Why Consider Reverse Mortgage?
by Ruth Gandolfi
For many seniors on a fixed income, a reverse mortgage can seem like a good
option. In fact, reverse-mortgages are all over the news these days, and chances
are you've seen them advertised on TV or heard about them on the radio. But many
seniors are wary of reverse-mortgages. Maybe you have a friend you who got
scammed in a mortgage deal, or reverse mortgages just sounds too good to be
true.
You might be surprised to learn that reverse-mortgages are actually quite safe.
There are many mandatory safeguards put in place by the government to prevent
reverse mortgage scams. For one, anybody who is looking into a reverse-mortgage
must meet with a qualified counselor from the department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD). This HUD adviser is a neutral third party charged with the
task of helping you understand the pros and cons. And,
mortgage programs were actually started the Federal Housing
Administration (FHA), which is HUD's parent agency.
So, you've heard about reverse-mortgages. You know that it can help put
much-needed money in your pocket. But how exactly does it work?
Reverse-mortgages are a way of tapping in the equity in your home to put money in
your pocket every month so that you can meet your expenses and other needs. With
the rising cost of health care, gasoline, and basic food supplies, it's becoming
more and more difficult for the average wage-earning family to make ends meet.
This is even more true among seniors living on a low fixed income. But, if
you're a senior and you find yourself in this situation, you can actually take
advantage of your home equity to tap into a source of income that will meet your
needs in the coming years.
Since reverse-mortgages are regulated by HUD, there are a few requirements to
meet in order to be eligible. First, you must be at least age 62 or older.
Second, you must have a low mortgage balance or own your home outright. And
third, you must meet with a HUD certified counselor.
The wonderful thing about a reverse-mortgage is that it can give you the
financial freedom to meet your needs. You can do anything you want with the
money, and you can receive small monthly payments, or one lump sum - it's up to
you. Need to make overdue repairs to your house? Have unexpected medical bills?
Want to take a vacation? You choose what to do with the money you get from
reverse mortgages.
And as long as you live in your house and make sure to keep your property taxes
and insurance paid, you won't have to pay it back. Paying back the loan only
happens when you leave your home, or when your heirs sell your house as part of
your estate.
Don't be fooled by scare tactics and stories you've heard through the grapevine
about reverse-mortgages. The truth is that HUD-approved reverse mortgages can
give you peace of mind. No more juggling bills from month to month, and no more
putting off important projects for lack of cash. If you are a senior, or if you
know a senior who could benefit from a reverse mortgage, take the time to get
accurate information on this potentially life changing resource.
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