adult children Archives - Page 3 of 6 - Colorado Reverse Mortgage Specialist

Tag: adult children

First a Vision, Then a Plan – Reverse Mortgage a viable option

Posted on January 27, 2015January 27, 2015 by janjordan

Life in our country continues to change and one major shift is our personal life span, we are all living much longer, ready to enjoy the latter years of our life after many years of work, much longer. Since retirement now spans up to thirty years and sometimes more, moving into life without steady work income requires a plan.

Before a plan, however, it is most helpful to create a vision. If your time for retirement is near or far, it can be efficacious to ask yourself questions now, even if you might change down the road.

What are some of your retirement desires? Where would you like to live? Near family? In warm weather? What type of lifestyle do you desire? Quiet and serene in nature yet near to a small town? Active community with lots of senior social events easily available to you? When you note your desires, you can then look into the practical implications of a plan to give you what will make you happy.

In addition to writing down your desires, ask yourself a few questions about the possible challenges and how you can meet them to stay on track. What could be additional costs down the road that could hinder your vision? Consider health care costs, the expected and the unexpected. How much is it going to cost to maintain your present home? What is your debt going to require down the road? Tally with honesty these costs so they can be a part of your plan up front.

Talk about money now. Erase the unspoken assumptions that exist between you, your spouse and/or your family. These types of conversations are not always easy, but they are always fruitful. Being clear with those we love can give everyone the gift of ease when the time for you to pass does arrive. Is inheritance part of the equation? Do your children want this? How do you and your spouse look at retirement and desires? Are your desires the same? For instance, you may want to travel (higher expense) and your spouse may want to spend long hours in their garden. When it comes to inheritance, they may have a different view, have you talked about it?

Even if all the details are not worked out, the lines of communication will be open and decisions can be made from a place of consideration for all, including yourself. Oftentimes the answers can be surprising when we ask questions and allow those we love to share freely.

Once you identify your vision, and look to a plan, you may discover that reverse mortgage can be foundational to achieving your dream. Created to aid those in our society having worked all their lives to have a time of true rest, a reverse mortgage gives access to equity in your home, value that is already yours. It could eliminate expenses that limit reaching your goals, help you move from one home to the home that fits your new lifestyle, and even give a sense of ease to those with limited incomes. It is certainly a tool worth considering for your retirement plan.

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.

Unexpected benefits of Reverse Mortgage – Stay at home!

Posted on January 22, 2015January 22, 2015 by janjordan

As you grow older your needs of body, mind and heart change, sometimes requiring assistance. Have you even considered a reverse mortgage to help you with this assistance to stay in your home, instead of moving where that is provided like assisted living or nursing home?

This is a very possible option for those who wish to remain in the place where family memories are held, and familiar rooms hold personal furniture and mementos marking the years.

The average resident of a nursing home lives about four months, so short a time for this cherished time of life. With a little investigation by you, or by your loved ones, a number of other options could prove to be the best choice.

For one, home health care has grown exponentially over the years. Certified aides, care givers and nurses can come to you to meet your defined needs. Add in a bit of tender loving care from family and friends to balance home care, doctor’s appointments, therapy and all the rest and a second option presents itself. In addition to the one on one focus both these options provide are an endless stream of senior services such as meals on wheels, senior centers, day care assistance and many more falling under the umbrellas of social services.

A Reverse Mortgage could be an easy way to create the lifestyle you want, meeting your changing needs, right within your own home!

The first step would be to create a plan for your life of retirement. Set your vision for the future, naming long term health care providers, establishing the roles of family members, look at your resources (or seek professional counsel to assess costs of living for years to come,) and be honest about what needs you have now, and what needs you want to provide for in the future. Include the unexpected in your assessment so the stress of change is not compounded by lack of resources.

Once you make your plan, discuss it with all involved. If it makes sense include those helping you in your will so they can provide a line of continuity from their care for you, to the care of your estate and affairs once you pass.

Review your plan yearly so you have the security and freedom to change as you change. A reverse mortgage can not only provide you by covering your monthly expenses as you live mortgage payment free, but can also be included in the planning process increasing your options as you see how much you will receive from the equity of your home.

