Top Myths & Facts About Reverse Mortgage Loans
Top Myths & Facts About Reverse Mortgage Loans
Why are there so many misunderstandings about reverse mortgage loans?
When reverse mortgage loans first came about, some private versions took advantage of retirees. But over the years, especially after 2014, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have added many layers of protections for consumers.Â
Now, reverse mortgages are among the safest loans available, but many people—even financial and real estate professionals—aren’t aware of all the pro-homeowner regulations.
Reverse Mortgage Loan Myths
and Misunderstandings
Here Are the Top Myths and Facts
I will be giving up the deed to my home and I won’t own it anymore.
Fact:
The deed always stays in your name. You can live in, remodel or sell the home and keep any equity left if you move.
I could lose my home and be forced to move.
Fact:
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) guarantees that you can live in your home as long as you maintain it and pay taxes and insurance.
If my spouse is under 62 when I get a reverse mortgage loan, they will lose the house if I pass away.
Fact:
As long as your spouse is on the title, they will be included in the loan and will retain ownership of the home just like you had.
Only people that are in financial trouble should get a reverse mortgage.
Fact:
Many people use reverse mortgage loans as capital for investments, cash to make retirement more enjoyable, cash to buy a better home, part of tax mitigation strategies and broader financial plans, including endowments for heirs.* That said, reverse mortgage loans can certainly help people out of financial rough spots.
I can’t get a reverse mortgage loan because I can’t afford to make monthly payments.
Fact:
You will have no monthly payments for as long as you live in the home—no matter what. You will just pay the taxes and the insurance like you do now. You can make payments if you want to for tax purposes or to manage equity, but it’s completely optional.
I want to sell my house and move, so a reverse mortgage loan isn’t right for me.
Fact:
You can use a reverse mortgage loan to purchase a new home. A reverse mortgage loan gives you the opportunity to potentially increase your purchasing power, while eliminating monthly mortgage payments as long as you pay taxes and insurance and maintain the home.
My house must be fully paid off to qualify for a reverse mortgage.
Fact:
You can use a reverse mortgage to pay off a current mortgage provided the available FHA borrowing limit is high enough to cover your balance.
My children could get stuck with a big mortgage debt if I live too long or my home loses value.
Fact:
No one is ever required to pay more than the market value of their home. If your loan was to exceed the value of your home, the FHA Mortgage Insurance Fund (FHA/HUD) pays the balance.
When I pass away, the bank takes possession of my house—not my children.
Fact:
Your heirs will have the right to sell your house and keep any profits left over after the mortgage balance is taken care of. They will also have the option to either purchase the home for 95% of its appraised value or the balance of the loan, whichever is lower.
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*This advertisement does not constitute tax or financial advice. Please consult a tax and/or financial advisor regarding your specific situation.