Who benefits from a reverse mortgage?
COVID-19 has put finances in the foreground of homeowners’ minds
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Americans living out their retirement years, namely those who count on their investments for income, are facing a hard task as the coronavirus pandemic takes its toll on the economy and personal finance.
Some people who are eligible may consider a reverse mortgage, a type of loan allowing the homeowner to withdraw a portion of their equity but not repay until they leave the house.
But who benefits most from this type of arrangement?
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It may not be common to think about getting a reverse mortgage, Steve Irwin, executive vice president of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association, told Bankrate.
Instead, people “think how they are going to pay for health care, fix the roof, pay the property taxes or have enough money to outlive their retirement. A reverse mortgage provides solutions to these issues and many others, so that people can live more financially secure lives as they age.”
As long as the primary homeowner must be at least 62 years old, they can apply for one.
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The least expensive option is a single-purpose reverse mortgage, according to the Federal Trade Commission. These loans are offered by some state and local government agencies, and non-profit organizations. They are not available everywhere, though.
The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage is one type of reserve mortgage, and it is insured by the federal government. HECM loans can be used for any purpose, the agency explained in a report. Proprietary reverse mortgages, on the other hand, are private loans.
Homeowners that meet eligibility criteria and apply will have their finances evaluated, including credit history, any outstanding mortgage and be able to proof they can pay.
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The money does not need to be paid back until the borrower dies or leaves the home.
Adjustable HECM rates were 4.01 percent in March, according to HSH.
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