Posts Tagged ‘reverse mortgages pros and cons’

Reverse Mortgage Fees – What You Need To Know

December 8th, 2009

There may be little doubt that many folk can gain benefit from a reverse mortgage; fees for the mortgage can be a daunting consideration for some. A good understanding of the fees involved should be the very first thing an individual should invest in before making a commitment to the mortgage. 

The origination fee is in general 2 percent of the maximum claim amount or $2,000.00, whichever is bigger. Overhead costs incurred by the lender for making the loan ( marketing or executive, for example ) are paid thru these charges. These costs are typical costs contained with HECM loans through the FHA, which account for roughly ninety percent of all reverse mortgages. The claim amount is the loan limit for the area of the FHA loan; a cost that may change widely from urban areas to rustic areas. This fee is normally included within the mortgage. 

Mortgage insurance is another fee that’s considered on reverse mortgages. This insurance is a guarantee to the householder that if the lender or loan servicer go out of business, the govt ensures the home-owner will still to be in a position to access their monies. Most importantly, mortgage insurance will ensure that the home-owner will never owe more than the cost of the home at the time the loan is repaid. This fee accounts for 2% of either the home worth or the claim amount, whichever is less, together with a premium considered yearly of 0.5% of the balance of the loan. 

In order to accurately assess the value of the home, a valuer must be called in. The appraisal fee is a cost that will range between $300 and $400, with extra follow up fees that could be considered if any repairs are needed. The valuer’s job is to make sure the house is a good price, with no leakages, termites, structural defects or foundation issues. 

Closing costs are a well-known expense to anyone who has had a home mortgage. Covering such services as recording costs, title insurance, credit reports, flood certification, escrow, courier charges, surveys and pest inspection, these amassed costs can add up to a significant amount. 

A once a month fee the government allows to be considered against the account is known as a servicing set aside. This allows the loan servicer to take a specific sum of money from the loan at the time of closing that may cover monthly fees charged for servicing the account. This single fee can amount to many thousands of dollars. 

Becoming familiar with reverse mortgage fees that can be assessed is vital to your appreciation of the process.

Reverse Mortgages For Seniors

November 23rd, 2009

In these times of financial insecurity, many of us are struggling to make ends meet, none more so than the elderly. However, reverse mortgages for seniors are an option to relieve monetary stress should it start to become overwhelming for them.

While they may not be the answer for all, they can be the ideal solution for many who are facing monetary difficulties.

A reverse mortgage can be explained most simply as a type of home equity loan for which no repayment is necessary until the homeowner dies, sells the property, or no longer uses the property as a permanent residence.

They are generally easily obtainable for senior citizens, since the eligibility process does not consider the homeowners income or any credit scores.

There are stipulations for eligibility, including:

  • The age of the homeowner must be over 62
  • The house must be either paid in full or with just a small balance left on the mortgage
  • Taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, and a hefty closing fee, must be paid by the homeowner
  • Attendance at a mandatory counseling session is required to ensure full understanding of the mortgage process

What happens with a reverse mortgage is pretty simple to understand. The homeowner is given a loan based on the equity in their home. The amounts of the loans will vary, depending on the value of the home and the equity therein.

The homeowner can opt to receive monthly payments, a line of credit or a single lump sum payment; whichever suits their needs best. Homeowners are free to spend the loan on whatever they see fit to, with paying bills, making home improvements and going on trips being just a few of the options available.

As part of the reverse mortgages for seniors system, no repayments may ever need to be made by the senior citizen. Well, no repayments until certain conditions are met anyway. Repayments need only be made in the case of the following occuring…

  • The homeowner dies
  • Sale of the house by the homeowner
  • The homeowner takes up long-term residence at the home of another family member or at a nursing home

So, there are clearly some major benefits to be had from reverse mortgages. When looking at the benefits though, still bear in mind the fact that a large closing fee may be due on the signing of the mortgage papers. This fee is typically larger than that of a traditional mortgage and it can vary significantly from place to place..

As with any financial decision, all aspects of reverse mortgages for seniors should be closely examined before signing the paperwork.

As you or a member of your family reaches retirement you’ll want to read more about reverse mortgages pros and cons. You can also read more about reverse mortgages for seniors here.

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