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Reverse mortgages can help you save money!

Owning a home in this day and age can help you secure enough funds for the future if you need it. Reverse mortgages provide many advantages for the average American, but there are also some drawbacks. Learn all about it below!

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If you need money for retirement, a reverse mortgage can be a useful tool.

reverse mortgages
Reverse mortgages are a growing market. Source: Adobe Stock.

It’s no secret that the stock market is experiencing a high volatility period. But with the housing market still on the rise, reverse mortgages are becoming an incredibly attractive alternative for Americans who need to save for retirement and don’t want to leave their homes.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Home Equity Conversion Mortgage loans were up 26% in March. It had a slight drop of 3.8% last month, but it still remained above the average in the past couple of years, with over 6,000 loans in April. 

The rule changes by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development made in 2017 had a severe impact on the economics of reverse mortgages. The organ, which is responsible for the HECM program, raised the mortgage insurance on the loans from 0.5% to 2%. With that, the upfront price of reverse mortgages increased by $1,500 per $100,000. That said, reverse mortgages conditions are still favorable given the current stock market. 

Wade Pfay, a principal and advisor with Tysons said that now is a great moment to consider a reverse mortgage. Not only has there been a huge raise in home prices, but interest rates are still low. When it comes to the financial planning profession, reverse mortgages have developed quite the following. Pfau himself recommends them as a useful alternative in retirement management. 

Since home equity represents a big percentage of the average retired American’s means, using it as a source of capital when they’re in need of money is a sensible choice. Even if the costs for reverse mortgages are higher now than they’ve ever been. But like with everything else, there are pros and cons of using the method. Learn what they are below. 

The advantages and disadvantages of reverse mortgages

reverse mortgages
What are the pros and cons of reverse mortgages? Source: Adobe Stock.

See below if reverse mortgages are right for you.

Advantages of reverse mortgages

  • Housing prices are currently very high while interest rates are still comparatively low. With that in mind, borrowers can get close to 60% of their house equity in a reverse mortgage on very good terms. The choices are attractive as well, with either monthly payments, a credit line with interest on withdrawals or a lump sum. 
  • Reverse mortgages are known for being a non-recourse loan. That means that as long as you’re able to pay your maintenance expenses and property taxes, you can continue living at the house for as long as you want. These terms don’t shift regardless of changes in interest rates or housing market conditions. The loan is only due if you leave the house or when you die.  
  • Having a reverse mortgage credit line can provide flexibility to the borrower. It allows better management of retirement benefits distributions and tax-free withdrawals on the credit line. That way, the borrower won’t have to worry about selling their papers and paying those taxes after experiencing that market volatility. 

Disadvantages of reverse mortgages

  • Qualifying for a reverse mortgage isn’t difficult at all, but they cost a lot more than the average equity and mortgage credit lines. The costs will be even higher if you don’t intend to stay in the house for much longer. 
  • Homeowners are legally required to pay any insurance and maintenance fees, as well as property taxes on the house. Failing to do so could lead the lender to seize the property. 
  • Using the funds of a reverse mortgage for risky investments or careless spending could set you up for bankruptcy. If a reverse mortgage is your last resort to acquiring funds, it’s important to review your lifestyle. The number one step before resorting to this kind of loan is to reduce spending and downsize your home. 

If you need any help with managing your income, we’ve got you covered. Follow the link below for some useful tips on the matter!

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How to manage your bills

Learn how to manage your money and the importance budgeting has in your daily life.

About the author  /  Aline Barbosa

Aline Barbosa is an editor, writer and learning-enthusiast. Passionate about music, books and human behavior. Curious about the unknown. Believer that learning is a life-long process.

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