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Why a Reverse Mortgage is a Good Financial Strategy

Posted on October 14, 2016December 28, 2016 by janjordan

Reverse mortgages are available to seniors 62 and over who either have their home paid off or have substantial equity. Certain criteria applies to the home in order to meet HUD’s rules, and although anyone on the loan must be 62 and over, they are available to married couples the same as individuals. The funds available from these FHA insured loans are available in various ways including monthly installments, a lump sum, a line of credit, and as a purchase option. Even with all these funding choices, reverse mortgages are not right for everyone but they are a perfect match for many.

When is Reverse Mortgage a good financial strategy?

Think of reverse mortgage as a financial tool that turns home equity into cash WITHOUT incurring a loan payment, unlike a traditional mortgage or home equity loan. No repayment is due as long as the borrower is living in the home. This also goes for married couples, in which case no repayment would be due until the last borrower permanently leaves the home. The borrower will still be responsible for some things related to the home, such as property taxes and homeowners insurance.

Reverse mortgages are increasing in popularity as more retirement and financial planners are recommending their use as a potential tool. Typically retirement planners have used a three legged stool as an example for their clients – saving, social security, and pensions make up this visual structure. But with changes in the economy and uncertain futures, pensions are disappearing. In this scenario, those who are “house rich, but cash poor” may find using home equity to balance out the stool is a saving grace. In addition, for those secure in all three areas, adding home equity can be used as a safety net or to delay, thus enhance, certain areas.

The reverse mortgage industry underwent some changes last year as legislation was passed making these loans a safer option for both borrowers and lenders. As a result, the reputation that once surrounded the industry has drastically improved and their use is being studied by some of the most prominent retirement experts.

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.

Reverse Mortgage For Purchase – Everything You Need to Know

Posted on October 7, 2016October 13, 2016 by janjordan

Reverse Mortgages, once typically thought to only help struggling seniors, have undergone enormous changes recently and are being used to help even affluent retirees achieve their retirement dreams and home buyers purchase new homes.

The Reverse Mortgage for Purchase program is quickly gaining in popularity. This program allows seniors to purchase a home using a reverse mortgage and live mortgage payment free. To qualify for this program, borrower(s) simply need to be age 62 or older, be purchasing a home to become their primary residence, and have their “required investment”. There are no income or credit requirements and just like with any other type of home loan, the borrower will still be the homeowner and will always retain the title. In addition, similar to a homeowner who owns their home free and clear, there will not be a monthly mortgage payment but the borrower will still be required to pay property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, HOA fees, and basic upkeep and utility payments.

The borrower can use this loan to purchase single family homes, town homes, and FHA approved condos. Unfortunately, these loans cannot be used to purchase homes under construction and the home must have a “Certificate of Occupancy” issued prior to starting the application process.

As mentioned above, the borrower will need to have their “required investment” or down payment. This amount 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, and the current expected interest rate. There are many examples available of these numbers to help real estate professionals and borrowers determine the price bracket they should search based on the required investment they have available.

Unlike a traditional mortgage where the loan reaches a “maturity date”, reverse mortgages have a “maturity event”. This is the event which causes the loan to become due and payable. These “events” include: the last remaining borrower passes away, the homeowner sells the home, the last remaining borrower leaves the home for 12 consecutive months, or the homeowner defaults on property taxes or insurance.

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

Reverse Mortgage in Colorado – 5 Quick Facts

Posted on June 29, 2016July 31, 2016 by janjordan

The Reverse Mortgage, created to aid the realization of retirees dreams, will be in your face if you have approached, or are approaching, the eligible age of 62. As with the all special offers across Colorado, marketing can promote it in such a way as to allure you – or to terrify you.

There are a number of points to know when you begin to learn about reverse mortgage. These are simple facts and not marketing strategies.

1.) First of all, married couples can both be on the reverse mortgage loan if they are both over the age of 62. This means when one passes, the other can continue living in the home under the same agreement. No changes take place just because both are no longer in the home. This gives the remaining spouse a true security as they navigate through the transition of losing their life partner. The same would apply if one spouse was to leave the home permanently and move into an assisted living facility. As long as both partners are on the loan, and one still remains in the home, nothing changes.

2.) Second, there are NO monthly mortgage payments. So long as the borrower(s) remain in the home as their primary residence, their only financial responsibilities are the homeowner’s insurance, HOA payments, property taxes and basic upkeep/utilities. This is the case whether a traditional reverse mortgage is acquired, or a reverse mortgage to purchase a home. No mortgage payments, ever.

3.) Third, funds from a reverse mortgage will not affect Social Security, Medicare or pensions because they are considered “tax free” income. They also are not declared on tax returns as income.

4.) Fourth, you retain the title to your home and it stays in your name. There is not a transfer of ownership just because you drew upon the equity of your personal asset.

