How Seniors Use Reverse Mortgages to Increase Cash Flow or to Pay Off an Existing Mortgage in San Antonio, TX

Money is tight for most people with the way that the economy is today, and this can be especially true for seniors. Social security doesn’t tend to be enough to get by and when there are so many bills to pay for such as medical bills and a family to provide for, there isn’t any money left over to enjoy retirement. Things can be especially tough when there is still a mortgage to pay because the interest rates and monthly payments just seem to get higher and higher. Fortunately there is a way for seniors to increase the amount of money they receive monthly and even pay off their mortgage without having to leave behind large debts for their children.

Reverse mortgages have been around since the 1980’s and have come a long way since the first one. They are now supervised by the government and there are laws that lenders and borrowers have to follow in order to complete the reverse mortgage transaction. The way that a reverse mortgage works is different than any other kind of loan because instead of needing money to purchase an item, the person has an item and needs money. In this case, the item would be the home that a person lives in.

A person must be over the age of 62 to qualify for a reverse mortgage. The older the borrower is, the more money they will get from their reverse mortgage.

Some home may not qualify for the reverse mortgage, and other types of homes such as mobile homes have to meet certain restrictions in order to be considered. Any borrower who chooses to get a reverse mortgage must go through counseling to be sure that they understand the loan and that they can afford the fees that go along with it.

Once a senior has been approved for the loan, they can do whatever they want with their money. The most common option is receiving their cash flow in monthly payments that will continue for as long as the borrower is alive, no matter how long they live. Since the borrower is taking out money against the house, when they no longer are no longer in the home, the estate will sell the home to repay the loan, or the family can choose to refinance. If the sale of the house doesn’t make enough money to cover the loan, the borrower doesn’t have to make up the difference, because all reverse mortgages are insured by the federal government.

Saving Seniors from Bankruptcy Using a Reverse Mortgage in San Antonio, Texas

It seems you can’t turn on the television or surf the Internet without hearing about how bad the economy is. A lot of people don’t have to hear about it because they’re experiencing it every day. No one is hit harder by the economic downturn than seniors. Their retirement accounts and social security benefits are dwindling and it seems like there’s no hope in sight. Many unfortunate seniors are being faced with the possibilities of foreclosure and even bankruptcy. Retirement is supposed to be a time to enjoy life, not stress about money!

The good news is that there are ways for seniors to dig themselves out of their immediate debts and avoid declaring bankruptcy. One of these methods is known as a reverse mortgage. While “mortgage” usually implies having to pay something, a reverse mortgage is just the opposite. Essentially, it is a loan taken out against the equity on your home, though it’s slightly different from a standard home equity loan.

Reverse mortgages are available specifically to seniors – anyone of age 62 or more who owns a house or at least most of one. Even if you’re still paying off a mortgage on a home, a reverse mortgage is an option. If you have full ownership of your home then you’re entitled to more money than if you are still paying off a home, but either way you can get a nice windfall to help stave off bankruptcy.

You can choose the size of your reverse mortgage, though it is somewhat limited by your exact age, and is of course based on the value of your home. However, the proceeds gained from a reverse mortgage can be used on absolutely anything. You can pay off all of your outstanding bills and probably still have some money left over to save for future expenses or just to do something fun.

Reverse mortgages are relatively worry free. They do not need to be paid back until you either sell your home or pass away. If you sell your home, then the proceeds from the sale will go toward paying off the principal (note that interest is accrued and not paid until the loan ends). If the proceeds from the sale can’t cover the loans total amount, then the institution that issued the reverse mortgage simply soaks up the difference. If the proceeds exceed the cost of the loan, then any additional money is yours.

In the event that the loan ends due to your passing, then it is up to your heirs to decide what to do. They can choose to refinance the home if they want to keep it, or they can simply sell it. If they sell it, then the same rules apply – they have no personal responsibility, and if there is extra money after the sale it is theirs.

Reverse mortgages can be a useful tool in avoiding bankruptcy. However, the details are fairly complicated so it’s important to understand all you can about them. In every case, you need to take a counseling course that will explain all the finer points of reverse mortgages so you’ll know exactly what you’re doing.

