Reverse Mortgage For Purchase Occupancy Rule Changes

Posted on by Janis Layman

One of the hidden gems within the reverse mortgage program has long been the ability to purchase a home with it; the Reverse Mortgage for Purchase program.  But within that program was a frustrating rule – the requirement that the home being purchased have a Certificate of Occupancy before a loan application could be submitted.  This meant seniors seeking this option were limited to pre-built homes.  Well, this rule has changed.  Here’s the scoop:

Late last month, the FHA announced that it will allow mortgagees to take applications for HECM Reverse Mortgage for Purchase loans from potential borrowers without a certificate of occupancy and before the completion of reverse mortgage counseling.  The FHA will not insure the loans until the local officials deem the property to be habitable and issue a certificate of occupancy.  Lenders will be responsible for getting the appropriate paperwork once it is available.

The Reverse Mortgage for Purchase program allows seniors to purchase a home using a reverse mortgage and live mortgage payment free. To qualify for this program, borrower(s) need to be age 62 or older, be purchasing a home to become their primary residence, and have their “required investment”. 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.

Janis Layman is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Seattle, Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Shoreline areas of Washington.  Contact Janis and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

Will Rising Interest Rates Affect My Reverse Mortgage?

Posted on by Janis Layman

Reverse Mortgage Seattle Lynnwood Edmonds Shoreline WashingtonInterest rates have been at historic lows for years.  This has afforded thousands of Americans to the ability to secure home loans for their dream house.  It’s also worked in favor for those who have made the decision to tap in their home equity using a reverse mortgage.  But interest rates affect a conventional loan differently than a reverse mortgage.

HECM reverse mortgage are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), and are available to homeowners 62 and over.  These tax-free loans convert a portion of home equity into cash without incurring a loan payment.  Borrowers can access the funds via monthly installments, line of credit, a lump sum, and even to purchase a home. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which regulates the reverse mortgage industry, sets a “floor” rate of about 5%.  As interest rates rise and fall above this floor rate, borrowers will receive less or more in proceeds.  In fact, even a small rise of 1% above the floor rate can decrease available funds by as much as 20%.

Fortunately, once a homeowner has tapped into a reverse mortgage they lock in the interest rate and proceeds will never decrease, no matter what the market does, and the funds available will increase over time when using the line of credit option.  In addition, even if the home decreases in value below the amount of their loan proceeds, they will never be responsible for more than the home is worth.

Bottom line: with interest rates on the rise, now is the time to act if you’re considering a reverse mortgage.

Janis Layman is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Seattle, Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Shoreline areas of Washington.  Contact Janis and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

Reverse Mortgage Terms to Know – Part 2

Posted on by Janis Layman

Reverse Mortgage Seattle Lynnwood Edmonds Shoreline WashingtonIn continuing my series of “Terms to Know”, this third installment goes over some very common acronyms used in the reverse mortgage industry.  Understanding what these mean can help with understanding on a more detailed level when doing research or speaking with a specialist, as well as when applying for or finalizing the loan.   You can find “Terms to Know- Part 1” of this series here, and “Terms to Know – Interest Rates”, by clicking here.

There are a few notable agencies involved in the federally created reverse mortgage system. These are HUD, FHA, and AAA. All are designed to help the one seeking a reverse mortgage understand the process and proceed safely. Like any product where the lender is receiving advantage alongside the borrower, it is good to be cautioned about scams. The best route when considering a reverse mortgage is to always work with a reputable reverse mortgage specialist.

The HUD is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. They not only instituted the reverse mortgage (aka HECM – Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) program, but also provide solid third party counselors to help you sift through the options and make sure all questions are answered. The FHA is the Federal Housing Administration. It is the part of the HUD that insures reverse mortgages.

The AAA stands for Area Agency for Aging. This organization provides information and resources for aging adults. They can be found as non-profit agencies right in your town or region. Not only can you find information about the variety of reverse mortgage options but many other resources available to senior citizens.

A reverse mortgage can be called both HECM and Reverse Mortgage, but they are the same thing, the terms are interchangeable.   They are also often referred to as Federally Insured or FHA Insured Reverse Mortgages.  Another term you may run across is Model Specifications; these are recommended rules for both analyzing and comparing reverse mortgages.

Reverse mortgages are available to seniors 62 and over, including married couples.  The funds can be accessed in a variety of ways including monthly installments, a line of credit, a lump sum, and to purchase a home.  Homeowners with a reverse mortgage will be able to stay in the home as long as they desire and they will NEVER have a loan payment until the last borrower permanently leaves the residence.

Janis Layman is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Seattle, Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Shoreline areas of Washington.  Contact Janis and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

Summer Visits Lead to Reverse Mortgage Conversations with Adult Children

Posted on by Janis Layman

Reverse Mortgage Seattle Lynnwood Edmonds Shoreline WashingtonAs summer vacation is in full swing, many of us are reflecting on our experiences visiting with family.  Maybe you took your children on a camping trip or to Disneyland.  Possibly you flew overseas to experience a new culture.  Or maybe you took a road trip to visit your aging parents or other loved ones.  If you visited with elderly family members, it likely came with mixed emotions.  Every year they are a little older – and for some, every year brings just a little more worry.

This is very common after a visit.  It may raise concerns about health or finances, and questions about how aging parents will continue to cope.  If you’re wondering when and how you need to intervene, ask yourself these questions:

• 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 your answers to these questions, aging in place may be the right solution, and if financial strains exist surrounding the current mortgage, a reverse mortgage may be an option. Reverse mortgages allow homeowners age 62 and older to access equity in their home. The homeowner retains the title and remains in the home. With a reverse mortgage homeowners will live the remainder of their lives mortgage payment free, and can receive their funds as a monthly installment, a line of credit, or sometimes as a lump sum.  Nearly all reverse mortgages are government guaranteed with FHA insurance and no repayment is due until the last borrower passes away or permanently leaves the home.  At that time there are several options that include keeping the home in the family.

It is especially important to work with a reputable lender and watch out for scams if parents or loved ones are considering a reverse mortgage.

Janis Layman is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Seattle, Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Shoreline areas of Washington.  Contact Janis and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.

What is FHA Insurance on a Reverse Mortgage Loan in Seattle, WA?

Posted on by Janis Layman

Reverse Mortgage Seattle Lynnwood Edmonds Shoreline WashingtonIf you’ve taken the time to learn even a little bit about a reverse mortgage in Seattle, 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, the home cannot be foreclosed, and they cannot be made to repay the loan.  The loan comes due once the borrower (or the last borrower in the case of married couples) 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 options, with two being the most common – 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.

Janis Layman is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Seattle, Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Shoreline areas of Washington.  Contact Janis and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.