Reverse Mortgage Basics
May 5th, 2010Reverse mortgages are generally available to senior citizens who want to acquire liquid cash in exchange for home equity. Seniors can get lump sums or intervals of payment once they agree to appraised home values and other criteria.
Qualification Requirements for Reverse Mortgages
Borrowers must be at least 62-years old before they qualify for a reverse mortgage. Seniors who acquire funds from a reverse mortgage must first pay off any existing mortgages before having full access to the cash. All persons involved in reverse mortgages are required to obtain financial counseling from a HUD-approved company.
This is done so that the borrower is fully aware of the terms of the reverse mortgage. Borrowers may obtain up to $625,000 in exchange for their equity. The older you are, the easier it is to get the reverse mortgage.
The value of the property, its appraised value, the method of payment, the senior’s age, and the interest rate all contribute to determining the amount of money that the senior can acquire.
Jumbo Loans for Reverse Mortgages
Jumbo loans are available to homeowners who have homes that are valued above the maximum. You can get higher loans from jumbo loans, but they’re generally not FHA approved.
You will have to pay for mortgage insurance, title insurance, an origination fee, title, county, and recording attorney fees, real estate appraisals, and, in some jurisdictions, a survey.
Adjustable vs. Fixed Interest Rates
Most reverse mortgages have adjustable interest rates, but you can find one with a fixed rate if you’re persistent enough. If you need cash and you’ve already acquired a lot of equity in your home, reverse mortgage rates can help you access these necessary funds.