5.) Lastly, you can access the funds in various ways including monthly payment, a line of credit, a lump sum, or as a purchase. And the funds can be used however you see fit. Borrowers can even use a reverse mortgage to buy a new home via the Reverse Mortgage for Purchase program allowing the home purchase and the reverse mortgage loan transaction to take place at the same time. This a great option for those who wish to be close to family, in a desired location or have a place that fits your new lifestyle, or even move to your retirement dream home.

Reverse mortgage are available to seniors 62 and over all over Colorado. To learn more, contact a reputable reverse mortgage lender.

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

What is an FHA Insured Reverse Mortgage Loan?

Posted on December 4, 2015May 16, 2017 by janjordan

If you’ve taken the time to learn even a little bit about a reverse mortgage, it’s likely you’ve heard the term “FHA insured” at least a couple of times. But what exactly does it mean?

Homeowners 62 and over, with significant equity in their home, may be eligible for a reverse mortgage. These loans are typically insured by the FHA and provide non-taxable income to the borrowers based on the available equity in the home. The more equity and the older the borrower, the more funds available. The funds can be accessed via a line of credit, monthly installments, a lump sum, and even can be wrapped into the purchase of a new home. The borrower can always use the funds for whatever they deem fit.

The homeowner will live mortgage payment free for as long as they remain in the home, although they will have a few financial obligations related to the house such as homeowners insurance, property taxes, utilities, and HOA fees. As long as the borrowers keeps current on these few obligations, they cannot be evicted from the home or made to repay the loan. The loan comes due once the last borrower has left the home for 12 consecutive months or passes away. At this time the loan will be due and payable with time allotted to allow for transitions. This is where the FHA insurance comes in.

In the case of a death, the home with pass onto the heirs. At this time they have two options – 1) Pay off the loan and keep the home (often through life insurance or sale of another asset), or 2) Sell the home.

In the scenario of loan repayment the heirs will never have to repay any more than the home is appraised for. They will only be required to pay 95% of the appraised home value or the full amount of the loan, whichever is less. Any amount due on the loan above the appraised amount will be covered by the FHA insurance and no one will be held liable.

In the case of a home sale, the heirs will never be required to pay more on the loan than the home sells for as long as the sale price is at least 95% of the appraised value. Any remaining balance will be covered by the FHA insurance. On the other hand, if the home sells for more than the loan balance, the heirs will keep any remaining funds. This is especially important as over the years the housing market shifts.

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

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.

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.

Being Responsible with a Reverse Mortgage in Longmont, CO

Posted on June 2, 2015 by janjordan

The Reverse Mortgage (HECM) program in Longmont, Colorado continues to help millions create the life of their dreams as they retire and relax into this time of their lives. Seniors age 62 and over are eligible for this type of loan. Regardless of the type of reverse mortgage you get (traditional, line of credit, or reverse mortgage for purchase) the main advantage is the relief from monthly mortgage or loan payments, but the borrower will still have some responsibilities, including a small amount of financial obligations.

Here are the four main commitments borrowers of a reverse mortgage will continue to be required to take care of:

Homeowners Insurance

A reverse mortgage is like other conventional loans requiring the holder to purchase and maintain homeowners insurance. There are many options out there to be discussed with both the reverse mortgage counselor and the lender.

Property Tax

This too is the same as with a conventional loan. The reverse mortgage homeowner will need to pay the property tax. Depending on your financial need, assistance may be available to help pay or defer property taxes. Your reverse mortgage specialist and your local human services office would have more information about such assistance.

Home Maintenance

Your home remains in your possession, so the maintenance of your home remains your responsibility. If you are thinking of selecting the reverse mortgage in the form of one lump sum bear in mind you need to allocate funds for future maintenance needs. This too is an excellent point to discuss with your reverse mortgage specialist or counselor. Any applicable HOA fees also remain the responsibility of the borrower.

Utilities

All utilities, such as electricity, gas, water, and trash will remain the borrowers responsibility.

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.

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Boulder and other Front Range areas of Colorado. Contact Jan and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

Reverse Mortgage in Colorado – Points to Know

Posted on February 25, 2015 by janjordan

There are a number of points to know when you begin to learn about reverse mortgage. These are simple facts and not marketing strategies.

First of all, married couples can both be on the reverse mortgage loan if they are both over the age of 62. This means when one dies, the other can continue living in the home under the same agreement. No changes happen just because both are not alive, giving the one remaining a true security as they navigate through the transition of losing their life partner.

Second, at this time the loan is not dependant on credit score or income. There are simple eligibility requirements: the borrower must be 62 or older, the residence must be their primary residence, and the home must meet HUD guidelines.

Third, there are NO monthly mortgage payments. So long as the borrower(s) remain in the home as their primary residence, their only financial responsibilities are the homeowner’s insurance, HOA payments, property taxes and basic upkeep/utilities.