The Time is NOW to Consider a Reverse Mortgage

Posted on December 30, 2014April 19, 2015 by janjordan

Did you think it could be better timing to act now when drawing on the equity of your house? It might seem the longer you wait the higher your equity will become, and thus the greater advantage you will have in drawing upon it.

Not so in the case of a reverse mortgage right now, for there is an unusual opportunity to increase your credit line if you act sooner rather than later.

If you are considering a reverse mortgage and secure a credit line at the lower rates available presently, then your credit line will actually INCREASE as the interest rates inevitable rise. The credit lines are set up on a proportionate system based on the current rate and the mortgage insurance premium which means as rates rise in the future, the credit line also grows.

Considering a reverse mortgage now may be the perfect option to be sure you do not outlive your equity, putting your hard work to use for your comfort and your need now. Taking advantage of the lower interest rates could give you a high credit line up front, and lead to an even higher line as the rates grow. Age has less benefit than the present low interest rates.

This means that obtaining a reverse mortgage, which might seem like it is increasing your obligation or debt, could actually yield you the opposite by giving you more, it is a sure fire investment reaping long term benefit from your years of investing in your home.

The time is now to consider a reverse mortgage.

For seniors 62 and older, regardless of credit or income through April 27, 2015 (at which time some changes will be implemented to the qualifying process), a reverse mortgage line of credit is very feasible option. Utilizing the equity of the asset you already have can help fund the retirement of your dreams – or just your retirement. You will always retain the title to your home and will live mortgage payment free. How you decide to use this asset is up to you, but the line of credit option is an interesting opportunity that should not be overlooked. And a common misconception is that your home will be lost after you pass. With proper education via required third party counseling and retirement planning, this does not need to be the case.

Win – Win with a Reverse Mortgage

Posted on December 22, 2014December 30, 2014 by janjordan

Our country holds value for you having a home you love, and also gives you room to grow and change as life inevitably does. In 2008 the FHA instituted a program making it possible to BUY a home with a reverse mortgage. What an option this could be, and it is only one of many smart financial possibilities reverse mortgages could afford, literally afford, to you.

If you are settled into your place, loving the thought of continuing for many years where you are, you could use a reverse mortgage to pay off any existing mortgages, liens or debts. Reducing your monthly expenses opens all sorts of doors to living the life you wish, perhaps trying a new hobby, visiting family or friends, or even embellishing on the home you have.

As mentioned above, you could also buy a new home with your reverse mortgage. Why might you want this option? Perhaps you want to relocate to a city closer to loved ones, or even change the layout of your home to suit your present needs or desires. Purchasing a new home with a reverse mortgage creates a win-win for all involved! It gives you the financial resources to pay for your dream home in full, up front, avoiding monthly payments. Even realtors and builders benefit when the home creates movement for the local economy as it is released, put on the market, sold and perhaps even renovated.

There is also another compelling consideration for taking advantage of a reverse mortgage. This is YOUR equity, the fruit of years of hard work, devotion and care. It is there for you to enjoy in THIS life so why not give yourself this gift? You could spend the equity before touching your cash assets, giving you physical and emotional security by providing a steady financial foundation. The outcrop here is lightness, joy and options for your continued happiness.

For seniors 62 and older, regardless of credit or income, this is very feasible option. Tap into the equity of the asset you already have and live the life you want through your retirement years. You will always retain the title to your home and will live mortgage payment free. How you decide to use this asset is up to you. And a common misconception is that your home will be lost after you pass. With proper education and planning, this does not need to be the case.

Nursing Homes, In-Home Care & Reverse Mortgage

Posted on October 13, 2014 by janjordan

To most, elderly and nursing homes go hand in hand. But did you know when speaking with elderly people, one of their biggest fears is being placed into a nursing home? And who can blame them? When considering the psyche of an older senior, nursing homes or convalescent homes mean “end of life”. Yet with advanced medicine and more active lifestyles, seniors are living far beyond their expectations.

