janjordan, Author at Colorado Reverse Mortgage Specialist - Jan Jordan

Author: janjordan

Reverse Mortgage For Purchase – What You Need To Know

Posted on September 23, 2015 by janjordan

We’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 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?

These loans cannot be used as construction loans. Homes must have a Certificate of Occupancy issued before a loan application can be started, but as long as that is in place, it is fine if the home is 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.

Finding A Reverse Mortgage Lender in Colorado

Posted on September 3, 2015September 8, 2015 by janjordan

For many seniors, a reverse mortgage is a feasible option to living within a budget, without the constraints and worry of excessive financial distress. In order to qualify for a reverse mortgage, the individual must own their home or have a substantial amount of equity in it and be at least 62 years old. In general, the older the borrower (or the youngest borrower in the case of couples) and the more valuable the home, the more funds are available. Other factors also come into play, such as: the appraised home value, interest rates, and the amount of equity in the home. Once a basic understanding of how a reverse mortgage works, the next step is finding a lender.
Where to find a lender?

Reverse mortgages are marketed in every possible way. Television, radio, mailers, internet, etc. Although not all of these methods ensure trouble, some of them can be red flags. When seeking a reverse mortgage lender, it’s important to speak with people you trust. Ask around at your bank or financial institution. Speak with a financial or retirement adviser. Talk with neighbors or friends who have utilized a reverse mortgage. Seek information from the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau. Utilize other resources that may be available in your community.

What to look for in a reverse mortgage lender?

Working with a reputable reverse mortgage lender is critical. The reverse mortgage industry is riddled with scams and flashy sales. It can be risky to get involved with a lender who does not offer all the details or who is just looking to make a “quick sell”. A reputable lender will have strong connections in the community, working closely with a network of professional organizations.

Accreditations and ratings?

Seek out a lender that is a member of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA). Members of the NRMLA must conform to a strict code of lending ethic. Look for a lender that is affiliated with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where you can also learn of any complaints against the company.

Follow your gut.

When it comes down to it, always follow your gut. Just because a lender may meet all this criteria doesn’t mean they will be right for you. If you do not feel comfortable or feel your questions are not being adequately answered, there is nothing wrong with seeking out a different lender.

Reverse Mortgage Helps Widow Buy a Home

Posted on August 19, 2015August 26, 2015 by janjordan

It’s a scenario many wish wasn’t reality, but often it is…

A spouse passes away leaving behind a widow. The remaining partner wants to move closer to family. But there’s a catch – although the widow’s current home is owned outright, they would typically need to sell it before they could purchase another. And they wish to move to an area where the median home price is much higher than the home available to sell.

Reverse mortgage for purchase may be an excellent option for this widow. Let’s look at the scenario in detail:

Predicament #1: Widow needs to sell current home before purchasing a new home.

Solution: With a reverse mortgage for purchase, this widow would not need to sell the home immediately. Any personal funds or assets used to purchase the new home could be replenished when the current home sells – and the funds from a reverse mortgage would supplement the initial funds needed. This would allow her to move and get settled immediately.

Predicament #2: The cost of a home in the area the widow is moving is much higher than where she currently lives, meaning the proceeds from her current home sale will not cover the entire purchase.

Solution: When utilizing a reverse mortgage for purchase, her out of pocket cost would be substantially supplemented. For example if she anticipates selling her current home for $200,000 and purchasing a home for $300,000, the reverse mortgage may cover the $100,000 difference allowing her to live mortgage payment free and best of all – near her family.

Reverse Mortgage for Purchase (aka: HECM for Purchase) is an FHA insured program for seniors 62 and over. To qualify, the borrower(s) must be purchasing an eligible property, have the required down payment, and meet the HECM financial assessment guidelines.

Reverse Mortgage and the Alternatives

Posted on August 12, 2015August 18, 2015 by janjordan

Home equity accounts for approximately 70% of a senior’s assets, not including social security or pension. Often times tapping into this equity becomes inevitable when facing health crisis or financial restrictions in retirement. Using home equity should be part of a larger financial plan and there are a few ways it can be incorporated.

Reverse Mortgage

A reverse mortgage is available to seniors 62 and older with married couples being eligible to both be on the loan if both meet the age requirement. Homeowners who obtain these loans do not make monthly mortgage or loan payments but instead receive the funds in a variety of available options, including monthly installment and a line of credit. The loan does not have to be repaid until the last borrower passes away, at which time there are options available to heirs. The amount of the loan depends on the amount of equity in the home and the age of the borrowers – the older the borrower, the more money they can receive. This is an excellent option for both seniors with questionable retirement funds or the retiree who is looking to boost their portfolio.

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan (HELOC) also taps into equity by borrowing money against the home. This type of loan will be processed as a conventional loan and monthly payments will need to be made to the lender. Any health or future financial concerns should be thoroughly thought through prior to taking out a home equity loan. Loading up the home with debt during retirement can be risky and could result in loss of the home if the borrowers are unable to make their monthly payments.

