Tag: reverse mortgage for purchase

5 Things You Should Know About A Reverse Mortgage

Reverse Mortgage Colorado Fort Collins Loveland Greeley

 

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.

 

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.

Fort Collins & Loveland Colorado Top Nation’s Most Satisfied Cities

Reverse Mortgage Fort Collins Loveland Greeley Longmont

 

For those already residing in Fort Collins or Loveland, it will come as no surprise that these cities ranked #1 in a nationwide Gallup poll which asked residents how satisfied they were with their city.  But for those living elsewhere, it will suggest there is something wonderful and special in this area.  Fort Collins/Loveland has always ranked high in this poll, but it continues to do better.   Times Magazine has great write-up about this poll here.

 

This is a reason reverse mortgages (whether traditional or for purchase) are so popular in northern Colorado.  Who would want to leave such a wonderful place?  And many seniors want to retire here.

 

With a reverse mortgage, seniors 62 and over are able to stay in their home throughout their aging years while living mortgage payment free, and without income or credit requirements.  Aging in place has quickly become the norm among seniors, opting out of nursing homes or choosing to not move in with adult children.  Reverse mortgages help to make this happen.

 

With a reverse mortgage for purchase, individuals and married couples have the ability to purchase a home and live their years mortgage payment free.  With this option, borrowers must have a required down payment which is calculated according to the purchase price of the home.  Borrowers are able to chose where they want to live and choose the residence, including homes and condos in senior living communities.

 

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.

Reverse Mortgage for Purchase Down Payment Information

Reverse mortgage for purchase is a popular option for seniors wishing to purchase a home and live mortgage payment free, just as they would with a traditional reverse mortgage.  This program has been a wonderful tool used by homeowners in Northern Colorado, including Longmont, Fort Collins, Loveland and Greeley.

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
  • Credit and income are irrelevant
  • 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.

For more detailed information about reverse mortgage for purchase, click here.

The required investment (or down payment) changes based on the age of the homeowner and the value of the home they are purchasing.  The following table is an illustrative guide to required down payments.

Jan Jordan Reverse Mortgage Purchase Table

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.

3 Things to Do with a Reverse Mortgage in Colorado

reverse mortgage loveland greeley fort collins longmont boulder colorado

 

 

One of the best parts of a reverse mortgage is the borrower(s) can do anything they’d like with the funds – while also living mortgage payment free.  In Colorado, seniors are more active than ever, whether it be traveling, home improvements, or visiting with family and grandchildren often.  As several Colorado cities always make the list of the best cities to retire (including Fort Collins & Loveland in this survey and Firestone, Parker & Louisville in this one) there couldn’t be a better time or place to enjoy life.

 

Here are 3 fulfilling options seniors are using their reverse mortgage funds for:

 

Take that trip they always dreamed of – After years of working hard, saving for retirement, and raising a family, some reverse mortgage borrowers are using a portion of their funds to take the bucket list vacation they’ve always dreamed of.  This option becomes less probable as they age and makes for a fantastic celebration by the more active seniors.

 

Visit with loved ones – Whether it’s a sister who hasn’t visited in 10 years, or children and grandchildren, or long lost friends, using reverse mortgage funds to visit with loved ones is a very common today.  Travel can be expensive and it holds us back far too often from the visits that mean the most to us, especially as we age.

 

Make home repairs or upgrades – After a life of caring for others, senior homeowners often find parts of their home may have been neglected.  When using a reverse mortgage to tap into home equity without a subsequent loan payment borrowers often make those repairs or upgrades they have been longing for.  Whether it’s a sunroom addition or a kitchen remodel, or just dutiful repairs, this is never a bad option.

 

Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners 62 and over with no income and credit requirements.  This FHA insured loan offers funds through a lump sum or monthly installments and eliminates monthly mortgage payments.  With many protections in place to ensure borrowers are adequately educated before using this option, such as required third-party counseling, reverse mortgages are gaining in popularity among retirees from all walks of life.  And a reverse mortgage for purchase option is available for those looking to purchase a new residence.

