The beautiful areas surrounding Seattle, Washington are home to many retirees and seniors. Year after year, this area makes news as one of the best places in the nation to retire. Elderly adults stay active, family loves to come visit, and with so much to do, it’s hard to ever want to leave!
Now, imagine living in your home mortgage free, and enjoying monthly proceeds for life, both scenarios benefiting from the years you’ve invested in your home. A reverse mortgage is a unique tool designed for seniors 62 and older. You enjoy access to part of the equity in your home and the freedom and comfort of the home you’ve known for so many years. It’s your home, now you can put it to work for you.
Reverse mortgage borrowers retain ownership and title to their home. It’s yours just as it was before, but now you can benefit from the equity that’s been building in your home for years. In addition, HECM reverse mortgage loans give you the peace of mind of a government guaranteed FHA backed loan where you will never owe more than the home is worth. You can get a reverse mortgage on your primary residence and no repayment is due until the last borrower passes away or permanently leaves the home.
As a protection, all those seeking a reverse mortgage are required to obtain HUD counseling (from an independent third party) prior to incurring any costs associated with the loan. While proceeds from a reverse mortgage are not subject to personal income taxation, borrowers should seek tax advice on how proceeds may affect government needs-based programs such as Medicaid and Food Stamps.
Janis Layman is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist serving the Seattle, Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Shoreline areas of Washington. Contact Janis and learn if reverse mortgage is right for you.