Posts Tagged ‘equity’

Financing Your Retirement With Your Home Equity

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

If you’re a Florida retiree and you’re having trouble making ends meet you may want to look into taking out a reverse mortgage. The equity that you have built up in your home over the years may be your answer to a more comfortable retirement. These flexible home equity loans allow you to choose how you want the funds distributed and don’t require repayment for as long as you continue to use your home as your primary residence. The advantages of these loans can make your retirement years much more enjoyable than you’ve ever imagined.

How Reverse Mortgages Work

The amount you can borrow with a reverse mortgage is based upon three factors: your age, current interest rates and the appraised value of your home. You can choose to receive your reverse mortgage funds in a lump sum, monthly payments or you can open a line of credit to draw upon at your choosing. When you apply for a reverse mortgage, your lender will take an appraisal of your home and the amount you can borrow will be determined based upon this valuation. There is very little out of pocket expenses with reverse mortgages as you can finance most of the closing costs into the loan. The loan will not come due and no repayment will be required as long as you continue to reside in the home as your primary residence.

Control Your Retirement Budget More Carefully

As a senior, you know that it can be difficult to create a steady budget during retirement. Using the built in home equity from the house that you already own can allow you to create a budget that provides you with the comfort that you need. Once you have taken out a reverse mortgage, you are not required to withdraw any of those funds at any specific time. You can choose to use the funds as a sort of savings account to use in emergencies, or you can choose to pull all of the money out at once and pay off outstanding debt. The money is yours to do with as you see fit.

Increase your Monthly Income

Many seniors enjoy the flexibility and convenience of receiving their loan funds in monthly installments. Reverse mortgages can supplement your retirement plans, pensions and social security payments. Your reverse mortgage broker can explain all of these options to you and show you which plan is best to meet your retirement needs. The extra income a reverse mortgage can provide can mean the difference between struggling financially and enjoying your retirement years in Florida.

Live out Your Years in Florida Comfortably

Reverse mortgages truly reward those who have been thrifty in their early years and paid down their mortgages. During your retirement years, your home can truly pay you back in every sense of the word. Since reverse mortgages do not require repayment as long as you continue to live in your home, they allow you to truly enjoy your home without worrying about your monthly mortgage payments . Your home equity pays for itself in many ways. So, to truly enjoy your retirement years, make sure you find out how much a reverse mortgage can benefit you.

If you’re thinking of financing your home with a reverse mortage, check out Reverse123’s site on Reverse Mortgage Information and Florida Reverse Mortgage Lender

Looking At Your Home’s Equity Differently.

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

I often ask new clients what they think their home is worth. Not surprisingly, the answers I get back are usually overly-optimistic. Nonetheless, these clients often have a very strong sense of how much their home is worth to them. In fact, I find that people who come to me looking for reverse mortgages are particularly good at separating the intrinsic value of their home from its market value.

Despite the constant movements in real estate prices, the inherent value that a home has to a borrower is usually much higher than market value. Our homes are more than cinder blocks and wood. They often represent the very essence of our lifestyles and are the places that give us the most comfort. The value of these aspects of our home cannot be quantified in the open market. For many individuals, these inherent aspects of our homes represent the most important and meaningful parts of a home that can’t be value through an appraisal or sale of the home.

Nonetheless, the market price of a reverse mortgage borrower is largely secondary. These individuals usually are not planning to sell their home any time soon and the fair market value of their home is only relevant in as much as it determines how much they can borrow in a reverse mortgage. The real issue that these borrowers contend with is how to properly allocate their retirement assets. These borrowers understand that having a majority of their retirement assets tied up in one place may not be the most conservative and effective strategy for their retirement savings. These individuals usually are keenly aware that their home equity is most efficiently put to use when its considered a part of their overall retirement planning.

As the old saying goes, “You can’t take it with you”. However, that doesn’t mean you should squander it away either. Prudent borrowers incorporate their reverse mortgage proceeds into their overall retirement plan to maintain or increase their standard of living throughout the entirety of their retirement years. What you do with reverse mortgage proceeds is entirely up to you. However borrowers are best advised to plan carefully and think holistically.

Seniors who carefully consider their overall financial picture and include their home equity in their retirement planning are more likely to live comfortably during their later years. Seniors who ignore their home equity are missing one of the largest pieces of their retirement puzzle. Although these loans are not appropriate for everyone under every circumstance, if your home consists of a large part of your net worth, you should definitely think about reverse mortgages and how they may help your retirement planning.