 

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.

NBC’s Today Show Discusses Reverse Mortgage

In this great 4 minute video from NBC’s The Today Show, financial editor Jean Chatzky answers some common questions about reverse mortgage, how they work, and whom they are right for.

 

Touching on the issue of home inheritance she urges potential borrowers to ask the question: why are they so attached to their homes?  An excellent first question to anyone who thinks a reverse mortgage may not fit their needs.

 

 

Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners 62 and older, with minimal income and credit requirements.  A reverse mortgage for purchase is also an option for those looking to buy a new home or move from their current residence.

 

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

Strong Home Sales Highlight Reverse Mortgage for Purchase

reverse mortgage colorado fort collins lovelandAs existing home sales rose in December of 2013, the year ended with the strongest sales since 2006, as reported by Realtor.org report.  This is great news according to Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, who said housing has experienced a strong and encouraging recovery over the past two years.

 

“Existing-home sales have risen nearly 20 percent since 2011, with job growth, record low mortgage interest rates and a large pent-up demand driving the market,” Yun said. “We lost some momentum toward the end of 2013 from disappointing job growth and limited inventory, but we ended with a year that was close to normal given the size of our population.”

 

The national median existing-home price for all of 2013 was $197,100, which is 11.5 percent above the 2012 median of $176,800.

 

What does this mean for reverse mortgages?  Well, it may mean it’s the perfect time to consider a reverse mortgage for purchase.   Here’s how the program works:

 

For seniors 62 and over, with minimal credit and income requirements, home buyers are able to use reverse mortgage to purchase a new home. The amount of the down payment required from the buyer will depend on the amount of the home they are purchasing. But unlike a conventional loan, not only will the lender provide the funds to make up the difference between the home price and the down payment, the new home owners will also be able to live mortgage payment free for as long as they remain in the home.

 

There are two scenarios that may signal the time is right for you to consider a reverse mortgage for purchase.  Such as:

 

Possibly you’re looking to sell your existing home and move to a community or house that better fits your needs?  With the strength in the housing market and thinning inventory, this could be a great time to consider selling your current home.  And with a reverse mortgage for purchase, there are options that allow you to purchase while the current home is still for sale.

 
And of course, if purchasing a new home is your only goal, jumping in as a buyer before the market becomes overly competitive and home prices rise, usually proves to be beneficial.  And not only will the reverse mortgage supplement the existing proceeds when making the purchase, it can also mean the buyer will not need to drain all of their funds, freeing income up for other things – such as medical bills, in home care, or even vacations.

 

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.

Can a Reverse Mortgage Help a Loved One this Holiday Season?

Reverse Mortgage Colorado Loveland Fort Collins Greeley LongmontThis time of year is often one of insight for adult children as they travel to visit their elderly parents or loved ones.  Of course, these special visits are filled with a sense of joy and love.  Catching up, reminiscing about old times, visiting with grand children.  But it can also be a time filled with anxiety and worry – especially if aging loved ones are having difficulties in their current home – sometimes more so than previously realized.  Questions will arise about their future; questions surrounding their long-term needs and their ability to meet them in the current situation.

 

In order to better sort through these thoughts, here are a few questions to ponder:

 

• 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 the answers to these questions, aging in place may be an option.  If there are financial strains and they wish to stay in their current home, a traditional reverse mortgage may help alleviate financial worries or even provide funds for in home care.  If the current home does not seem to be appropriate long term – whether due to location, stairs, or needed repairs – a reverse mortgage for purchase may allow them to purchase a new home that is more suitable to their needs or closer to family.  Both reverse mortgage options are available to seniors 62 and over, with minimal income and credit requirements.

 

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.

Reverse Mortgage Changes Opens Doors of Opportunity

Reverse Mortgage Loveland Fort Collins Denver Boulder Longmont Greeley ColoradoSince the reverse mortgage industry saw big changes earlier this year, financial planners, retirement specialists, and lenders are collaborating more than ever before.  In an effort to ensure these revisions are thoroughly understood and appropriate solutions are offered to clients, a strong relationship between professionals is vitally important.

