Reverse Mortgage Myths & Misconceptions
Reverse Mortgages are revolutionizing the way seniors are securing
financing. While HUD's Reverse Mortgage is a safe and federally-insured
program that gives older Americans greater financial security, many
seniors are bombarded with falsehoods. Please take the time to read
through the Myths and Misconceptions and contact a representative if you
have any questions. Unfortunately, the relative newness of this program
has ignited the old saying, "people fear what they don't understand." So
please exercise your own due diligence and get the proper answers; if
someone can't answer your question than go to someone who can.
The Bank or Lender will take my home.
Not True - The homeowner always
retains title to the property and can choose to sell the home at
anytime. There are no prepayment penalties or restrictions of any kind.
My heirs will be held responsible for repayment of the Reverse
Mortgage.
False - The Reverse Mortgage is a
non-recourse loan. This means that the lender can only derive repayment
of the loan from the proceeds of the sale of the property. Your heirs
will not be responsible for the repayment of the loan. The reason why is
that it is Government insured and the bank can only receive payment of
the loan from the value of the home, regardless of current status. The
same rule applies if a catastrophe struck and the value of the home is
reduced.
To qualify, my home must be paid off "Free & Clear".
Not True - You may payoff a mortgage
or equity loan with a Reverse Mortgage. In fact, many people get a
Reverse Mortgage for this reason: to get rid of their monthly payments
forever.
I must have good income and credit to qualify.
False - A Reverse Mortgage has no
income or credit qualifications. To qualify you need to be at least 62
years of age and your home must be your primary residence and the home
must have enough equity in it. Consult your representative for further
info.
The Reverse Mortgage requires that I make monthly payments.
Not True - There are never monthly
payments.
The borrower is responsible for payment of taxes, insurance, and general
upkeep of the home and that is it.
If I do a Reverse Mortgage I will eat up all my equity and leave
nothing for my kids.
False - "Retained Equity" is a very
important concept to grasp. Realize that your property will continue to
appreciate (the whole value of the estate) and you pay interest on only
the smaller amount borrowed. Please consult your representative for
amortization tables that might apply to your specific situation.
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The
NRMLA Consumer Guide to Reverse Mortgages
NRMLA's first
consumer guide to help educate senior's about reverse mortgages.

Using Reverse Mortgages for Health Care: A NRMLA Guide for Consumers
This guide helps explain how reverse mortgages
can be used to help pay for your health care needs and preserve your
financial security.
Just the FAQs: Answers to Common Questions About Reverse Mortgages
This guide lists the most common questions asked by consumers about reverse mortgages—with the answers from the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association. The questions are broken into three groups: those appropriate to ask before getting a reverse mortgage; those applicable during a reverse mortgage; and those applicable at the end of a reverse mortgage.
FannieMae's Money From Home
A detailed guide to understanding reverse mortgages.
AARP's "Home Made Money"
A Consumer's Guide to Reverse Mortgages"
Considering a Reverse Mortgage?
Review these 5
steps to see if a Reverse Mortgage is right for you. |
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To qualify for a reverse mortgage you
must be at least 62 and own your own home. There are no income or
medical requirements to qualify. You may be eligible for a reverse
mortgage even if you still owe money on a first or second mortgage. In
fact, many seniors get a reverse mortgage to pay off a first mortgage.
You can choose how to receive the money from a reverse mortgage. The
options are:
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all at
once (lump sum) |
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fixed
monthly payments (for up to life) |
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a line
of credit |
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or a
combination of these.
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The most popular option - chosen by
more than 60 percent of borrowers - is the line of credit, which allows
you to draw on the loan proceeds at any time.
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