Summer Visits Lead to Reverse Mortgage Conversations with Adult Children

Posted on by Janis Layman

Reverse Mortgage Seattle Lynnwood Edmonds Shoreline WashingtonAs summer vacation is in full swing, many of us are reflecting on our experiences visiting with family.  Maybe you took your children on a camping trip or to Disneyland.  Possibly you flew overseas to experience a new culture.  Or maybe you took a road trip to visit your aging parents or other loved ones.  If you visited with elderly family members, it likely came with mixed emotions.  Every year they are a little older – and for some, every year brings just a little more worry.

This is very common after a visit.  It may raise concerns about health or finances, and questions about how aging parents will continue to cope.  If you’re wondering when and how you need to intervene, ask yourself these questions:

• Are they able to get around by him or herself? Are there stairs in the home?

• Is this person able to take medications without assistance? Is there a health concern that would require more regular supervision, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s?

• Is your parent able to manage mortgage payments, home-owners insurance payments, and property taxes? Is the home outdated and in need of frequent repairs – such as a furnace, roofing, electricity?

• Where is this home located? Is it in close proximity to relatives, hospitals, etc? Or is it secluded and away from town?

• Is this person lonely? Has he or she suffered the loss of a spouse? Does he or she have a solid social group or close friends?

Based on your answers to these questions, aging in place may be the right solution, and if financial strains exist surrounding the current mortgage, a reverse mortgage may be an option. Reverse mortgages allow homeowners age 62 and older to access equity in their home. The homeowner retains the title and remains in the home. With a reverse mortgage homeowners will live the remainder of their lives mortgage payment free, and can receive their funds as a monthly installment, a line of credit, or sometimes as a lump sum.  Nearly all reverse mortgages are government guaranteed with FHA insurance and no repayment is due until the last borrower passes away or permanently leaves the home.  At that time there are several options that include keeping the home in the family.

It is especially important to work with a reputable lender and watch out for scams if parents or loved ones are considering a reverse mortgage.

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.

Reverse Mortgage Helps Seattle Widow Buy Home

Posted on by Janis Layman

Reverse Mortgage Seattle Lynnwood Edmonds Shoreline WashingtonIt’s a scenario many wish wasn’t reality, but often it is…

A spouse passes away leaving behind a widow.  The remaining partner wants to move closer to family.  But there’s a catch – although the widow’s current home is owned outright, they would typically need to sell it before they could purchase another.   And they wish to move to an area where the median home price is much higher than the home available to sell.

Reverse mortgage for purchase may be an excellent option for this widow.  Let’s look at the scenario in detail:

Predicament #1: Widow needs to sell current home before purchasing a new home.

Solution: With a reverse mortgage for purchase, this widow would not need to sell the home immediately.  Any personal funds or assets used to purchase the new home could be replenished when the current home sells – and the funds from a reverse mortgage would supplement the initial funds needed.  This would allow her to move and get settled immediately.

Predicament #2: The cost of a home in the area the widow is moving is much higher than where she currently lives, meaning the proceeds from her current home sale will not cover the entire purchase.

Solution: When utilizing a reverse mortgage for purchase, her out of pocket cost would be substantially supplemented.  For example if she anticipates selling her current home for $200,000 and purchasing a home for $300,000, the reverse mortgage may cover the $100,000 difference allowing her to live mortgage payment free and best of all – near her family.

Reverse Mortgage for Purchase (aka: HECM for Purchase) is an FHA insured program for seniors 62 and over.  To qualify, the borrower(s) must be purchasing an eligible property, have the required down payment, and meet the HECM financial assessment guidelines.

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.

Should a Reverse Mortgage be Part of Your Retirement Portfolio?

Posted on by Janis Layman

Reverse Mortgage Seattle Lynnwood Edmonds Shoreline WashingtonFor the past quarter century seniors have easily managed to retire on three things: company pension plans, social security, and personal savings.  But with an always uncertain economy facing us today and in the future, many baby boomers are taking a second look at their retirement portfolios.  Previously, tapping into home equity for retirement has been considered a last resort.  But should it be?

Both company pensions and social security benefits face much uncertainty down the road, and if you’re lucky enough to have a somewhat stable retirement investments, protecting them will be high priority.  When adding home equity into the retirement equation, statistics show most baby boomers 51 and over have enough to retire comfortably.  So where does this leave reverse mortgages?

For seniors 62 and over reverse mortgage is a feasible option.  Homeowners can access the equity in their home, live mortgage and loan payment free, and no repayment is due until the last borrower passes or permanently leaves the home at which time there are options.  For some retirees, it could mean the difference between living and living well.

When looking down the road toward financial planning for retirement, ask yourself a few questions and determine if a reverse mortgage might fit into your Plan A or your Plan B.  Discuss it with your spouse and with your financial planner.  Learn the facts about reverse mortgage and how it will affect your loved ones after you pass.

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.

 

What is FHA Insurance on a Reverse Mortgage Loan in Seattle, WA?

Posted on by Janis Layman

Reverse Mortgage Seattle Lynnwood Edmonds Shoreline WashingtonIf you’ve taken the time to learn even a little bit about a reverse mortgage in Seattle, it’s likely you’ve heard the term “FHA insured” at least a couple of times.  But what exactly does it mean?

