What is a Reverse Mortgage and How Can it Help Retirees?
Retirement is an exciting part of life. With the freedom from a full-time job comes new opportunities to spend more time with loved ones, travel to exotic destinations, and enjoy life without stress. But with this new freedom comes new financial challenges, especially for those for whom retirement can often mean a decreased or nonexistent income.
Fortunately, there are options to help retirees remain financially secure by unlocking the value of their home. One example is a reverse mortgage – a loan against the equity of a home owned by one or more seniors, often used as a financial tool to supplement monthly income.
What is a Reverse Mortgage?
A reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), is a loan that allows homeowners 62 years or older to access the equity contained in their home to supplement or replace income. A reverse mortgage is a loan – the bank lends you a certain amount of money based on the amount of equity in your home. A portion of that equity is paid to you as a lump sum, as monthly payments, or through a line-of-credit available to you when you need it.
Unlike a traditional mortgage, with a reverse loan you do not need to make any monthly payments to the bank. You are charged interest on the loan, which is added to the balance of the loan each month, and the debt is not repaid until the home is sold or the homeowner passes away.
Benefits of a Reverse Mortgage for Retirees
Retirees often face a difficult financial situation as their income decreases in retirement. A reverse mortgage can provide an ideal solution to make retirement comfortable and more enjoyable. Below are some of the many benefits a reverse mortgage can provide retirees:
Supplement Retirement Income: With a reverse mortgage, you can access your home’s equity by receiving a lump sum of cash, fixed monthly payments, or a line of credit to use when needed.
No Monthly Payments Necessary: You are not required to make any monthly payments to the bank, and the only payments you make are interest payments on the loan.
No Worries About Losing Your Home: As long as you maintain the conditions of the loan and continue to live in your home, you do not need to worry about losing your home or being evicted.
Tax Benefits: With a reverse mortgage, the interest you pay is generally tax deductible. That can provide you with an added source of income.
Reliable Asset: The equity in your home makes a reverse mortgage a safe and reliable source of income since property values usually increase in the long run.
Flexibility: You can use a reverse mortgage in a variety of ways to help cover expenses for retirement. Whether you use the money for traveling, a home renovation, or just for basic needs, a reverse mortgage can provide a reliable source of income for retirees.
Reverse Mortgages and Retirement
Retirement can be an exciting and rewarding time in a person’s life. With a reverse mortgage, retirees can access the equity in their home to supplement their income, pay for medical expenses, and even use it to enjoy life.
If you are considering retirement in the near future and want to make sure you can remain financially secure, a reverse mortgage may be right for you. It is important to talk to a financial advisor to understand the terms of a reverse mortgage and assess whether it is the right choice.
By exploring the options that a reverse mortgage provides, retirees can gain financial security and peace of mind to enjoy their retirement years.
If you are considering a reverse mortgage, contact Reverse Mortgages of America today to have your questions answered and learn more about this financial tool.
