What Are the Restrictions on a Reverse Mortgage?

Learn about restrictions on a reverse mortgage loan such as no federal debt allowed, keeping up with property taxes and homeowners insurance, and more.

What Are the Restrictions on a Reverse Mortgage?

If you have a mortgage balance, you should be able to pay it off when you close the reverse mortgage. You can use your own funds or the money from the reverse mortgage to settle the balance of your current mortgage. Additionally, you cannot have any federal debt, such as federal income taxes or federal student loans. The actuarial life expectancy specified in paragraph (c) (i) (B) of this section, multiplied by a factor of 1.4 and rounded to the nearest full year. Any appreciation or shared capital that the creditor is entitled to receive in accordance with the legal obligation must be included in the total cost of a reverse mortgage loan.

Private companies can offer large loans with their own reverse mortgage programs, but they are not backed by federal insurance and can be more expensive. The closing costs and interest rates of home equity loans and HELOCs also tend to be significantly lower than what you'll find with a reverse mortgage. It's best to talk to a HUD-approved advisor before committing to a reverse mortgage (and if you're looking to get a HECM, you'll have to).However, if your home is worth more, you can consider a giant reverse mortgage, also called your own reverse mortgage. Keep in mind that the interest rate on reverse mortgages tends to be higher, which can also increase your costs.

Reverse mortgage borrowers must also keep up to date with property taxes and homeowners insurance. The HECM is the most common reverse mortgage product available and represents about 90% of the total market. Ask your lender if you can set aside some of your reverse mortgage money to keep these bills up to date. In an effort to increase their incomes and stay in their homes, some are turning to a reverse mortgage to access much-needed cash. While the borrower is not responsible for making any mortgage payments and therefore cannot incur delinquency, a reverse mortgage requires the borrower to meet certain conditions.

All costs and charges to the consumer, including the costs of any annuity that the consumer purchases as part of the reverse mortgage transaction. With a HECM reverse mortgage, the borrower typically receives payments in the form of monthly payments or a line of credit from the lender. To ensure that the borrower can keep up with taxes and insurance, the lender evaluates the homeowner's financial situation when considering a reverse mortgage. In addition, while not all reverse mortgage lenders use high-pressure sales tactics, some do use them to attract borrowers. They review the Interactive Credit Alert Reporting System (CAIVRS) to confirm it before receiving final approval for a reverse mortgage.

Sheree Mccomas
Sheree Mccomas

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