You likely have a lot of questions about Reverse Mortgages, and it's important to me to make sure that all of your questions are answered. I have included some common questions here, but please feel free to contact me with any additional questions.
How Do I Qualify For A Reverse Mortgage?
To become eligible for a reverse mortgage, you must be at least 62 years old and own your home. You must have equity in the house to pay off any outstanding balances, and your home must be occupied as your principal residence. Minimal income and credit standards must also be met.
How Much Money Can I Get?
The amount of money that a lender will loan depends upon how old you are at the time of closing, how much your house is worth, the total amount of liens, and interest rates. The payoff of your existing mortgage and mandatory obligations along with the payment option chosen will affect the amount of money you will receive.
HUD limits borrowers to using 60% of the available money (after closing costs & fees) in the first year. The remaining funds are accessible beginning year two. This maximum disbursement limit set by HUD allows for the GREATER of:
- 60% of the Principal Limit (amount of money available to the borrower in all years of the loan) in the first twelve months of the loan from your closing date OR…
- The sum of Mandatory Obligations* (existing mortgage payoff, tax liens, closing costs, mortgage insurance premium) plus 10% of the Principal Limit. This total cannot exceed the total the Principal Limit at the time of loan closing.
How Do I Receive My Money?
There are several different options to choose from. You can take the money in a lump sum (up to HUD’s first year maximum withdrawal), set up a line of credit, monthly payment, or a combination of all three. In the first year the Line of Credit or monthly Tenure Payments or monthly payments cannot exceed 60% of the Principal Limit. After the first year, the available Line of Credit or Tenure/Monthly payments will be increased when applicable.
What Costs Are Associated With A Reverse Mortgage?
The fees and cost of a reverse mortgage are based on a number of items. For example, an origination fee is paid to the broker/lender, a MIP (mortgage insurance premium) is paid to HUD on the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), an appraisal fee, a flood certification fee, a doc prep fee, title and settlement fees, and other standard closing costs. Monthly servicing fees could apply.
What Are The FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium Charges?
The upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) is calculated at 2.0% of your home's appraised value or a maximum of $679,650 (the national lending limit cap of $679,650). For example a home appraised at $275,000 would have a one-time upfront FHA insurance premium of $5,500. The ongoing FHA insurance premiums are .5% (one-half of one-percent) of each month's calculated outstanding loan balance.
Is It Required That I Receive Counseling Before Getting A Reverse Mortgage?
Yes. Counseling is required with an independent third party HUD-approved counselor to protect borrowers from receiving incorrect information about reverse mortgages. The lender must be in receipt of the counseling certificate before they can close the loan. To locate a reverse mortgage counselor near you, contact your loan originator or your local HUD office.
Do I Get Taxed On The Money I Receive From My Reverse Mortgage?
The equity in your home is typically considered as loan proceeds and not additional income. Typically the funds from a reverse mortgage are considered tax free. (This does not constitute tax advice. Borrowers should seek professional tax advice regarding reverse mortgage proceeds.)
Do I Have To Pay Any Fees To The Reverse Mortgage Lender During The Course Of My Loan?
A reverse mortgage was created so borrowers don’t have to pay most fees during the course of the loan. Typical upfront costs are for the appraisal and HUD-approved reverse mortgage counseling (some agencies waive counseling fees at their discretion). However, there may be a monthly servicing fee associated with reverse mortgages (which will be financed and added to the loan balance). For more information on the service set-aside, please talk to your loan originator.
