Helpful Information On Reverse Mortgages

Summary: Helpful information on reverse mortgages: advantages & disadvantages.

A popular method of borrowing against your home is the reverse mortgage. The reverse mortgage is becoming increasingly popular among senior citizens who wish to pay off their debts and increase their retirement income. It is expected that as the Baby Boom generation moves towards retirement, use of the reverse mortgage will become more and more frequent. Reverse mortgages differ from a traditional mortgage in that there are no monthly payments. The funds can be paid out as a monthly income, taken as a lump sum or withdrawn as needed. Interest is charged each month and deducted from the home equity balance. The most common reverse mortgage is the federally insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage. This mortgage guarantees a retiree can remain in his or her home until he or she passes away or moves out. Any remaining equity in the home is the retiree's or his or her heirs. The lender gets none. One advantage of reverse mortgages is that your ability to obtain one is not tied to your income. In fact, you can get one without any income at all! You must, however, repay the loan upon your death or when the home is sold. Reverse mortgages are not without their drawbacks, and they are not for everyone. While interest rates are comparable to conventional mortgages, there are high startup fees. Part of this is to insure the loan, which tends to be riskier than conventional mortgages, as the borrowers must be at least 62 years of age. In addition, as the reverse mortgage draws upon the equity of the home, you could find yourself with no equity remaining if the value of your home should drop over time. Reverse mortgages may become more popular in Texas and reverse mortgages will soon allow line of credit paymentsThose seeking a reverse mortgage or home equity loan in Texas were long disappointed, as Texas was one of the last states to allow such lending. Mortgage laws dating to the nineteenth century prohibited such lending, as the state's founders feared that lenders would take advantage of people and intentionally seize their homes through foreclosure. This made it virtually impossible for Texans to use their home equity for purposes of debt consolidation, home improvement, or other legitimate uses, as citizens of other states may do.In 1997, the Texas legislature finally amended the state constitution to allow home equity loans, but did so in an awkward, poorly worded way that left many questions unanswered. The new laws did allow for traditional term loans and lines of credit for home equity loans, and also allowed for lump sum payouts for reverse mortgages. The law did not allow for a line of credit for reverse mortgages, however, and that has created a problem.A reverse mortgage allows homeowners who are at least 62 years of age to borrow against the equity of their home by agreeing to pay back the money when the homeowner dies, sells the home, or moves. Reverse mortgages have been quite popular in recent years, particularly in areas such as California, where high real estate prices have left many homeowners short of cash but "equity rich." These people have been able to fund their retirements using the equity in their homes, purchasing vacation homes, recreational vehicles, or taking long-desired vacations. Nationally, nearly 90% of those who take out a reverse mortgage do so by utilizing a line of credit. This allows them to use the money when and how they see fit, and no interest accrues unless the money is actually used. It's a very convenient product, and it costs the homeowner much less in interest than a lump sum payment. Unfortunately for citizens of Texas, a lump sum payment is the only option, and as a result, very few reverse mortgages have been offered to date.This may soon change, however. The Texas Legislature has recently approved an amendment to the state constitution that will allow homeowners who take out a reverse mortgage to accept payment in the form of a line of credit. Texas law requires that this change be placed on the ballot for a referendum, and it is expected to be voted upon this fall. Those who work in the lending industry expect the vote to pass, and say that it will lead to a tremendous increase in the number of reverse mortgages offered in the state. With more than twenty million people, Texas ranks second only to California in population, and there are many people in Texas who would qualify for a reverse mortgage.By eliminating laws that have been on the books for more than one hundred and fifty years, Texas may soon join the rest of the states in having fair and equitable home lending laws.This might be of interest to those concerned about California adjustable pay mortgagemastersonline.com and that is why we have included this information.