If eliminating pesky monthly mortgage bills, freeing up additional cash and owning your home for the rest of your life fits into your retirement plans, then looking into a reverse mortgage may make sense for you. You would be wise to investigate this flexible financing vehicle closely. You may be shocked at what a reverse mortgage can do for you.

Looking for more information on a reverse mortgage calculator or calculators? Then make sure to check out Tim Begert’s online resources.

Refinance Your Florida Home Before Rates Go Up

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

It’s never been a better time to refinance your Florida home. With a myriad of options available and interest rates at an all time low, closing costs can be quickly recovered by lower monthly mortgage payments. If you’ve been thinking of refinancing but waiting for the right time, now is the time to act.

Would you like to reduce your monthly mortgage payments? Would you like to make some repairs to your home? How about just getting a little extra cash in your pocket to enjoy life a little more? If any of this sounds attractive to you, you might want to think about refinancing today.

Reverse mortgages may also be an attractive option for you if you qualify. If you are 62 or older and own your home or have a low mortgage balance, you may want to think about one of these loans. These products are becoming more consumer-friendly every day and are inexpensive options for many seniors. You don’t need to have an income or a good credit score to qualify, so if eliminating your monthly mortgage payments or putting extra cash in your pocket seems attractive to you, take a look at reverse mortgages.

As long as you continue to use the home as your primary residence, you do not need to make monthly payments on a reverse mortgage. You simply need to continue to live in the home and keep your mortgage and taxes current. Once the borrowers die or move out of the home, the loan will become due. These are a fantastic option for seniors who have an existing mortgage and are seeking to eliminate their monthly mortgage payments for good.

Another important aspect of reverse mortgages is that you can never owe more than your home is worth. The non-recourse nature of these loans means that if your property value declines below the value of the home, you are not required to pay the difference. This means you don’t ever have to worry about leaving a debt to your heirs. If you die and the loan balance exceeds the value of the home, your heirs can simply satisfy the loan obligation by turning the home over to the bank. Of course, they can also choose to repay the loan or refinance it with a regular mortgage if they’d like.

The ways you can use a reverse mortgage are practically limited only by your imagination. These loans are very flexible and allow you to receive your money almost any way you desire. In addition, you can use the proceeds from a reverse mortgage for almost anything you desire. You can buy a vacation home, a gift for the grandchildren or even take a cruise. What you do with your money is completely up to you.

If you’re a homeowner, it’s a fantastic time to consider refinancing your home mortgage. Remember that although interest rates are at historic lows now, they won’t be that way forever. By refinancing you could save yourself and incredible amount of money in the long run. So don’t delay and call your mortgage broker today to find out what your options are.

Looking for more information on a reverse mortgage lenders association or lowest mortgage rate refinance? Then make sure to check out Tim Begert’s online resources.

A Fresh Look At Reverse Mortgages

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Reverse mortgage volume has grown incredibly over the last ten years. As more and more seniors require additional solutions to meet their retirement needs, these products have filled a very important void. However, recent real estate market conditions and high closing costs have pushed many otherwise-eligible borrowers away from these loans.

While the inherent costs of reverse mortgages and lack of ownership equity has had a negative impact on the potential growth of these products, the mortgage industry also must bear much of the blame for the product’s failure to gain wide mainstream acceptance among older homeowners. Aggressive marketing tactics and lack of valuable consumer information has caused much market confusion regarding these product. However, with a possible bottoming out of the real estate market and the recent reduction of closing costs for reverse mortgages, now may be the perfect time to take a fresh look at how these loans can supplement your retirement assets.

This spring has seen a revolution in the way reverse mortgage fees are charged. With banks slashing fees associated with these loans, consumers have seen a bonanza of opportunity. Increasing bank competition has allowed some seniors to tap into their home equity at a savings of fees in excess of $10,000. Without a doubt, this has been a boon to consumers who have taken advantage of this competitive climate.

With this increasing competition, however, a surge in aggressive marketing tactics my many reverse mortgage companies has been in full force. While these products are cheaper than ever before, consumers must be careful when dealing with mortgage brokers who are more interested in closing a deal than providing valuable information to the consumer. For this reason, it is now more important than ever that consumers work with a mortgage broker that will take the time to teach them about their options and educate the borrower as to the variety of products available in the marketplace.

Reverse mortgages can be tricky. However a good mortgage professional can cut through the difficulties and explain the loan’s terms in a simplified fashion. When selecting a broker, make sure you find someone who’s interested in learning about your needs and not just selling you a loan. By taking the necessary precautions now, you can save yourself significant headaches in the future.

Looking to find the best deal on Florida Reverse Mortgages, then visit www.thereversereport.com to find the best advice on retirement financing for you.

