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Reverse Mortgage Basics

May 5th, 2010

Reverse 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.

How to Secure Good Mortgage Rates with Bad Credit

February 24th, 2010

If you don’t have good credit but you want to find good mortgage rates, all you have to do is a little research. You can easily find some amazing mortgage rates, even if your credit is less than stellar. Here’s how:

1.Look for special programs offered by government lenders such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. In fact, Fannie Mae offers an “expanded approval” program. In this program, consumers who don’t have great credit can acquire competitive mortgages that are as much as two percent lower than private alternative financing.

2.Evaluate the loans offered by the Federal Housing Authority, or FHA. The FHA has very low credit requirements for loan qualifications. In fact, you can deposit only 3% for a loan with the FHA, including closing costs and fees. Due to government regulation, the interest rates on these loans are usually less than a quarter of a point more than with traditional lenders. Of course, you’ll need to find a HUD approved broker or a mortgage broker who works with government approved lenders.

3.Research the private market for special loans for people with little or bad credit. There are many lenders who specialize in offering loans to people who don’t have good credit. You have to be very careful when dealing with these companies. Many of them will require high down payments for qualification. Some even add on extra fees for their loans. Regardless, there are good deals to be found out there. It’s extra important to exercise care when dealing with these companies.