Top Reverse Mortgage Questions, Part 2
1. When do I pay back my reverse mortgage loan?
All loan payments are deferred as long as the property remains the borrower’s primary residence. There is no obligation to repay the loan until the owner dies, the home is sold, or the owner otherwise vacates the property for 12 consecutive months (for example, to move into an assisted-living facility).
2. What if I have an existing mortgage?
Homeowners with an existing mortgage may still qualify for a reverse mortgage, if certain conditions are met. The reverse home mortgage must be the first lien on the property, so any existing liens on the property, including mortgages, must be repaid in full.
The reverse mortgage funds can be used to repay the existing mortgage balance. If the reverse mortgage loan will not entirely cover the existing mortgage, the borrower can use funds from his or her savings or borrow from a family member or friend. The borrower cannot, however, take out a loan to repay the difference.
Using the entire reverse mortgage loan to pay off the existing mortgage balance might seem counter-productive, but the homeowner will no longer have to make monthly mortgage payments.
3. Will I end up owing money on my house?
No! When the loan ends (after the borrower has died, sold the house, or moved out of the property for 12 consecutive months), the reverse equity mortgage is repaid using the proceeds from the sale of the house. (The borrower’s heirs may also repay the loan by refinancing the property with a traditional mortgage.) If the proceeds from the sale of the property are enough to repay the loan, the lender covers the difference.
If the proceeds from the sale exceed the loan balance, the homeowner (or the homeowner’s heir) receives the difference.
4. How can I spend the money?
The funds from the reverse equity mortgage can be used in any way the homeowner the homeowner deems fit. The entire loan disbursement can be moved into investments, or the borrower can spend the money any way they wish.
5. Is there any credit, income, or medical requirements for a reverse mortgage?
No. Seniors ages 62 and older who own their homes or have substantial equity are eligible for a reverse home mortgage. There are no income or medical requirements, such as credit checks, income verification, or physicals.