Downsize

Another option would be to downsize all together by selling the existing home and moving into a more modest situation. Depending on the amount of equity in the home, a homeowner may be able to sell the home for enough money to comfortably be able to make rent or mortgage payments for 10 to 20 years. Just as with a home equity loan, this option could be risky for a person with health concerns as the funds set aside for housing could be needed elsewhere. For homeowners looking to downsize, a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase is also a very good option. This will allow the borrower to move into the home they desire AND eliminate mortgage payments.

Before making any major decisions regarding how to effectively use the equity in your home, it is best to consult with a financial adviser and a reputable reverse mortgage lender.

A Hidden Gem – Reverse Mortgage for Purchase

Posted on August 5, 2015August 18, 2015 by janjordan

Nearly everyone is familiar with a Reverse Mortgage and many even know someone who has used one to increase cash flow or help them remain in their existing home. But what many people don’t realize is that you can also use one to purchase a home. This little known portion of the reverse mortgage program, called Reverse Mortgage (HECM) for Purchase, is a golden gem to many seniors who are looking to settle down somewhere other than their current home for retirement. Whether looking to move closer to family, purchase a single level home, or move into a senior community, these homebuyers are able to purchase a home they often wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise while still eliminating mortgage payments – all in a single transaction.

To qualify, the borrower(s) must be 62 years or older, be purchasing an eligible property, have the required down payment, and meet the HECM financial assessment guidelines. Eligible property types are single family residences, new construction where certificate of occupancy has been issued, HUD approved condos and townhomes. Allowable down payment sources include cash from savings or investments, proceeds from the sale of an existing home or asset, gifts. Funds that are borrowed such as a loan or credit cards are not allowed as a funding source. The amount of the down payment varies depending on the age of the youngest borrowers and the cost of the new home.

Working with an educated real estate agent and reverse mortgage specialist will expedite the process, and in most cases in a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase does not take longer to complete than a typical home purchase with a traditional loan.

Reverse Mortgage and the Married Couple

Posted on July 29, 2015August 10, 2015 by janjordan

Maybe you have been looking at reverse mortgage online and as you read and learn, the question keeps arising: ‘what about my spouse?’ This is a perfect starting point for understanding the long term effects of taking out a reverse mortgage as a couple.

Here are a few points to understand:

• As long as both spouses are age 62 or older, they can both be on the loan. If only one spouse is over the required age, a loan can still be obtained, but the loan will not continue for the ineligible spouse if the borrowing spouse were to pass away or leave the home permanently.

• Always bear in mind that the reverse mortgage amount is calculated from the age of the youngest borrower. The older the age, the more money is available.

• There are a few choices when it comes to the loan that will affect its status depending on who is listed as borrower(s). If both are on the loan, when one passes away the loan continues as it was originally set up. The loan will not become due until the other borrower passes away or leaves the residence.

• If both are on the loan, if one spouse needs to leave the home permanently, such as to move into a health care facility, but the other stays in the home, the reverse mortgage will continue as originated.

• If both are on the loan, and one spouse passes away, while it is true the remaining spouse will continue on with the reverse mortgage unscathed, things will change if they remarry. While remarrying will not affect the original borrower, it can affect the new spouse if the borrower were to pass away or leave the home permanently. Reverse mortgage does not include the second spouse automatically. Refinancing or adding the new spouse would have to be considered.

If you are married and considering a reverse mortgage choose a reputable reverse mortgage specialist to work with. They can lay out all your options and help you see the long term picture of what will happen in all the different possible scenarios. It is also especially important to make sure everyone feels comfortable and no one is being pressured into a scenario that could potentially end badly if the proper precautions are not put into place.

Crisis in Retirement

Posted on July 22, 2015July 22, 2015 by janjordan

It is unfortunately not surprising, but more than half of Americans have less than $10,000 in savings. Most coming to retirement age these days do not even have the resources to cover the living expenses and health care costs if they were to leave their jobs. Is retirement only for the rich?

The numbers have been tabulated, and right now there is a gap between pensions and retirement savings for those in these golden years that is more than 6.5 trillion dollars! (This is according to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.) Many will be unable to maintain their current standard of living during retirement, let alone live the retirement they once dreamed of.
Millions of seniors live in poverty and the percentage is growing, expected to increase more than 30% by 2020. This trend is a concern not only for the ones retiring but for their families as well. And the overall effect upon society means we are in crisis to provide for our own after they have given their lives working in our country.

Reverse mortgage can be an effective means for seniors 62 and older to rise to their personal need and create a stream of resource that will allow them to comfortably stay in their home – or provide for specific needs, such as medical care. The concept of a reverse mortgage is to use the equity of the home and turn it into liquid cash in the form of monthly payments, a line of credit, a lump sum, and even to purchase a new home. The assistance is well deserved since the equity of the home rightly belongs to the borrower, but unlike a Home Equity Loan, with a reverse mortgage there are no monthly loan payments. And the homeowner retains the title to the home. Once only considered a lifeline for destitute seniors, reverse mortgage is proving to be an excellent tool when used as part of a retirement planning strategy and is making a world of difference for retirees.

