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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.

Reverse Mortgage and Your Taxes

Posted on February 10, 2016April 19, 2016 by janjordan

There are many differences between a reverse mortgage and a traditional mortgage – and taxes are a big one. Here’s a run down of what to expect come tax time if you have a reverse mortgage.

The Tax Liability Issue

Because any funds you receive from a reverse mortgage are essentially an advance on your home equity – equity you already own and have paid for, the IRS does not consider money received from a reverse mortgage income, they consider it an advance, therefore it is not taxed as income. This is the case regardless of how you receive the funds – whether monthly installments, a line of credit, or a lump sum, you will never pay income tax on this.

What About Deductions on Interest?

Here’s one situation where there is a stark difference between a traditional mortgage and a reverse mortgage. With a traditional mortgage interest and fees paid are tax deductible every year they are paid. This is still the case with a reverse mortgage, except in the scenario of a reverse mortgage the interest is not paid until the loan comes due, therefore it cannot be claimed as a deduction until this point. The loan comes due if the borrowers sells the home, passes away, or permanently leaves the home.

Property Taxes

With a traditional mortgage, property taxes are often taken care of by an escrow service. With a reverse mortgage the homeowner is 100% responsible for making these property taxes are kept up to date. If there are financial concerns about the ongoing cost of property taxes, discuss this with your reverse mortgage specialist. In the new financial assessment there are options to help set aside a portion of the funds to cover ongoing expenses such as property taxes and homeowner’s insurance.

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

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 Questions Answered for Adult Children

Posted on June 17, 2015 by janjordan

As your parents age, their needs will inevitably change. And as they change, your need to consider options with them will increase. While these conversations may be the first of their kind, it will also be a chance to offer support. Reverse mortgage could be a viable option to meet everyone’s wishes, especially your parents.

Concerns will arise. Here is a brief answer to some of them. For more in depth answers, feel free to contact me.

• If my parents and I decide to repay the reverse mortgage loan, what happens to the equity in the home?

There are two options at this point. The first is a decision by your parents to sell the home and use the money received to pay off the reverse mortgage. The second is to keep the home and choose another way to pay the balance due on the loan. In both options, the borrowers will keep the equity that remains in the home.

• Will the home inheritance Mom and Dad have prepared for me and/or my siblings be used up?

They will be tapping into equity but their home may also be appreciating. If this is the case the appreciation will keep some equity in the home for you to receive upon their passing. This conversation with them will be the most meaningful. Oftentimes parents assume their children want an inheritance and create stress in their lives just so they leave as much as they can. Unspoken assumptions on both sides can leave everyone in the dark. The needs of your parents, and the ability to support themselves without draining anyone else’s finances may outweigh what is received when they are gone.

They may need to know how you really feel about inheritance and your thinking about what it means to you is just as important.

• If my parents take a reverse mortgage out on their home, will it affect their retirement benefits?

This type of loan does not affect the benefits of Medicare or Social Security or other pensions, and additionally, the income is non-taxable. If your parents have other forms of assistance such as federal, state or Medicaid programs, a reputable reverse mortgage lender can help navigate this.

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.

Taxes and a Reverse Mortgage in Colorado

Posted on April 1, 2015 by janjordan

Spring has sprung in Fort Collins and Loveland again! That’s the good news. The bad news is this also means it’s tax time. It’s common during this time of year for me to receive a few questions regarding taxes and reverse mortgage – from both those considering a reverse mortgage, and those who already have a reverse mortgage.

Here are the two most common:

Are the funds from my reverse mortgage considered taxable income?

No. Because the funds received from a reverse mortgage are technically an advance on a loan, any payments or lump sums received are not taxable income, meaning they do not need to be reported on a tax return as such. They also typically do not affect Social Security or Medicare payments.

Is the interest from my loan deductible?

No. Because reverse mortgage holders do not make monthly mortgage payments and typically the interest is not paid until the loan is paid in full, the interest from a reverse mortgage loan is not deductible on a tax return. This is also the case with a reverse mortgage for purchase loan.

FHA insured reverse mortgages are available to homeowners 62 and older with no credit or income requirements until April 27th, 2015 (at this time some changes will take place to the qualifying process). These loans allow the borrower to live mortgage payment free and receive their loan payment in one lump sum or in monthly installments. All borrowers are required to participate in third party counseling to ensure all their questions are adequately answered before making a decision. Reverse mortgages are also available 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.

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.

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.

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.

Reverse Mortgage and the ‘Standby’ Strategy

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

In a recent Bloomberg article, the author laid out the case for using reverse mortgage as a responsible option for long-term financial planning. Assistant professor of financial planning at Texas Tech University, John Salter, and two of his colleagues put the scenario to the test.

Here is what they found:

Salter and two colleagues set out to determine if there was a place for reverse mortgages in responsible long-term financial plans. They started by looking at the prospect for a 62-year-old relying on a $500,000 investment portfolio to fund retirement. To reach a 90 percent probability that the money will last 30 years, the retiree could take out just under 3.25 percent of the portfolio’s value annually. (The portfolio is 60 percent stocks, 40 percent bonds.)

The outlook brightened after the planners used what they dub a ‘standby reverse mortgage’ strategy, based on a home valued at $250,000. In a falling market, the reverse was tapped, rather than the portfolio. The retiree repays the money when the market recovers. That supports a 5 percent withdrawal rate, with a 90 percent probability of the money lasting 30 years, Salter says.

Reverses can also be used to create monthly income. Gerald Wagner, CEO of Ibis Software, which does reverse mortgage analysis, crunched some scenarios to test that out. He started with a base assumption of $450,000 in home equity and an $800,000 investment portfolio with a 60/40 allocation. In general, adding the reverse to the mix supported a sustainable withdrawal rate between 5 percent and 6 percent.

Also in reverse mortgages’ favor is tax treatment. The money pulled out is tax-free income and doesn’t count when computing taxes on Social Security income. And a reverse line of credit can help delay taking Social Security until age 70, when retirees get the largest payout.

In order to qualify for a reverse mortgage, the individual must own their home, be at least 62 years old, and have some equity in the home. There are no income, credit, or medical requirements. In general, the older the borrower (or the youngest borrower in the case of couples) and the more valuable the home, the more money available. Other factors also come into play, such as: the appraised home value, interest rates, and the amount of equity in the home.

Taxes and your Reverse Mortgage

Posted on March 20, 2014June 17, 2014 by janjordan

Spring has sprung in Northern Colorado again! That’s the good news. The bad news is this also means it’s tax time. It’s common during this time of year for me to receive a few questions regarding taxes and reverse mortgage – from both those considering a reverse mortgage, and those who already have a reverse mortgage.

Here are the two most common:

Are the funds from my reverse mortgage considered taxable income?

Is the interest from my loan deductible?

FHA insured reverse mortgages are available to homeowners 62 and older with no credit or income requirements. These loans allow the borrower to live mortgage payment free and receive their loan payment in one lump sum or in monthly installments. All borrowers are required to participate in third party counseling to ensure all their questions are adequately answered before making a decision. Reverse mortgages are also available to purchase a new residence.