Reverse Mortgage
Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to pay any fees?

With the exception of a fee for government-required reverse mortgage counseling, most of the fees associated with a reverse mortgage can be financed with your loan, so there’s no immediate out-of-pocket cost. The costs are added to the loan amount (“principal”) and paid along with the accrued interest when the loan becomes due. Depending on the loan option you choose, these fees may include an origination fee, closing costs, a mortgage insurance premium (required for HECM loans) and a monthly servicing fee. We will let you know exactly what costs are involved.

Ask us about our Low-Cost Equity Elite pricing option, which eliminates nearly all origination and closing costs.

 

Larry McAnarney

HECM Loan Specialist

NMLS# 21059 | 815.703.4745

More Reverse Mortgage Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a reverse mortgage to purchase a home?

Yes, with the HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) for Purchase loan, qualified borrowers can use their loan proceeds to buy a home that better suits their needs and lifestyle. It’s a home financing option that can make it easier for buyers age 62 and older to afford the home they want, while preserving more of ... Read more

What are the basic requirements for a reverse mortgage?

To be eligible for a reverse mortgage, you’ll need to meet the requirements set by the federal government: All borrowers must be age 62 or older (this applies to all co-owners listed on the home’s title). The home must be your principal residence. And it must meet standards set by the United States Department of ... Read more

What if one of the co-borrowers passes away or must move out for health reasons?

The other borrower continues to own and live in the home — and enjoy all the benefits of their reverse mortgage.  

When will the principal and interest charges become due?

The loan must be paid in full when one of the following occurs:  A “maturity event” — the loan becomes due and payable when the home is sold, or the borrower or qualified non-borrowing spouse no longer occupies the home as their principal residence (i.e., passes away, moves out, or vacates the property for more ... Read more

Can I refinance my existing mortgage, home equity loan, or other debts with a reverse mortgage?

Yes. For many homeowners age 62 and older who are looking to refinance their mortgage(s) or consolidate debt to reduce their monthly bills, a reverse mortgage can be a more suitable solution. That’s because a reverse mortgage has a flexible repayment feature, which puts you in control of how much you pay towards principal and ... Read more

Will I be taxed on my reverse mortgage proceeds?

Typically, reverse mortgage loan funds are not subject to income tax. Contact your tax advisor for additional details.

How much money can I get?

The specific amount depends on several factors, including: Your age The type of reverse mortgage you select Current interest rates Appraised value of your home Federal Housing Administration (FHA) lending limits HUD also regulates the amount of money that can be withdrawn during the first year of your reverse mortgage. This is to help preserve ... Read more

Will I have to pay any fees?

With the exception of a fee for government-required reverse mortgage counseling, most of the fees associated with a reverse mortgage can be financed with your loan, so there’s no immediate out-of-pocket cost. The costs are added to the loan amount (“principal”) and paid along with the accrued interest when the loan becomes due. Depending on ... Read more

How is a reverse mortgage different from a traditional home equity loan or line of credit?

A reverse mortgage offers certain advantages: With a traditional home equity loan or home equity line of credit, you must make monthly principal and interest payments on the balance while you live in the home — whereas a reverse mortgage has a flexible repayment feature. You can pay as much or as little as you ... Read more

How can I receive the funds from a reverse mortgage?

You have a number of choices for how you receive your funds: Lump sum Monthly advances (either for a fixed length of time, or as long as you live in the home) Line of credit (take funds when you need them) — this has become the most popular option Or a combination of the above

What is a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a home-secured loan that’s exclusively for homeowners and homebuyers age 62 and older. It allows borrowers to convert some of the equity in their home into income-tax-free funds. (Not tax advice, consult a tax professional.) There are different loan products to choose from that offer you options on what interest rate ... Read more

Are interest rates fixed or variable?

Reverse mortgages are available with either fixed or variable rates. Borrowers who elect a fixed-rate loan will receive their funds as a single disbursement lump sum. A lump sum disbursement is also available with an adjustable rate. A line of credit and monthly advances have an adjustable rate.  

Will a reverse mortgage affect my government benefits?

The funds from a reverse mortgage generally do not affect regular Social Security or Medicare benefits. However, needs-based benefits, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), may be impacted. I can provide additional general information, but you should contact a financial professional or government benefits specialist about your particular situation.

How can I use the proceeds?

Use the proceeds for the things you need and want. For example: refinancing your existing mortgage(s) to improve cash flow; consolidating debts to reduce monthly bill payments; buying a home; making home renovations; funding home health care; and more.

What has to be repaid when the loan becomes due?

You’ll repay the loan balance, any fees that have been added, and the accrued interest. Homeowners (or their heirs) usually choose to do this through the sale of the home or other assets. Repaying the loan by refinancing through a conventional mortgage is also an option.

What is a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)?

A HECM is a reverse mortgage loan that’s insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

Can a reverse mortgage be refinanced?

Yes. A reverse mortgage can be refinanced into a new reverse mortgage (typically another Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM, insured by the FHA). This is called a HECM-to-HECM refinance. Private (proprietary) reverse mortgages can also be refinanced, either into another proprietary loan or into a HECM, depending on eligibility and lender offerings. Why would ... Read more

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