Fourth, funds from a reverse mortgage will not affect Social Security, Medicare or pensions because they are considered “tax free” income.

And the title of your home stays in your name, there is not a transfer of ownership just because you drew upon the equity of your personal asset.

Last, you could even use a reverse mortgage to buy a new home via the Reverse Mortgage for Purchase program. This a great option for those who wish to be close to family, in a desired location or have a place that fits your new lifestyle.

These are dependable facts to help you sift through all the marketing and information that will come your way.

Reverse Mortgage for Purchase – from a Client’s Perspective

Posted on September 15, 2014June 29, 2015 by janjordan

This first hand account of how the decision to go with a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase instead of paying cash for a home changed the course of life for these homeowners is really impressive. I absolutely LOVE hearing stories like this!

Reverse Mortgage for Purchase (aka HECM for Purchase) is available to seniors 62 and over. Borrowers are required to meet the same age guidelines as with a traditional reverse mortgage, but instead of using the equity from an already existing home they own, they contribute a down payment towards the cost of a new home and the reverse mortgage lender makes up the remainder of the cost – leaving the borrower with NO mortgage payment. The amount of the down payment is calculated a couple different ways and changes based on the age of the homeowner and the value of the home (click here to learn more about down payments).

We bought our house with a reverse mortgage in 2010. We put down $115K, received as inheritance from my husband’s mother, which could have bought us a 2 BR 1 bath 900 sf on a tiny lot with no mortgage. Instead we have 5 acres, 1850 sf 3 BR 2 bath home, a barn for my 2 horses (which boarding would have been costing us $600 a month at least), 12 x 24 greenhouse, two storage buildings, a workshop, and a pool in an equestrian neighborhood that is peaceful and quiet with no barking dogs, roaring cars, or loud trashy neighbors. The Reverse Mortgage for Purchase gave us the ability to purchase a much nicer home and still live mortgage payment free.

We pay property taxes, insurance, and upkeep. We do not “co-own” the house with the mortgage company as many believe is the case with a reverse mortgage. It is in our names and we can sell it if we decide to do so. The reverse mortgage is treated just like any other mortgage at the time of sale. It’s paid off at closing and the equity goes straight into our pockets. And we do have equity…in fact, since real estate has rebounded, particularly in our equestrian community, we have more equity than when we bought the house even after having the RM for four years.

We have nobody to leave the property to. My husband’s children disappeared out of our lives years ago and I have no kids. We’ve left everything in the hands of our lawyer to be sold and the funds split between two animal charities. If we had offspring we wanted to leave anything to, they would have time to decide what to do with the house – either refinance it and pay off the mortgage, sell it and take any equity, or another option.

~ Happy with Horses

Here are few basics to the reverse mortgage for purchase program:

The purchaser must be age 62 or older (each borrower on title must meet this criteria, although others residing in home do not)
The home being purchased must be the new primary residence
The purchaser must have the “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 asset or money you have had for at least 90 days.
Eligible properties include: single family homes, town homes, and FHA approved condos. A loan can not be applied for on a new construction home until it has a it’s “Certificate of Occupancy”.

Reverse Mortgages Can Eliminate House Payment

Posted on August 14, 2014August 18, 2014 by janjordan

Just yesterday, Fox Business published a very thorough article outlining how and why a senior may want to use a reverse mortgage to pay off an existing conventional mortgage loan. After discussing the positive recent changes the reverse mortgage industry has seen, including using it as a retirement planning tool, the article discussed different scenarios and how they would work.

A reverse mortgage is essentially a home equity loan in which the borrower is not required to make payments. The homeowner must be at least 62 years old and income and credit are irrelevant. Although a reverse mortgage does accrue interest, it does not have to be repaid until the last borrower passes away or leaves the home permanently. These loans are FHA insured.

Here is a common scenario from the Fox Business article:

Barbara is a 75-year-old widow with a house worth $400,000. She owes $25,000 on a home equity line of credit, with no other mortgage debt.

Based on her age and the home’s value, she can get a reverse mortgage for up to about $245,600 (the principal limit). Closing costs, including FHA initial mortgage insurance, reduce the available amount to around $234,900.

Under FHA rules, she can get a reverse mortgage, pay off the HELOC balance and take out up to around $111,600 in cash during the first year. A year later, the remainder would be available to her.

A common question with reverse mortgage is who technically owns the home? The borrower does. They will retain the title and can make modifications or upgrades to the home. The borrower is also responsible for paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities and any HOA fees.

In addition, with both HELOC (home equity lines of credit) and Making Homes Affordable home loan modifications geared up to have some major resets, it’s important for seniors and their lenders to be aware that a reverse mortgage may be great solution to eliminate the associated payment all together.