Buying A Florida Home With A Reverse Mortgage

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

Seniors around the nation have new financing options for purchasing a home. By using a reverse mortgage to purchase a home, older borrowers can use existing cash savings or the money from the sale of their home to purchase a new home in Florida and around the country. The remaining purchase price of the home can be borrowed by taking out a reverse mortgage. This incredible loan eliminates future monthly mortgage payments.

The Florida HECM for Purchase makes it easy for borrowers to purchase a home with a reverse mortgage. Borrowers can use the proceeds to move to a new location or to downsize their primary residence to meet their retirement needs. Seniors could also conceivably sell their existing home and use the proceeds to buy a larger home financed with the reverse mortgage. The amazingly flexible product makes almost anything possible.

Purchasing a new home with a reverse mortgage is very similar to purchasing a new home using conventional financing. However, the loan process tends to be shorter and more simplified. Generally the amount of money a borrower is eligible to take out is based upon the home’s value, the age of the youngest borrower and the current interest rates. When determining the home’s value, the bank will generally use the lower of the appraised value, the FHA limits or the purchase price. The amount of money the borrower would need to provide at closing is the difference between the loan’s value and the amount of money the borrower is eligible to borrow, minus any closing costs. The appraisal, inspection and closing processes are almost exactly the same as in conventional financing.

The purchased property only needs to meet standard FHA requirements to be eligible for a reverse mortgage. Certain condominiums and multi-family dwellings are generally eligible. Single family homes are almost always eligible. Newly constructed properties are also eligible, however the building must have receive a certificate of occupancy by closing. In any event, the borrowers must be ready to move into the home within two months of closing.

Reverse mortgages are no more difficult to obtain than regular mortgages. In fact, in many ways they are much simpler. Borrowers do not need to meet any particular credit or income eligibility since there is no obligation to repay the loan as long as the borrowers continue to live in the home. They must continue to keep their taxes and homeowners insurance up to date, however. Another great benefit of the reverse mortgage is the non-recourse nature of the loan. This aspect of the loan means that a person can never owe more than their home is worth even if the home drops in value drastically.

Reverse mortgages will definitely grow in number over the coming decades. As more seniors reach retirement age and look to move into their retirement homes, expect to see more and more homes purchased with these loans. Financing a new home with a reverse mortgage and eliminating all monthly mortgage payments is certainly an attractive alternative for many on a limited income.

Before you purchase your new retirement home, make sure you check out Reverse123, information on Florida Reverse Mortgage and Senior Financing

How Reverse Mortgages Can Benefit Seniors

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

Reverse mortgages are wonderful products that are available to seniors. These loans are available for homeowners who are 62 or older. They are neither handouts or scams. To the contrary, they are financial vehicles that allow seniors to tap into their hard-earned equity to meet retirement needs.

Benefit From the Equity That is Already Earned

The money that is lent in a reverse mortgage is based on the existing equity in a senior’s home. If a person has lived in a home for a long period of time and has paid the regular mortgage loan for years, the reverse mortgage can be looked at as a return on that investment. The money that comes from a reverse mortgage can replace the money that has been paid into a traditional mortgage payment during the normal ownership of the property. A reverse mortgage can free seniors from the worry of making regular mortgage payments for the rest of their lives.

Supplementing Retirement Income

Reverse mortgage proceeds can be distributed over a number of years. Although a lump sum distribution is available, it is not necessary. The borrower has the ability to manage their payments as they see fit. In this respect, the borrower is able to control the funds as needed. In many ways, this line of credit can be used as a savings account to protect the borrower from unexpected expenses and medical emergencies. Actually, the proceeds can be used for almost anything the borrower chooses.

Reverse Mortgage Basics

When a borrower decides to take out a reverse mortgage, the first step is usually to take an appraisal of the home to determine the level of the borrower’s equity. During the entirety of the loan, the borrower continues to own the property. In addition, the borrower is required to keep the taxes and homeowner’s insurance on the property current. As long as these requirements are met and the borrower continues to maintain the home as their primary residence, the loan will not become due.

When the Loan Comes Due

There is no obligation to repay the reverse mortgage as long as the borrower maintains the home as their primary residence. Upon the death of the borrower or once the borrower has been out of the home for more than 12 months, the loan becomes due. The loan can be repaid by the heirs in a number of different ways: they can pay the loan outright, they can refinance the mortgage with a conventional mortgage or they can sell the home and use the proceeds to repay the loan. In no event would the heirs ever be required to pay an amount in excess of the homes value.

Want to find out more about reverse mortgages, then visit Reverse123’s blog on HECMS.

