Potential borrowers of reverse mortgages, whether they are Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) or a proprietary, non-government product, should be aware of key features before engaging in a loan. These include borrower obligations related to taxes and homeowners insurance, as well as the ways in which reverse mortgage products have undergone significant changes in recent…

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Retirees should strongly consider employing a reverse mortgage loan to help fund their retirements, primarily because they can serve to protect against two major problems: falling home prices, and the increasing likelihood that a senior will outlive his or her assets. This is according to Professor Benjamin Harris, executive director of the Kellogg Public-Private Interface…

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Forget television sets and video games, the best thing to buy during the holiday season may be a home. A new analysis from Attom Data Solutions, a provider of real-estate data, found that December is the best month of the year to buy a home when it comes to getting a relatively good price. During…

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Over 90 percent of adults over the age of 55 are at risk of developing or have already developed high blood pressure, and 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic health issue — while 77 percent have at least two. As you age, finding ways to take control of your health is crucial…

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Nearly 40% of surveyed “empty nesters” with an average age of 49 still support their adult children financially on a variety of expenses, including mobile phone plans, rent payments, groceries and student loans. This is according to a survey recently conducted by 55places. “While empty nesters may taste newly-found freedom, their wallets still seem to…

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Paying down your home mortgage balance faster than required is not a new idea. But you may be surprised to discover how powerful it can be. I will explain. But first, note the following. This is not for everybody The accelerated mortgage paydown idea can only work for folks who have positive cash flow and/or…

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1 in 5 American homeowners constantly feel that they are house rich and cash poor, and that their housing problems are getting worse. This is according to a new, wide-ranging and multi-generational study conducted by alternative home equity tapping company Hometap. A feeling of being “house rich and cash poor” chronically affects 1 in 5…

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The costs associated with “homemaker” services – which assists older adults with tasks including cooking, cleaning, and running errands – and home health aides – who assist older adults with bathing, dressing and eating – are rising at a faster rate than nursing home care, making assistance with basic tasks more expensive. This is according…

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For many of us, the annual visit to the Christmas tree lot happens immediately after the Thanksgiving festivities—sometimes even before the leftovers are gobbled up. Buying your tree as early as possible means you’ll have your pick of the inventory. But if you’re trying to score a deal this year (and maybe you don’t mind…

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Households with housing cost burdens have reached an all-time high, and many households led by those in the senior age demographic have failed to recover from the financial crisis that began in 2008. This has exacerbated the need for affordable and accessible housing and in-home care, and the ability to build home equity will be…

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