What’s Required for a Reverse Mortgage?

If you’ve been wondering if you qualify for a reverse mortgage or what the requirements even are–here’s a simple breakdown of some of the things you should know!

A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows homeowners aged 55 or older to access equity in their home. Unlike traditional mortgages, with a reverse mortgage, the lender pays the borrower, and the borrower is not required to make any payments back to the lender until the borrower sells the home, moves out, or passes away. If you are considering a reverse mortgage, there are a few requirements that you will need to meet to qualify. We will cover some of the requirements with regards to doing a reverse mortgage below.

Age Requirement

To be eligible for a reverse mortgage, you must be at least 55 years old. If you have a spouse who is not yet 55 years old, you can still qualify for a reverse mortgage, but your spouse will not be considered a borrower on the loan.

Homeownership Requirement

To qualify for a reverse mortgage, you need to own your home outright OR have a significant amount of equity in the home. You will need to have enough equity to pay off any outstanding mortgages or liens on the property. If you do not have enough equity, you may need to pay down the existing mortgage or take out a larger loan to meet the equity requirement. (NOTE: ask us how the reverse for purchase loan works. This could be a wonderful option to consider!)

Occupancy Requirement

To be eligible for a reverse mortgage, you must live in the home as your primary residence. You cannot use a reverse mortgage to purchase a second home or an investment property. If you move out of the home for more than 12 months, the loan may become due and payable.

Financial Assessment

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) implemented a financial assessment requirement for reverse mortgages. The financial assessment looks at the borrower’s income, credit history, and expenses to determine if they have the ability to pay for their property taxes and homeowners’ insurance. The financial assessment is designed to help ensure that borrowers can continue to live in their home and maintain the property after taking out a reverse mortgage.

Counseling Requirement

Before you can take out a reverse mortgage, you are required to participate in a counseling session with a HUD-approved counselor. The counselor will provide valuable information about the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage and will help you determine if a reverse mortgage is the right choice for your financial situation. This counseling session is designed to help ensure that borrowers fully understand the implications of a reverse mortgage and are aware of any potential risks.

In Conclusion:

Key points to remember: to qualify for a reverse mortgage you must be at least 55 years old, own your home outright or have a significant amount of equity, live in the home as your primary residence, undergo a financial assessment, and participate in a counseling session. If you meet these requirements, a reverse mortgage can be a valuable financial tool to help you supplement your retirement income and maintain your standard of living. However, it is important to carefully consider all the requirements and potential risks before taking out a reverse mortgage, and to seek guidance from a professional to ensure that you make an informed decision.

Again, don’t forget to ask us about how you can purchase a home using a reverse mortgage!

Navigating the requirements for a reverse mortgage can be complex, but the Dorman Team can help. We are a team of experienced professionals who specialize in reverse mortgages and can guide you through the entire process. We can help you understand the eligibility requirements and ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria to qualify for a reverse mortgage. We can also provide guidance on the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage and help you determine if it is the right choice for your financial needs.

Additionally, the Dorman Team can connect you with a HUD-approved counselor who can provide the required counseling session. We can also assist you with the financial assessment process and help you understand what to expect.

Overall, the Dorman Team is committed to providing personalized service to each of our clients, making sure that they are fully informed about the loan process and the various options available to them. We can answer any questions you may have and work with you throughout the entire process to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

If you are considering a reverse mortgage and want to make sure you meet all the necessary requirements, contact the Dorman Team today to learn more about how we can assist you. With our expertise and guidance, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of a reverse mortgage. Call us today at 206-590-2414!