Homeowners 62 and over, with significant equity in their home, may be eligible for a reverse mortgage.  These loans are typically insured by the FHA and provide non-taxable income to the borrowers based on the available equity in the home.  The more equity and the older the borrower, the more funds available.  The funds can be accessed via a line of credit, monthly installments, a lump sum, and even can be wrapped into the purchase of a new home.  The borrower can always use the funds for whatever they deem fit.

The homeowner will live mortgage payment free for as long as they remain in the home, although they will have a few financial obligations related to the house such as homeowners insurance, property taxes, utilities, and HOA fees.  As long as the borrowers keeps current on these few obligations, they cannot be evicted from the home, the home cannot be foreclosed, and they cannot be made to repay the loan.  The loan comes due once the borrower (or the last borrower in the case of married couples) has left the home for 12 consecutive months or passes away.  At this time the loan will be due and payable with time allotted to allow for transitions.  This is where the FHA insurance comes in.

In the case of a death, the home with pass onto the heirs.  At this time they have options, with two being the most common – 1) Pay off the loan and keep the home (often through life insurance or sale of another asset), or 2) Sell the home.

In the scenario of loan repayment the heirs will never have to repay any more than the home is appraised for.  They will only be required to pay 95% of the appraised home value or the full amount of the loan, whichever is less.  Any amount due on the loan above the appraised amount will be covered by the FHA insurance and no one will be held liable.

In the case of a home sale, the heirs will never be required to pay more on the loan than the home sells for as long as the sale price is at least 95% of the appraised value.  Any remaining balance will be covered by the FHA insurance.  On the other hand, if the home sells for more than the loan balance, the heirs will keep any remaining funds.   This is especially important as over the years the housing market shifts.

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.

 

Curing HELOC Debt With Reverse Mortgage

Posted on by Janis Layman

Reverse Mortgage Seattle Lynnwood Edmonds Shoreline WashingtonA HELOC is the acronym for Home Equity Line of Credit, and thousands in the Seattle area have taken advantage of it. When the housing boom was in full swing a number of years ago, the values of personal homes gave their owners a strong resource to draw upon in the form of a loan.  Unfortunately many of these loans amortized, leaving the borrowers with higher than predicted payments and long term loans.

Seniors 62 or older with a HELOC loan may be able to utilize a reverse mortgage to relieve the financial burden.  The HECM, or Reverse Mortgage, provides the borrower with non-taxable income that will not affect social security or Medicare, and can be used for whatever the borrower sees fit. The funds from the loan can also be received in various options such as monthly payments or line of credit. Seeking the advice of a reputable reverse mortgage lender can help you make these decisions.  During the application process, the HELOC will be discussed and a options of paying it off will be laid out.

If you do not presently have a HELOC but are considering one, put reverse mortgage on the table for a consideration as well. There will be advantages to both options giving you a sense of freedom to have choices.

Reverse mortgages are available to seniors from all walks of life, including married couples, and they will incur NO mortgage or loan payments.  The amount of funds a borrower can receive is based primarily on two things – the amount of equity in the home and the age of the borrower.  Although these are technically loans, they do not need to be paid back until the last borrower leaves the home permanently, at which time there are various options.

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.

 

Reverse Mortgage and the Alternatives

Posted on by Janis Layman

Reverse Mortgage Seattle Lynnwood Edmonds Shoreline WashingtonHome equity accounts for approximately 70% of a senior’s assets, not including social security or pension.  Often times tapping into this equity becomes inevitable when facing health crisis or financial restrictions in retirement.  Using home equity should be part of a larger financial plan and there are a few ways it can be incorporated.

Reverse Mortgage

A reverse mortgage is available to seniors 62 and older, including married couples.  Homeowners who obtain a reverse mortgage will have NO mortgage payments, and they will be able to access the equity in their home via monthly payments, a line of credit, a lump sum, or even to purchase a different home.  The loan does not have to be repaid until the last borrower passes away or permanently leaves the home, at which time there are options available to heirs.  The amount of the loan depends on the amount of equity in the home and the age of the borrowers – the older the borrower, the more money they can receive.  This is an excellent option for seniors across the board – whether on a fixed income or already affluent looking to protect their retirement portfolio.

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan (HELOC) also taps into equity by borrowing money against the home.  This type of loan will be processed as a conventional loan and standard income and credit restrictions will apply, as well as monthly payments will need to be made to the lender.  Any health or future financial concerns should be thoroughly thought through prior to taking out a home equity loan.  Loading up the home with debt during retirement can be risky and could result in loss of the home if the borrowers are unable to make their monthly payments.

Downsize

Another option would be to downsize all together by selling the existing home and moving into a more modest situation.  Depending on the amount of equity in the home, a homeowner may be able to sell the home for enough money to comfortably be able to make rent or mortgage payments for 10 to 20  years.  Just as with a home equity loan, this option could be risky for a person with health concerns as the funds set aside for housing could be needed elsewhere.  If an owner is considering a move, they should also consider the Reverse Mortgage for Purchase, as this may offer the best bang for their buck when purchasing.

