These materials are not from HUD or FHA and were not approved by HUD or a government agency.
CA Dept. Real Estate-Real Estate Broker- DRE#01833913 NMLS # 273172
A California Corporation
Licensed to originate mortgages in CA, OR, MT, ID and CO
https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDetails.aspx/INDIVIDUAL/272839
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Common Questions
How does the Reverse Mortgage loan process work?
HUD Counseling
Federal regulations and state law often requires that reverse mortgage borrowers receive state-certified housing counseling. And while this counseling is mandatory for HECM reverse mortgage borrowers.HUD counseling appointments typically take about an hour and may be handled in-person or over the telephone.
Loan Application
Your lending agent will require you to complete a loan application and determine how to receive payment.
These are you options:
- Monthly income for a fixed term, or life
- Line of credit
- Lump sum
- Any combination of the above 3
Processing
Your lender will order:
- A credit report and counseling (fee paid by borrower)
- A title report
- An appraisal (fee paid for by borrower)
- Lien payoffs
Underwriting
Once your lender has received and completed the required documentation, your loan package will be submitted to the financial organization that will be underwriting the loan, for final approval.
Disbursement
Once you have officially closed on the loan, you have 3 business days to change your mind and cancel the loan. After the 3-day period, the funds are disbursed, including any amount that will be applied to a previous lien on the property. Then you will begin to receive payments according to the payment option you selected.
Repayment
You will not be required to make monthly principal and interest payments during the term of your loan. You will still be required to pay property tax and hazard insurance. The reverse mortgage becomes due and payable in full once: 1) the home is no longer being used as a primary residence, 2) it is sold, 3) the borrower fails to pay property taxes, homeowner's insurance or otherwise comply with the loan terms or 4) the borrower passes away. Upon the death of the borrower, the loan may be repaid from the sale of the home or by refinancing the existing reverse mortgage. All remaining equity belongs to the heirs/estate.
What can I expect to learn from my housing counseling appointment?
Accredited housing counselors work with seniors to help them evaluate the viability of a reverse mortgage loan by looking at the borrowers:
- Current budget
- Monthly income
- Loan risks
- Loan advantages
- Interest rates
- Associated fees
- Other financial options, such as home equity line of credit, government assistance programs, etc.
Misconceptions
REVERSE MORTGAGE -- FACT OR FICTION
I would need a steady income to qualify. There are minimal income and credit requirements.
I would need to be debt-free to qualify. There are minimal income and credit requirements.
My health would disqualify me. FALSE -- There are no health requirements.
If I take out a reverse mortgage, the lender agent will own my home. While the borrower cannot lose their home under normal circumstance, foreclosure may occur if they do not pay taxes, insurance and otherwise comply with the loan terms.
I can’t get a reverse mortgage loan without it affecting my pension, Social Security or Medicare. NOT NECESSARILY -- A reverse mortgage will not affect most means-tested benefits. HOWEVER, revers mortgage loans can impact certain needs-based benefits, such as Medicaid and SSI-be sure to check with your local area agency on aging since programs do vary by state.
I would end up owing more in income taxes. FALSE – All proceeds associated with a reverse mortgage loan are tax-free because they are considered borrowed funds. *Not Tax Advice, consult a tax professional*
If the amount of my reverse mortgage loan ever exceeded my home’s appraised value, I’d end up owing money. FALSE: A reverse mortgages is considered "non-recourse" loan. That means you will never owe more than the home’s value, regardless of the loan balance.
My loan terms can change if my loan is sold. FALSE – At the closing of your loan, you will sign a legal contract assuring your loan's terms cannot be changed, regardless if the loan is sold.
Reverse mortgage loans are only a good idea for seniors who are cash poor. NOT NECESSARILY -- While some seniors may clearly have greater financial need, a reverse mortgage can be an excellent estate-planning tool for any senior that has substantial equity in their home.
A reverse mortgage loan would end up being a burden to my kids. FALSE -- Borrowers have between six months to a year to pay off the reverse mortgage if they choose. The loan may be repaid using personal funds, refinancing into a forward mortgage, or by selling the property. Any remaining proceeds would then belong to the heirs, or the estate.
Senior Safeguards
We are a member of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA). Our Reverse Mortgage Counselors adhere to and maintain standards and a code of conduct that are aimed at protecting the interests of the senior community and their families. We realize that although Reverse Mortgage products can be an excellent financial solution, they may not be the cure all for your financial needs.
Our customary methods in terms of consumer safeguards for senior citizens include:
- A personal, one-on-one consultation with an expert Reverse Mortgage HUD-approved Counselor who will analyze the needs of the senior candidate to ensure that one of our many reverse mortgage options is a practical solution. We then share with them a detailed cost analysis and comparison breakdown.
- We provide each candidate with a printed version of the Reverse Mortgage Comparison Breakdown. We review this breakdown with each senior candidate to ensure that the senior clearly understands the options and benefits of different Reverse Mortgage scenarios.
- We strongly encourage all senior candidates to reach out and seek advice from loved ones: family and friends, as well as financial and/or legal advisors regarding their decision to move forward with a Reverse Mortgage.
Before a Reverse Mortgage loan application is written, we will provide you with the name of a professionally trained HUD approved counselor, and arrange for them to furnish you with an expert objective overview and discuss with you all the Reverse Mortgage options. Upon your acceptance, we will submit the Reverse Mortgage application to our processing team, who once again reviews the selected program to further ensure a proper and educated decision has been made. Our processing team then submits the application to our HUD approved lenders' underwriting department. Underwriting will perform a secondary review of the program and product choice.
Ultimately, our goal is to help our senior clients obtain the reverse mortgage loan that best meets their needs and help our clients with any questions they may have in understanding a reverse mortgage.