Reverse Mortgages
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Learn more about Reverse Mortgages for Seniors
It used to be that if you were age 62 or older; there were only two ways to get cash out of your home. You could sell it or you could borrow against your home equity. But now, with reverse mortgages, seniors can tap into the home equity they've built up without moving or taking on extra debt.

A Reverse Mortgage is designed to help homeowners 62 and older to remain in their homes and enhance their quality of life in retirement by providing income from their home equity.

The reverse mortgage is a non-recourse loan that releases Home Equity and converts it to Tax Free income. There are no restrictions on the use of proceeds, the borrower continues to own the home and no monthly payment is required for as long as the borrower resides in the home.

Whether the goal is to increase income, pay for long term care insurance or specialized medical treatment, or enjoy the freedom and choices that help make the retirement years memorable, releasing home equity can be the key to a secure and well planned retirement.

Benefits from a Reverse Mortgage:
Here are some possible reasons and benefits for taking advantage of the reverse mortgage program.
  • Maintain your independence by not relying on family and friends for your financial needs.
  • Improve your standard of living by receiving extra monthly income.
  • Pay off your existing mortgage and eliminate those monthly mortgage payments.
  • Make needed repairs or improvements to your home.
  • Use extra money to receive necessary home health care or medical treatment.
  • Pay off medical and utility bills, debts, property taxes, etc.
  • Splurge on yourself by buying a new car, taking a vacation, or visiting family or friends.
  • Set up a line of credit now for future emergencies and unexpected expenses.
  • Make a wise investment.
  • You pay no taxes on the money you receive through the reverse mortgage loan as it is not considered income
When Must a Reverse Mortgage be paid?
No payment due on a loan for as long as you continue to live in your home, provided the taxes and insurance are kept current and you continue to maintain your home in reasonable repair.

Normally your loan will be repaid from the proceeds of the sale of your home after you no longer reside in it.
You may choose from one of the following payment options:
  • Tenure Option: Fixed monthly payments for as long as you continue to live in your home.
  • Term Option: Fixed monthly payments for a term of months which you select.
  • Line of Credit Option: Payments at times and in amounts which you select.
Qualifying for a Reverse Mortgage
Individual reverse mortgage products may have particular requirements. Here are a few basics that apply to Fannie Mae's product and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM):
  • You and any co-borrower must be at least 62 years of age.
  • If you are applying for a Home Keeper® Mortgage, you must occupy the home as your primary residence (where you live a majority of the year).
  • You must own your home free and clear or have a low mortgage balance.
Reverse Mortgage Solutions
Your options for a reverse mortgage include:
  • Home Keeper® Mortgage -- for seniors who want to stay in their homes. This is an adjustable-rate reverse mortgage product that lets you convert the equity in your home into a variety of flexible payment plans including monthly payments, a line of credit, a lump sum payment, or a combination of the three.
  • Home Keeper® for Home Purchase Mortgage -- for seniors who want to purchase a new home. This is a variation of the Home Keeper loan that provides you some of the funds for the purchase of a new home, so you don't have to dip too far into your savings or make monthly mortgage payments. This product is popular with seniors who want to downsize or find a home that better suits their needs.
  • The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) -- a federally insured loan offered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These adjustable-rate loans are originated by the same lenders that offer Fannie Mae reverse mortgages.
Understanding Reverse Mortgages for Seniors
Unlike a traditional mortgage that you pay back each month, a reverse mortgage makes payments to you. You can get these payments in a lump sum to cover an unexpected bill. You can get them as a regular supplement to your monthly income. Or, you can get them at intervals and amounts that are best for you.

You can be offered reverse mortgage loans that require no repayment as long as your home is your principal residence and you fulfill the borrower's obligations, such as continuing to maintain the property and pay your property taxes and hazard insurance. You pay the money back plus interest and other charges when you sell or permanently move out of your home.

If you pass away, the loan is due, but the amount due will always be the lesser of your loan balance or the market value of your home. Even if the amount you borrowed eventually exceeds the value of your home, you or your heirs will never owe more than the value of your home. All proceeds in excess of what you owe belong to your estate, which means the remaining equity in your home can be passed on to your heirs.

Unlike the loan balance of a conventional mortgage, which becomes smaller with each monthly payment, the loan balance of a reverse mortgage grows larger over time.

As you receive your payments, the amount of cash you have left after selling and paying off the loan – your equity-- generally grows smaller. But with a reverse mortgage you can never owe more than your home's value at the time the loan is repaid.

If you own your home free and clear or if you have very little mortgage principal outstanding, a reverse mortgage may be a good option for you. We offer a variety of reverse mortgage products which provide an excellent vehicle for seniors to enjoy extra security and financial support.

Many seniors find reverse mortgages to be a valuable tool for overall financial planning. At Data Mortgage we may also offers a reverse mortgage product that provides some of the funds for your purchase of a new home.

Learn more about Reverse Mortgages for Seniors
Money from Home: A Consumer's Guide to Reverse Mortgage Options (PDF), is a counseling tool and an excellent source of in-depth information on reverse mortgages for homeowners ready to apply. The guide contains detailed information on the Home Keeper® mortgage and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). Call one of Data Mortgage Reverse Mortgage Advisors for help with your Reverse Mortgage Loan.

http://www.fanniemae.com/global/pdf/homebuyers/moneyfromhome.pdf

Terms and conditions apply. Some programs may not be available in all states and they may change without notice. State restrictions and limitations may apply. This is for educational purposes only. Contact your Data Mortgage Reverse Mortgage loan representative for complete details.

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