 

Because of these newly developed relationships, it appears a wonderful shift is taking place.  Reverse mortgage, once stereotyped as a product for poverty stricken widows or the like, is now being realized as a product of opportunity.  More and more we’re seeing affluent and middle class retirees utilizing this option to provide financial stability and financial freedom throughout retirement.  The industry has only begun to scratch the surface of those who would benefit or will discover the possibilities when tying a reverse mortgage into their retirement plans.

 

This paradigm shift will likely increase knowledge across the board regarding both traditional reverse mortgage loans and the reverse mortgage for purchase program.  Both products are available for seniors 62 and over, with minimal income and credit requirements.

 

If you have any questions regarding the changes that have taken place surrounding the reverse mortgage industry in Colorado, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

 

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado as well as Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming.

Reverse Mortgage and the Housing Supply

Married Couple and their Reverse Mortgage
With the baby boomer generation coming of age, we’re seeing a noticeable shift in how seniors exist in today’s society.  No longer are the days of nursing homes and wheelchairs, or moving in with adult children.  Many of today’s seniors are more independent than ever before, outliving the elderly of yesterday by leaps and bounds.  But this trend is creating a new scenario across the United States – demand for independent, affordable, and accessible housing.  According to the Census Bureau stats, the population of Americans over age 65 increased by about five million between 2000 and 2010 and over the next 20 years, the aging of the Baby Boom generation will cause the senior population to grow by 30 million!

 

Although many face challenges to some degree, most elderly Americans want to remain in their home.  Those who feel the need to move, still prefer to remain in an independent residence, usually just closer to family or without stairs.  And senior housing communities are gaining in popularity for socially active retirees who thrive in a community situation.  The options are vast – and will continue to expand as the demographic does.

 

Reverse mortgage is an accessible and viable option for many of these seniors aged 62 and older, and with minimal income and credit requirements.  A reverse mortgage can be used to stay in a current home throughout the aging years while living mortgage payment free – OR – can be used to purchase a new home and still live mortgage payment free.  As seniors take control of their housing situation and become more proactive about their futures, they will find an opportunity exists to ensure a financially stable future, while maintaining their independence, health, and dignity.

 

To learn more about obtaining a reverse mortgage on your current home, click here.  And to learn about using a reverse mortgage to purchase a new home, click here.

 

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado as well as Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming.

Reverse Mortgage Boosts Cash Home Buyers

Reverse Mortgage Loveland Fort Collins ColoradoIn this day and age, buying a home with cash is rare.  And not because of the reasons you may think – such as who has that much cash nowadays?  Well, that is part of the reason, but it’s a little more complicated than that.  Those who have a substantial amount of cash are finding there are no homes available in their price range and suddenly they don’t have enough cash to be a true “cash buyer”.  This diminishes their hopes of living mortgage payment free.  For example, if a retired couple sells their home or allots other funds amounting to $170,000 for a new home, they will suddenly be facing a new dilemma – finding a home to meet their needs, that doesn’t need repairs, and is in the community they wish to live.  With home prices quickly recovering in the Loveland and Fort Collins area, this scenario is playing out ever more often.

 

This is where the Reverse Mortgage for Purchase program can provide a solution.  Not only will the program add funds to the buyer’s available cash making up the difference needed to purchase an appropriate home, it will also allow that buyer to live mortgage payment free.

 

Here’s how it works:

 

For seniors 62 and over, with minimal credit and income requirements, home buyers are able to use reverse mortgage to purchase a new home.  The amount of the down payment required from the buyer will depend on the amount of the home they are purchasing.  But unlike a conventional loan, not only will the lender provide the funds to make up the difference between the home price and the down payment, the new home owners will also be able to live mortgage payment free for as long as they remain in the home, freeing up income for other things – such as medical bills, in home care, or even vacations.

 

Click here to learn more about the Reverse Mortgage for Purchase program (aka HECM for Purhcase).

 

Jan Jordan is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Front Range areas of Colorado as well as Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming.