Ever Wondered What a Reverse Mortgage Is?
A reverse mortgage is a type of loan that leverages the equity in your home to provide you with a lump sum of cash or with monthly payments.Qualifications for a Reverse Mortgage
In order to qualify for a reverse mortgage you must meet the following criteria.- Youngest home owner is 62 or older.
- At least one of the owners live in the home
- You owe less than your home is worth
- Your home is in good repair
As you can see, the basic requirements for a reverse mortgage are pretty simple. If you qualify, should you take out a reverse mortgage though?
The Pros of Reverse Mortgages
Reverse mortgages can be very beneficial for seniors and here are just a few of the most common ways they help.
- Easily get cash to recover from unexpected expenses.
- Get extra tax free income so you can stay in your home longer
- Have money to travel and enjoy your retirement
- Reduce the burden on your family
The Cons of a Reverse Mortgage Loan
A reverse mortgage like anything in life does have a few drawbacks. Below we are going to look at a few of them so you have a clear picture of the reverse mortgage process.- The upfront fees for closing a reverse mortgage can be steep
- You or your family must pay back the loan to keep your home
- Many reverse mortgage scams exist, so be careful
- Other loan types may be cheaper
Above we have really just skimmed the surface when it comes to reverse mortgages. If you are considering one on your home, you need to take the time to learn the ins and outs of the process. You can usually get counseling from Hud approved individuals that can go over your financial options with you. Aside from that, you should also look for reputable reverse mortgage lender that is willing to sit with you and explain the pros and cons. Allwest Mortgage in California is one great example, they were chosen as the top small reverse mortgage firm and they offer a great deal or reverse mortgage information on their blog, whether you live in CA or not, you should visit their site.