Often, adult children don’t know what to do as the needs of the parents increase, the home is no longer suited for their parent, and they do not have the funds or the time for in home care. This is where reverse mortgage becomes a very important option.

Reverse mortgage is a great method to finance in-home care to avoid nursing homes, pay for medical care, or even fund home modifications. For seniors who are looking to situate long term and prepare to live their senior years in their own home, a move to a new residence closer to family or more suited for senior life may be in order. The Reverse Mortgage for Purchase is a perfect option for these situations. Reverse Mortgage for Purchase allows the purchase of a new residence using a reverse mortgage while still employing the perks of a traditional reverse mortgage – living mortgage payment free. In addition, reverse mortgages do not affect social security, pensions, or Medicare – and the money is tax free.

Both Reverse Mortgage for Purchase and traditional Reverse Mortgages are available to seniors 62 and over, with no income or credit requirements. The borrower will live mortgage payment free, retain the title to the home, and will never be forced to leave. Just as with a home owned free and clear, the homeowner will still be responsible for property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, utilities, and general upkeep. Even married couples can both be on a reverse mortgage and the loan doesn’t come due until the last borrower permanently leaves the home.

Will A Reverse Mortgage Affect Social Security, Medicare & Pension?

Posted on August 1, 2014 by janjordan

A very common concern among seniors and adult children when considering a reverse mortgage is how it will affect social security, medicare, and even certain pensions. For many seniors, these benefits are a large part of their income. Fortunately, because the funds from a reverse mortgage are NOT considered taxable income, a borrower’s benefits will not be affected when taking out a reverse mortgage.

On the other hand, borrowers who have Medicaid, TANF, Food Stamps or SSI may see those benefits affected by this additional income. Because these programs are government sponsored programs with strict approval guidelines based on all sources of income, even non-taxable income, there is a possibility the additional cash flow will need reported. Other supplemental and assistance programs would need to be addressed on a case by case basis. Working with a reputable reverse mortgage lender and required third party counseling will ensure all your questions are answered thoroughly and honestly.

Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners 62 and older, regardless of income or credit. The proceeds can be received as a lump sum, as monthly installments, or a reverse line of credit and can be used for any purpose the borrower sees fit. This FHA insured loan allows the borrower(s) to live mortgage payment free.

Maturity Date versus Maturity Event in Reverse Mortgage Loan

Posted on June 27, 2014 by janjordan

For many who have had a conventional mortgage on their home, they are familiar with the “maturity date”. But with a reverse mortgage, there is no maturity date, only a “maturity event”. So, what’s the difference?

A maturity date indicates the date which the borrower will make the final payment on the loan, including principal and interest. These are used with conventional mortgages.

A maturity event represents a specific event that takes place in the borrower’s life that signifies the loan has come due. Because reverse mortgage borrowers do not make monthly mortgage payments. many seniors see this as an advantage.

Here are some examples of maturity events:

The property is no longer the borrower’s primary residence
The property is sold or transferred out of the borrowers name
The borrower (or last borrower on the loan) passes away
The borrower moves away from the home for more than 12 consecutive months (such as moving into an assisted living facility)
The borrower fall substantially behind on their property taxes, homeowners insurance, or HOA fees.

A reverse mortgage is available to seniors 62 and over, regardless of income or credit, and this FHA backed loans allow the borrowers to live mortgage payment free through their retirement years.

Can Reverse Mortgage Help You Achieve Your Retirement Vision?

Posted on June 10, 2014June 17, 2014 by janjordan

In an era where “retirement” has taken on whole new meaning and commonly lasts for two or three decades, more and more retirees are ready to live the latter part of their life to the fullest. They see this as a time to enjoy life after years of working and raising a family. But in order to achieve these goals retirees need a plan, but first they need a vision.

For those ready to realize their retirement dreams, start by asking some simple questions:

If your retirement could be anything you hoped for, what would it include? Would you buy a vacation home? Move closer to family and grandkids? Take a yearly cruise? Visit Europe? Volunteer with your most passionate charity? By articulating your desires, you can better prioritize your wants and needs, and consider these costs when developing a retirement plan.

