Reverse Mortgage
Wednesday, January 10th, 2007Many old Americans are choosing a Reverse Mortgage option to be able to afford things in the remaining years of their life. The Reverse Mortgage is handled in basically the same way as a regular home mortgage purchase would be, and all fees that would normally be paid, such as filing fees, title fees and survey fees will be included in the cost of financing the home loan.
As a home loan matures, there is considerable equity that builds up over a period of time. The Reverse Mortgage option gives the homeowner the opportunity to obtain a home loan in an amount that is relevant to that equity. The home is still retained during the life of the loan and can be repaid anytime. This equity line of credit option is very attractive to elderly homeowners who are struggling on limited incomes with no opportunity to enjoy their life and travel where they want to go.
The homeowner will be required to get credit counseling before the application for a Reverse Mortgage will be processed. This counseling is available at any credit counseling center and it can be done over the telephone for the convenience of the applicant.
This counseling is meant to explore all available avenues that the homeowner can take to avoid the tax consequences of such a real estate sale, and to preserve the property in question for the heirs of the estate, instead of it being used in this manner.
All of the types of Reverse Mortgage loans will be explored to see which program would serve the homeowners best interest and provide the best financial benefit. There are four types of Reverse Mortgages, Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, Fannie Mae Home Keeper, Cash Account “Jumbo Loan” Program, and the Canadian Home Income Plan.
The attractive features of the Reverse Mortgage loan are that the homeowner will not have a monthly payment to make for the mortgage. This stipulation remains in effect for the duration of the loan, as long as the homeowner occupies the residence as their primary home.
The home loan is can be paid off by the homeowner at any time, or, in the event of death of the homeowner, by the heirs of the property that is part of the Reverse Mortgage home loan. This can be done without putting the property up for sale, but it can be sold if needed. The repayment of the home loan obligation can not exceed the homeowners primary home’s value or the sale price, whichever is germane at the time of subsequent repayment.