Reverse Mortgage Benefits


by Gerald Halk


Homeowners over the age of 62 are able to make the most of what is called a reverse mortgage to add to their monthly income.

A reverse mortgage allows the homeowner to take advantage of the equity in their home by converting it into tax-free income. The homeowner is able to do this without having to sell their home, give away the title, or incur a new mortgage payment.

The process is known as a reverse mortgage because the flow of money is reversed. Rather than the homeowner paying the lender, the lender pays the homeowner.

Once the homeowner has been approved for the reverse mortgage, there are many options for how the money could be received.

A lump sum payment, fixed monthly payments, a line of credit, or some combination of the three are the options available. Most homeowners choose to get a line of credit because it permits the homeowner to draw on the loan whenever she or he chooses.

Once the homeowner takes the reverse mortgage as a line of credit, the unused balance has a growth feature. This growth feature is not interest accruing on the house.

Rather, growth in the account is based on the assumption that your home has appreciated over a certain time period. Not all reverse mortgages have this growth feature. Only those mortgages obtained through the FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program have the growth feature.

The amount of money you obtain from the reverse mortgage depends on several factors. These factors include your age or the age of the youngest spouse, the appraised home value, the lending limit in your area, and current interest rates.

The amount you are able to receive is maximized by an older age, a higher value of the home, and a lower amount owed on the home.A number of different sorts of homes can qualify for a reverse mortgage. Singe-family homes, manufactured homes built after June 1976, 2-4 unit properties, townhouses, and condominiums are all eligible for a reverse mortgage. Almost all co-ops are not eligible for a reverse mortgage.

A reverse mortgage can be utilized for practically anything you deem appropriate. Once you're approved for and have obtained the funds, the decision to make use of the money is entirely yours.

Even when you have an existing mortgage, you can qualify for a reverse mortgage. The only stipulation applying is that your existing mortgage must first be repaid.

You are able to do this utilizing the reverse mortgage. Whether you are able to totally pay off your existing mortgage with the reverse mortgage will depend on the amount of the reverse mortgage for which you qualify.

In some instances, you'll be able to completely pay off your existing mortgage without needing to supplement with any of your own funds.

As soon as you receive a reverse mortgage, it doesn't affect your existing government assistance like Social Security or Medicare.

In some cases, the proceeds from the reverse mortgage could increase your income and impact your eligibility for Medicaid. To prevent losing Medicaid eligibility, you'll need to spend your proceeds immediately.






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