misleading reverse mortgage advertising

Beware of misleading reverse mortgage advertising Reverse mortgages are widely marketed to senior homeowners by well-known lenders, smaller brokerages and individual financial planners using most advertising channels, including TV, radio, print, Internet and social media. Many commercials have used well-known celebrities such as Fred Thompson, Henry Winkler, and more recently Tom Selleck to pitch the… Continue reading misleading reverse mortgage advertising

Using Life Insurance Policy to repay reverse mortgage

Using a term life insurance policy to repay a reverse mortgage… Some potential reverse mortgage candidates do not like the idea of having their homes sold to repay the loans. There may be several reasons why homeowners want the option of keeping their homes in their families after they move out or pass away, but… Continue reading Using Life Insurance Policy to repay reverse mortgage

Reverse Mortgage Principal Limit Factors (PLFs)

How reverse mortgage loan amount is calculated on an HECM Reverse mortgage borrowers who opt for a federally insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) will be limited on how much they borrow. A reverse mortgage principal limit is based on three factors at the time you apply for the loan: your age, the total equity… Continue reading Reverse Mortgage Principal Limit Factors (PLFs)

Beware of these common reverse mortgage scams

Although a reverse mortgage can be a beneficial financial tool, many unscrupulous individuals and brokers use them as a vehicle to steal from seniors who need money and/or don’t fully understand how they work. Reverse mortgage fraud can cost homeowners thousands of dollars and/or their homes without them receiving any benefits from a reverse mortgage.… Continue reading Beware of these common reverse mortgage scams

Reverse Mortgages and Flood Zones? Will my Property Qualify in a Flood Zone?

Can I get a reverse mortgage if my home is in a flood zone? If you own a home that’s at risk of flooding, you will likely have to carry flood insurance to obtain and maintain a reverse mortgage. The National Flood Insurance Program aims to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public… Continue reading Reverse Mortgages and Flood Zones? Will my Property Qualify in a Flood Zone?

How are Reverse Mortgages Regulated? Changes to Regulations? Consumer Protections and Laws Covering HECM Reverse Mortgages.

How are reverse mortgages regulated Because of their complexity and federal government involvement, reverse mortgages are heavily regulated to help protect consumers. Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) aka reverse mortgages are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) by both the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau… Continue reading How are Reverse Mortgages Regulated? Changes to Regulations? Consumer Protections and Laws Covering HECM Reverse Mortgages.

Paying your property taxes with a reverse mortgage

Paying your property taxes with a reverse mortgage One of the leading causes of reverse mortgage defaults is the failure of the homeowner to pay property taxes on time. When homeowners obtain a reverse mortgage, they maintain title and property ownership, and thus responsibility for taxes, as well as insurance, utilities, and other expenses. Falling… Continue reading Paying your property taxes with a reverse mortgage

Reverse Mortgage History

What is the history of reverse mortgages? Who invented the reverse mortgage? How long have they existed? How much have they changed since they were conceived? When did reverse mortgages start? The first known use of a reverse mortgage in the U.S. occurred in Maine in 1961. It was created by a savings and loan… Continue reading Reverse Mortgage History

Pay for Long term care with a reverse mortgage.

Using a reverse mortgage instead of long-term care insurance Seniors in certain situations may want to use a reverse mortgage to pay for long-term care if the need arises instead of laying out the costs for long-term care insurance. There a few reasons why you might consider using a reverse mortgage to pay for long-term… Continue reading Pay for Long term care with a reverse mortgage.

Using a reverse mortgage in conjunction with long-term care insurance

Using a reverse mortgage in conjunction with long-term care insurance Long-term care insurance is designed to protect people from incurring the full cost of nursing home, assisted living or home health care, which can run as much as $80,000 to $90,000 annually. Many seniors want the protection offered by long-term care insurance but can’t fit… Continue reading Using a reverse mortgage in conjunction with long-term care insurance

reverse mortgage amortization

Understanding reverse mortgage amortization If you have taken out a loan of any kind, especially a mortgage, you are familiar with the concept of amortization. This is the process by which a loan’s principal decreases with each payment. An amortization schedule is a table that breaks down how much of each payment goes toward reducing… Continue reading reverse mortgage amortization

reverse mortgage alternatives

Five alternatives to a reverse mortgage if you need cash Reverse mortgages are a useful financial tool for seniors who have substantial equity in their homes and could benefit from tapping into that equity. But reverse mortgages aren’t for everybody. Some people don’t meet the borrowing requirements, while others have properties that don’t meet eligibility… Continue reading reverse mortgage alternatives

Reverse mortgage retirement strategies

Though reverse mortgages were traditionally intended to help cash-strapped seniors generate extra income from their home equity, their flexibility and versatility have made them a valuable retirement income planning tool. Below are several retirement income planning strategies where a reverse mortgage can be useful. When considering these and other strategies, you should always consult with… Continue reading Reverse mortgage retirement strategies