited property that need to be paid.

Even if the original mortgage was paid off, a reverse mortgage may have been negotiated to help cover expenses. Also look into local property taxes and when they were last paid.

Get the Home Appraised and Price it Correctly

A real estate agent can also provide counsel on an appropriate listing price to match market value. If the heir happens to live out of town, a real estate agent can offer direction to competent inspectors to complete the appraisal, as well as other professionals to assist in the home selling process.

Consider Staging and Cosmetic Improvements

It’s not uncommon for the interior of an inherited property to be outdated.  Staging and making cosmetic improvements can really make a difference in these situations. 

If you’re not sure staging is necessary, ask your real estate agent.  They have a good pulse on similar homes on the market, when you may not. They may also suggest making home design improvements such as repainting rooms and/or landscaping.

Other points to consider are landscaping and the exterior of the home.  Even if the inside is top-notch, don’t make getting them through the front door a challenge.

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.

Should Home Equity Be Used In Retirement Planning?

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reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoDid you know home equity can be used to reduce the overall risk of your retirement plan? Your house is a great asset that for many years has been overlooked in financial planning for seniors. This is making a sharp turn lately as retirement experts are beginning to understand how tapping into home equity via a reverse mortgage should never be underestimated.

Let’s take a look at where most seniors sit currently when it comes to retirement…

• Only 22 percent of workers are very confident they will have enough money in retirement.

• 45 percent of Americans have saved exactly nothing—zero.

• The expected lifespan of women is 20 years past the age of retirement, and two years longer than men.

• The average retiree can expect to spend $220,000 in out of pocket health care costs during retirement.

• Medicare pays for an average of 62% of a seniors health care costs, leaving 38% to come out of pocket.

• 36% of up and coming retirees will rely on Social Security as their sole income.

A reverse mortgage can help in many different ways – and the how the funds are spent is entirely up to the borrower. Whether it’s a monthly payout or a line of credit, when combined with other retirement planning tools, reverse mortgage can allow retirees financial security during the years they worked so hard to enjoy.

Reverse mortgages are available to senior homeowners 62 and over – even married couples. They will live mortgage payment free, always retain the title to the home, and because these loans are FHA insured non-recourse, no one – including heirs – will find themselves saddled with the debt after the owner passes. There are also various solutions for adult children or other family members who may want to keep the home in the family.

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.

Everything You Need To Know About A Reverse Mortgage For Purchase

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reverse mortgage loveland fort collins greeley longmont westminster coloradoWe’re all familiar with the two most common options to purchase a home – take out a mortgage loan or pay cash.  But for seniors 62 and over, there’s another option – the Reverse Mortgage for Purchase program (aka HECM for Purchase).

Looking for a home in Fort Collins, Loveland or Longmont, Colorado but finding it’s a bit out of your price range?  Because the borrower is responsible for only the down payment on the home and will have NO mortgage payments, a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase can help with this too.

What is needed to qualify for a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase loan?

  • you must be age 62 or older (each borrower on title must meet this criteria, although others residing in home do not)
  • the home you are purchasing must be your new primary residence
  • must meet the FHA’s new reverse mortgage credit and income guidelines
  • you must have your “required investment” (down payment) from a HUD allowable source. The funds cannot be borrowed. The required investment can come from the sale of a currently owned home or asset, a gift or inheritance, or money you have had for at least 90 days.

Who owns the home that I am purchasing?

 As the borrower and homeowner, you will always retain the title to the home, just like any other type of home loan.

What will my personal ongoing obligations be after purchasing a home?

It’s very similar to if you owned your home free and clear – you will NOT have a monthly mortgage payment.  But as the homeowner, you will be responsible for paying property taxes, home owner’s insurance, HOA fees when applicable, and basic upkeep including home maintenance and utility payments.

When will the loan become due and payable?

With a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase the loan does not reach “maturity” until:

  • the last remaining borrower passes away
  • the homeowner sells the home
  • the last remaining borrower leaves the home for 12 consecutive months due to illness
  • the homeowner defaults on property taxes or insurance

Will I need to sell my current home residence to qualify?

Simply put, no. As long as the loan on your current residence is not an FHA loan and your required investment comes from a HUD allowable source, you can keep your current residence – but the new home will need to be your primary residence. Your lender will ensure you are financially stable enough to support the ongoing obligations on all properties you own. If you decide to keep your current residence as an investment, rental, or vacation property – or you are awaiting the sale of home, it is rarely a problem.

What types of properties can I purchase?

Single family homes, town homes, and FHA approved condos are all eligible properties. The home being purchased will need to be the buyer’s primary residence.

Can I use the loan to build a new home?

Previously these loans could not be used as construction loans and homes needed a Certificate of Occupancy before the loan application could be started.  This changed this past October, and now homes in construction are eligible.  Read here to learn specifically about obtaining a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase on new construction. 

How is the “Required Investment” amount determined?

The “required investment” or down payment 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
  • The current expected interest rate

What may disqualify me from a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase loan?

  • Foreclosures within the past 3 years.
  • Unresolved bankruptcy
  • Unpaid Federal obligations – i.e. federal taxes, defaults on prior government backed loans (such as student loans or government backed mortgages)
  • Income too low to support multiple properties
  • Unpaid judgments or tax liens

What is the HUD required “Reverse Mortgage Counseling”?

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 third party, 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 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.