Determine other expenditures that may hinder these goals. Healthcare, home modifications and improvements, debt, and other scenarios like this are the most common. These expenses can arise later in retirement, so preparing for them upfront is often an important consideration.

What are the expectations between yourself, your spouse (if you have one), and your family? It’s amazing how often what is assumed and what is reality vary greatly. So many retirees feel they need to hold on to their assets because they want to pass a home or a vast inheritance down to their children, yet their children would much rather see their parents live their two or three decade retirement to the fullest. Make sure the lines of communication are open and no one is afraid to ask tough questions. The answers may be surprising.

No matter what your retirement vision is, reverse mortgage can help you achieve it. For seniors 62 and over, regardless of income or credit, a reverse mortgage can provide funds to achieve goals, frees up those strapped by limited incomes, and even help purchase a new home.

A Great Solution for Seniors : Reverse Mortgage

Posted on May 20, 2014May 27, 2014 by janjordan

To most, elderly and nursing homes go hand in hand. But did you know when speaking with elderly people, one of their biggest fears is being placed into a nursing home? And who can blame them? According to National Center on Elder abuse, one study interviewing 2,000 nursing home residents reported that 44% said they had been abused and 95% said they had been neglected or seen another resident neglected. When considering the psyche of an older senior, nursing homes or convalescent homes mean “end of life”. Often times adult children don’t know a better solution as the needs of the parents increase, the home is no longer suited for their parent, and they do not have the funds or the time for in home care. This is where reverse mortgage becomes a very important option.

Reverse mortgage is a great method to finance in-home care to avoid nursing homes, or pay for medical care, and fund home modifications. For seniors who are looking to situate long term and prepare to live their senior years in their own home, a move to a new residence closer to family or more suited for senior life may be in order. The reverse mortgage for purchase is perfect option for these situations. Reverse mortgage for purchase allows the purchase of a new residence using a reverse mortgage while still employing the perks of a traditional reverse mortgage – living mortgage payment free. In addition, reverse mortgages do not affect social security, pensions, or medicare.

Both reverse mortgage for purchase and traditional reverse mortgage are available to seniors 62 and over, with no income or credit requirements.

5 Things You Should Know About A Reverse Mortgage

Posted on May 1, 2014June 17, 2014 by janjordan

If you’re a senior over 62, reverse mortgage marketing will begin to creep into your life. It’s inevitable. Sometimes it’s big, flashy promises and other times it’s scary horror stories. To help you filter through the hype, here are 5 important things every senior should know about a reverse mortgage:

1. You do not make monthly mortgage payments. Yes, that’s right, homeowners with a reverse mortgage do not need to make monthly mortgage or interest payments as long as they live in the home and keep it as their primary residence. Borrowers will be required to continue paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, general upkeep, and standard utilities (such as water, gas, and electricity).

2. There are no credit or income requirements. It’s true, there are no credit and income requirements to obtain a reverse mortgage. There are, however, borrower and property eligibility requirements. For example, the borrower must be age 62 or older. The home must be their primary residence and the property type will need to meet certain HUD guidelines, meaning it must be a:

Single family home or 2-4 unit home with one unit occupied by the borrower
HUD-approved condominium
Manufactured home that meets FHA requirements

3. You can use a reverse mortgage to purchase a home – even if you’ve never been a homeowner before. There are a few options to use a reverse mortgage to purchase a home. When purchasing a home, the borrower will be required to make a down payment, but will enjoy living mortgage payment free in this new home. Click here for much more information about purchasing a home with a reverse mortgage.

4. Married couples can both be on a reverse mortgage. If both borrowers are 62 and over, both can be on the reverse mortgage. If a spouse passes or moves to an assisted care facility, the remaining borrower can stay in the home. A reverse mortgage lender should be able to answer any questions regarding married couples and ensure both spouses feel confident in their decision.

5. You retain to the title to your home. Yes, you are still the “owner” and you will always retain the title to your home.