New rules make reverse mortgages a better deal
Retirees concerned about their decimated savings should take a second look at reverse mortgages. Beginning November 1, 2008, homeowners everywhere may borrow up to $417,000. Previously, the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program assigned various lending limits, ranging from $200,160 in rural areas to $362,790 in the most expensive housing markets. Existing reverse-mortgage borrowers may be able to refinance their loans to take advantage of the higher lending limit. Plus, the new rules cap the origination fee, previously set at 2% of the loan value, at $6,000.
And, in a major policy change, retirees will be able to use a reverse mortgage to buy a new home starting in 2009. “This provision could really transform the industry,” says Peter Bell, president of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association, in Washington, D.C.
How it works
With a reverse mortgage, homeowners 62 or older can tap the equity in their home in the form of a lump sum, line of credit, monthly payout or a combination of all three. You retain the title to your property and must continue to pay property taxes, insurance premiums and home-maintenance costs. Payouts are tax-free, but the income you receive may make you ineligible for certain state and federal benefits, including Medicaid, which is a major payer of nursing-home costs.
Post from: Reverse Mortgage Loan Blog