Updates On Reverse Mortgages

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

During this time of economic uncertainty, reverse mortgages are receiving quite a lot of attention in the press. The system of providing reverse mortgages to allow seniors to cash in on some of the equity they’ve built through home ownership is still going strong, even though it has experienced some brushes with fraudulent claims over the last few years. Banks and government agencies continue to work to make reverse mortgages more powerful and less costly for seniors who need the extra financial cushion a reverse mortgage can provide.

Fraudulent Reverse Mortgage Practices

Unfortunately, as with many products geared towards seniors, there is not limit to the number of unsavory individuals who will use any opportunity to take advantage of society’s most vulnerable citizens. On scam that was recently exposed involved reverse mortgage originators placing seniors in housing and then taking a reverse mortgage off those properties. The criminals then absconded with hundreds of thousands of dollars off of the unsuspecting seniors. The FHA is working hard to prevent these types of scams, but the products’ reputation continues to suffer.

Some Good News Develops

In general, the news about reverse mortgages is good. An increasing number of seniors have chosen to take advantage of the benefits of reverse mortgages in order to stabilize their financial situations by cashing in on the existing equity of their homes. Though the mortgages are not inexpensive, the method of repayment makes them ideal for many senior citizens. Reverse mortgages do not have to be repaid until the borrower dies or sells the house. Most often the cost of the reverse mortgage loan is recovered through the sale of the property, which often makes the loan payment-free during the borrower’s life.

Reverse Mortgages Can Change Lives

There are several cases in which a reverse mortgage has meant the difference between a comfortable retirement and scraping along to just get by. Seniors who were in danger of losing their homes due to unpaid property taxes have been able to remain independent through reverse mortgage loans. Reverse mortgage payouts have been used to eradicate mortgage payments and cover the costs of property tax and insurance for the duration of a senior’s life. The money that would have gone to pay the monthly mortgage has been transferred to other, more pleasant uses. The reverse mortgage system has brought peace of mind and financial stability to a large percentage of senior citizens who have retired and own their homes.

Costs Continue to Fall

The most encouraging recent news about reverse mortgages is that the costs related to the loans are falling rapidly. Reverse mortgage lenders are cutting costs related to the mortgages at every level, which makes reverse mortgages beneficial for seniors who are struggling with finances as well as seniors who would like to use a reverse mortgage as a safety net in case unexpected expenses arise. The largest cut has been in the percentage a lender charges for closing costs. The rate has dropped by as much as $10,000 in some cases.

Looking to find the best deal on reverse mortgages, then visit www.reverse123.com to find the best advice on reverse mortgages for you.

categories: reverse mortgages,HECM,seniors,home equity,retirement,equity

Learning About Reverse Mortgages

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010

A reverse mortgage is a way of freeing up some of the money that is invested in a home, without having to sell and move. This means that it is possible for the borrower to remain in their own home while gaining access to funds that can be used for living expenses, medical care or making their retirement more enjoyable. Many people own valuable homes, but need access to some extra money. Borrowing through a reverse mortgage is a sensible way of using a property to obtain funds while remaining at home.

A reverse mortgage is a loan that can be taken out by a senior homeowner, but which does not need to be repaid until the house is sold. The money can be received in a single lump sum or as a series of monthly payments. It is also possible to open a line of credit, from which more money can be borrowed as necessary.

The borrower remains in control of their home. They can decide to sell whenever they want to, and the lender never owns the house. When the property is sold, by the borrower or the beneficiaries of their will, the lender is repaid, with interest, from the proceeds of the sale. Any additional money that is made belongs to the homeowner.

The minimum age to be eligible for a reverse mortgage is 62. If the home is owned by a couple, both the husband and the wife must be at least 62 years old. You can take out a reverse mortgage on a condo, townhouse, single-family home or some multi-family homes. The bank will have the home appraised prior to the reverse mortgage to determine how much the borrowers can take out of their home.

Appraisals are necessary to determine how much the borrower(s) can recieve at closing. Other factors include: any exisiting mortgage that must be paid off, how old the youngest borrower is and the current reverse mortgage interest rate.

There are some upfront closing fees that are charged to the borrower. These fees are also used to calculate the benefit that borrowers can receive. Generally, these fees are financed into the loan and are not considered out of pocket expenses. Costs can vary from lender to lender, so it is important to shop around for the best rates and lowest expenses.

Always make sure you understand all of the aspects and costs of a reverse mortgage and choose a dependable lender who will answer all of your questions.

Want to find out more about Reverse123, then visit Reverse123’s blog on reverse mortgages The Reverse Report for your needs.