Reverse Mortgages Provide Opportunities for San Antonio, TX Seniors

Here is a great article for anyone who has questions about a reverse mortgage. Visit me at www.texasreverse.net if you need help with a reverse mortgage in the San Antonio TX area.

Reverse mortgages shouldn’t be lumped into ‘bad’ category

“Comparing every loan’s shortcoming – real or perceived – to a “subprime” product needs to stop.”

Continue reading HERE.

Reverse Mortgages: Frequently Asked Questions in San Antonio, Texas

Part Two of Two

How is interest calculated on a reverse mortgage?

Interest on a reverse mortgage is calculated based on the money paid out to you. In general, reverse mortgages have variable rates, though fixed rate reverse mortgages are becoming more popular. Variable rate reverse mortgages are based on certain indexes. Interest is not covered by the proceeds you get from a reverse mortgage – it builds up over the course of the entire loan until it’s repaid.

Does a reverse mortgage affect tax liability?

Reverse mortgages are not counted as standard income, but they may still be partially taxable. The IRS sometimes provide tax breaks for interest paid toward loans, but no interest is paid on reverse mortgages until the loan ends. Thus, this is not a concern until then. The insurance premium that is required to take out a reverse mortgage can be deducted from your taxes for that year.

How do reverse mortgages work with existing mortgages?

Reverse mortgages must be the primary liens on a property, which means that all other debts must be paid off when the loan is taken out. You can use the proceeds from the reverse mortgage to pay off your regular mortgage or other debts so that the reverse mortgage becomes the primary lien. This frees you from making monthly payments which can make it easier to make ends meet.

How do reverse mortgages interact with government assistance programs?

Some people worry that taking out a reverse mortgage will disqualify them from getting social security or other benefits from the government, but this is not the case. The only benefit that may be affected is Medicaid, which is based on how much money you have available. If you spend the money from a reverse mortgage immediately, it will have no effect. If you keep some money, however, it counts as an asset and may disqualify you from Medicaid.

Where can I learn more about reverse mortgages?

There are counseling sessions that are required in order to take out certain types of reverse mortgages. These counseling sessions are designed to ensure that you fully understand the responsibilities and repercussions of taking out this sort of loan. At the end of the session, you’ll be given a certificate that confirms you understand how reverse mortgages work.

Visit me at www.texasreverse.net if you need help with a reverse mortgage in the San Antonio TX area.

Reverse Mortgages: Frequently Asked Questions in San Antonio, Texas

Part One of Two

What is a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a special type of mortgage that’s only available to people ages 62 and older. In a normal mortgage, a bank or other financial institution provides a loan to help a person or family buy a home, and the borrower pays back money each month. With a reverse mortgage, money is taken out against a home and paid to the borrower in one lump sum or in monthly payments.

How is a reverse mortgage paid back?

All payments on a reverse mortgage are deferred until the borrower dies, leaves their home or sells their home. Then, many different things can happen. If the home is sold, then the proceeds from the sale can be applied against the reverse mortgage. If the proceeds aren’t enough to cover the cost of the loan, then the lending institution pays the rest. If the proceeds exceed the amount of loan, then the extra moneys goes to the borrower. In the case of the borrower’s death, the borrower’s heirs can either refinance the house or sell it under the same conditions outlined above.

What can the money from a reverse mortgage be used for?

Money from a reverse mortgage can be used for anything at all. Most often, people take out reverse mortgages to supplement a dwindling retirement account. However, one might also take out a reverse mortgage to pursue a lifelong dream or spend some time traveling before settling down for good. Reverse mortgage funds might also be used for home repairs or even to prevent a bank from foreclosing on a home.

How do I qualify for a reverse mortgage?

Most standard types of homes qualify for reverse mortgages. Single family homes, properties with 2-4 units, condos, townhomes, and manufactured homes can all work for reverse mortgages. In some cases, you may even be able to take out a reverse mortgage on a home that still has a traditional mortgage. There are no special requirements for borrowers in terms of medical health or personal income.

How much money can you get from a reverse mortgage?

The amount of money that can be received from a reverse mortgage is dependent on the age of the homeowners, the value of the home, and the current interest rates. The general rule is that the more one’s home is worth and the older they are, the more money they can get. The money can be paid in any number of ways, including monthly payments, a single lump sum, and a flexible line of credit.