How Reverse Mortgage Can Help With A HELOC

Posted on July 13, 2015 by janjordan

A HELOC is the acronym for Home Equity Line of Credit, and thousands in the Fort Collins and Loveland cities have taken advantage of it. When the housing boom was in full swing a number of years ago, the values of personal homes gave their owners a strong resource to draw upon in the form of a loan.

Unfortunately, these types of loans often amortize in a certain number of years, many of them in the standard ten years. This means the borrowers will witness a surprising payment adjustment as they begin to pay principal and interest.

We are now in the years where about 60% are entering this status (according the The Office of Comptroller of the Currency). As the loans reset their payment structure, so will the probability of delinquency rise. This could very well be problematic for many.

If you are a senior 62 or older caught up in an amortizing HELOC loan, you may be able to utilize a reverse mortgage to relieve the financial burden.

The HECM, or Reverse Mortgage, provides the borrower with non-taxable income that will not affect social security or Medicare, and can be used for whatever the borrower sees fit. The funds from the loan can also be received in various options. Seeking the advice of a reputable reverse mortgage lender can help you make these decisions.

If you do not presently have a HELOC but are considering one, put reverse mortgage on the table for a consideration as well. There will be advantages to both options giving you a sense of freedom to have choices.

Beware of Reverse Mortgage Scams

Posted on July 7, 2015July 7, 2015 by janjordan

Like all businesses, there are representatives that are doing an honest job offering themselves for service and help. And unfortunately there are others seeking their own personal advantage. This applies even to reverse mortgages, as the elderly are often prey to scams. Do not be naive and assume that because the program is there to help, that all the offers are true to the reason the program exists.

Having a team on your side of a reputable reverse mortgage specialist and a third party counselor, in addition to friends and family, is a big step to ensuring you are doing everything right.

There are some easy red flags to look for. Here are five giveaways of a reverse mortgage scam:

They ask for money up front

Once you submit an application to a reverse mortgage lender it is fairly standard for them to ask for a deposit for the appraisal. This is usually about $300.00 dollars, but can vary slightly. If you are asked to give anything else, stop. Very little money is required before the closing of the loan. Seek advice before moving forward and do not let yourself be pressured.

They will offer foreclosure assistance

Credible reverse mortgage lenders will not seek out distressed homeowners to offer foreclosure help.

They will show unethical marketing practices

There is a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that holds all reverse mortgage lenders accountable. If a lender is using public means such as community centers, churches, television or even door to door marketing to pique your interest- beware!

They employ high pressure sales tactics

If you feel uncomfortable or pressured when meeting with your lender, stop. If your questions are not being addressed or the lender is pushing you to a quick decision, you are still in the driver’s seat and it is time to stop and reevaluate working with them.

They lack credibility and reputation
If your reverse mortgage specialist and lender is credible, they will have professional associates such as the Better Business Bureau, the FDIC and the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association behind them.

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 creatively to suit your needs and desires.

What Latest Reverse Mortgage Changes Really Mean?

Posted on June 22, 2015 by janjordan

In April of this year, HUD release new regulations that reverse mortgage lenders must abide by. As before, borrowers must be 62 or older and be obtaining the loan on a home that is their HUD approved primary residence. The borrower will still be the homeowner and will always retain the title except now, with a reverse mortgage, there will not be a monthly mortgage payment. The borrower will still be required to pay property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, HOA fees, and basic upkeep and utility payments.

Here’s what has changed: one of the most attractive details of a reverse mortgage has always been the lack of credit and income requirements, but this will no longer be the case. According to the new rules, lenders must now consider credit and income for each applicant, similar to a traditional mortgage, the purpose being to minimize possible defaults due to the inability to pay property taxes and homeowners insurance. But unlike a traditional mortgage, if potential borrowers do not meet this criteria, there are still options through a Fully-Funded Life Expectancy Set-Aside, which is an amount drawn under the HECM that is reserved for payment of property taxes and insurance by the lender; or a Partialy-Funded Life Expectancy Set-Aside which works the same as the Fully-Funded option except a smaller reserve is drawn when borrowers meet credit requirements but not income requirements. The amount of both of these reserves is determined by the age of the borrower and the value of the home. These changes apply to all types of reverse mortgages, including Reverse Mortgage for Purchase. For more detailed information regarding these options or questions about the changes, please contact me.

Home values are currently at the highest level since before the recession – and because the amount of the loan is based on the value of the home, there could not be a better time than now to apply for a reverse mortgage – whether it’s a traditional reverse mortgage, a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase, or a reverse mortgage line of credit with exponential growth factor.

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.