What is a Reverse Mortgage

Types of Reverse Mortgage Loans

There are various types of reverse mortgage loans available, each with its own unique features. The most common type of reverse mortgage loan is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). This federally insured program is available to seniors aged 62 and older and allows them to borrow against their home's equity without having to repay the loan until they sell the property, move out, or pass away. The loan amount that can be borrowed is based on the borrower's age, the value of the home, and the current interest rate.

Another type of reverse mortgage loan is the single-purpose reverse mortgage. These loans are typically offered to low-income seniors and can only be used for specific purposes such as home repairs or property taxes.

Proprietary reverse mortgages are private loans that are backed by the companies that develop them. These loans may offer higher loan limits and more flexible terms than HECMs, but they are not insured by the federal government.

A jumbo reverse mortgage is another option designed for homeowners with high-value homes. It fills a void created by the lending limits of the Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) loan program. Jumbo reverse mortgages are a type of Home Equity Conversion Mortgage that enables property owners aged 62 years and older to convert their home's equity into cash without the need to sell the property.

Who Qualifies for a Reverse Mortgage Loan?

To qualify for a reverse mortgage loan, the homeowner must be at least 62 years old and own their home outright or have a significant amount of equity in it. They also must live in the home as their primary residence. The home must be a single-family home, a multi-family home with up to four units, a condominium, or a manufactured home that meets certain standards. The borrower must also undergo a financial assessment to determine their ability to pay for property taxes, insurance, and other ongoing expenses.

Key Features of a Reverse Mortgage Loan

One of the key features of a reverse mortgage loan is that the borrower does not have to make any regular mortgage payments. Instead, the loan balance accrues over time with interest and is only due when the borrower sells the property, moves out, or passes away. The borrower also retains ownership of the home and is responsible for maintaining it, paying property taxes, and keeping up with any other expenses related to the property.

Another key feature of reverse mortgage loans is the "non-recourse" aspect, which means that the borrower or their estate will never owe more than the value of the home when it is sold. This is because the loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) which guarantees that the lender will be repaid even if the loan balance exceeds the home's value.

Reverse Mortgage Loans and Home Equity Conversion Mortgages

Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are a type of reverse mortgage loan that is insured by the FHA. HECMs are the most popular type of reverse mortgage loan and account for many reverse mortgages made in the United States.

One of the advantages of HECMs is that they offer more flexibility than other types of reverse mortgage loans, such as proprietary reverse mortgages. HECMs allow borrowers to choose from several different payment options, such as receiving a lump sum payment, regular monthly payments, a line of credit, or a combination of these options.

HECMs also have specific requirements that must be met to qualify for the loan. For example, the borrower must attend a counseling session with a HUD-approved counselor to ensure they understand the terms and implications of the loan. The borrower must also maintain the property to FHA standards and stay current on property taxes and insurance.