What is a Reverse
Mortgage?
This mortgage pays you. It is the “Reverse” of
a typical mortgage.
A reverse mortgage is a very low-interest loan for
homeowners age 62 and older. The reverse loan allows the
senior to borrow a percentage of the home's value (based on
the age of the youngest homeowner).
A Reverse Mortgage is a special type of home loan, designed
specifically for seniors. The loan enables homeowners to
convert a portion of the equity in their home into tax-free
income or cash—without having to sell their home, give up
the title, or make monthly mortgage payments.
But, unlike traditional home equity loans or a second
mortgage, the money does not have to be paid back until the
last surviving homeowner moves out of the property or passes
away. At that time, the heirs have 12 months to repay the
balance of the reverse mortgage or else sell the home to pay
back the lender.
The heirs inherit all the remaining equity. The heirs are
also not responsible if the home sells for less than the
loan's balance.
Reverse Mortgages (also known as Home Equity Conversion
Mortgages or HECM), are increasingly popular in America and
other countries in the world.
Many seniors use a Reverse Mortgage to supplement Social
Security, meet unexpected medical expenses, make home
improvements, or provide security against unexpected
events.
It’s important to know what your options are to secure your
financial future. The various sections of this website are
intended to give you a factual understanding of Reverse
Mortgages, how they work—and how they could work for
you.
* Plans are not all available
in all states
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