Just What is A Reverse Mortgage?
A reverse mortgage is a loan that enables homeowners age 62 and over to tap the equity in their home without having to make a mortgage payments, move, or sell the home. It truly is a “mortgage in reverse”. A reverse mortgage is a special type of home loan that lets a homeowner convert a portion of the equity in his or her home into cash. The equity built up over years of home mortgage payments can be paid to you. But unlike a traditional home equity loan or second mortgage, no repayment is required until you no longer use the home as their principal residence. HUD’s reverse mortgage provides these benefits, and it is federally-insured as well. Searching for reverse home mortgages can be difficult, but they are out there and are great ways to gain some extra income.
Age for Reverse Mortgage
To be eligible for a HUD reverse mortgage, HUD’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) requires that the borrower is a homeowner, 62 years of age or older; own your home outright, or have a low mortgage balance that can be paid off at the closing with proceeds from the reverse loan; and must live in the home. You are further required to receive consumer information from HUD-approved counseling sources prior to obtaining the loan. You can contact the Housing Counseling Clearinghouse on 1-800-569-4287 to obtain the name and telephone number of a HUD-approved counseling agency and a list of FHA approved lenders within your area. See how to get your reverse mortgage here.