Before making any major decisions regarding how to effectively use the equity in your home, it is best to consult with a financial adviser and a reputable reverse mortgage lender.

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.

Using a Reverse Mortgage to Fulfill Retirement Dreams in Seattle, WA

Posted on by Janis Layman

Reverse Mortgage Seattle Lynnwood Edmonds Shoreline WashingtonI recently ran across a hard hitting article titled “Do I Have to Die Early to Avoid Poverty?”.  What a powerful title.  But the truth is, I meet people everyday who are forced to ask this questions of themselves.  Our whole lives, we work hard, raise a family, save for retirement, hope we’re blessed enough to watch our grandchildren and even our great-grandchildren grow – but then for many, as we age, the thought of funds running out before we die becomes a looming worry.  Often, regardless of strategic retirement planning, the elderly live on a strict budget with monthly allotments of funds and will have calculated that based on the age they will likely pass away.  But what if they are lucky enough to live beyond these projections?

Using reverse mortgage as a retirement planning tool can make a world of difference for those wishing to live fulfilling lives and not face the scenario described above.  Sometimes this looks as simple as supplementing income to make sure everyone is comfortable throughout the golden years.  Other times it means drawing from reverse mortgage in a lump sum with the desire to spend it on family while the borrower is still alive and can reap the personal rewards, instead of waiting until after they’ve passed to distribute inheritance.  Other times it can be a line of credit or monthly installments to prevent savings and retirement funds from running out.

Reverse mortgage is available to homeowners (single, widowed, or married) 62 and over.  Funds can be used for any purpose the borrower sees fit.  Reverse mortgages are more frequently being utilized as a retirement or financial planning tool as planners are working with reputable lenders to ensure their clients are fully informed of their options.

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.

How Reverse Mortgage Works in Seattle, WA

Posted on by Janis Layman

Reverse Mortgage Seattle Lynnwood Edmonds Shoreline WashingtonThe 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.

How Reverse Mortgage is Helping the Baby Boomers

Posted on by Janis Layman

Reverse Mortgage Seattle Lynnwood Edmonds Shoreline WashingtonWhile the “baby boomer” generation inches towards retirement, the economy in many areas is still rather dismal.  Many took major losses in the 2008 economic meltdown, losing their hopes for a prosperous retirement.  In situations such as this, reverse mortgage is becoming an important piece of retirement planning.  Seniors, 62 years and older, now have the ability to fund their retirement using the equity in their homes, alleviating mortgage payments, and receive either monthly pay-outs or  line of credit as long as the borrower(s) remain in the residence.  Reverse mortgages can even be used to purchase a home now.  For many, this option makes a world of difference, allowing for the sought after prosperous retirement years instead of barely scraping by on a budget.  Reverse mortgage funds can be used for any purpose the borrower chooses, and is often used to help with every day expenses or long term medical costs.

According to several sources there are an estimated 60 to 75 million boomers entering or approaching retirement.  Financial and retirement planners in Seattle and nationwide are educating themselves extensively on reverse mortgage in order to better use it as tool in future planning.  They are working closely with reputable reverse mortgage lenders in order to fill in the gaps where retirees are looking for options.

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.

Reverse Mortgages Helping the Eldery Age at Home

Posted on by Janis Layman

Reverse Mortgage Seattle Lynnwood Edmonds Shoreline WashingtonAs traditional forms of elder care continue to be overshadowed by numerous other options, reverse mortgage is often helping senior individuals stay in their homes while they age.  Since reverse mortgages can open up opportunity to turn home equity into liquid cash, without having to move or make a mortgage loan payment, seniors and their families are using this opportunity to pay for care that would otherwise not be covered by basic Medicare or health insurance.

Traditionally, “long term” elder care takes place in a nursing home or assisted living facility.  Medicare or Medicaid will often cover these expenses. but there is little public assistance for “in-home care”, although it varies from state to state.  As economic woes lend to retirement fears, reverse mortgage is more commonly being utilized for what it can do best, provide security for those most in need and offer a longer-term lifeline without disrupting the lives of the recipients.

Studies have shown that the benefits of aging in place can be enormous for the right candidate.  Not only can a move be both emotionally and physically challenging on a senior, especially one with medical concerns, it’s known that the quality of life tends to increase when seniors maintain their independence and their community ties.  Benefits include:

  • Comfort.  We all know the saying “There’s no place like home”, but this is often especially true when a senior has lived in a home for years or has lost a spouse.  Uprooting from such familiarity can have drastic affects.
  • Community Ties.  More often seniors are developing strong community ties well into their retirement years.  Family and friends are wonderful for grounding an aging loved one.
  • Independence. Remaining independent keeps seniors healthier than ever realized before.  It also allows them to continue doing many of the things they have always done and enjoyed.
  • Mentality. Our home life strongly impacts how we feel mentally. If a senior stays home to age they are likely to feel much better and happier than one that has been put into a nursing home or assisted care facility.

A reverse mortgage can help seniors 62 and over tap into their home equity and allow their home to work for them.

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.