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Refinance Your Florida Home Before Rates Go Up

June 24th, 2010 No comments

It’s never been a better time to refinance your Florida home. With a myriad of options available and interest rates at an all time low, closing costs can be quickly recovered by lower monthly mortgage payments. If you’ve been thinking of refinancing but waiting for the right time, now is the time to act.

Whether you are looking to lower your monthly mortgage payment, take out additional equity from your home, or make those home repairs you’ve been dreaming about for years, now may be the time. Interest rates will not be staying low for ever, so make sure you act before it is too late.

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Seniors in particular have some very attractive options. If you are 62 or older and have significant equity in your home, you may be eligible for a reverse mortgage. These flexible loan programs have seen a sudden drop in closing costs in recent months and their interest rates are at an all-time low. There are no credit or income requirements associated with these loans, so even if you have bad credit, you may still be eligible for a reverse mortgage.

One aspect of reverse mortgages that is particularly unique is that they can eliminate monthly mortgage payments. As long as you stay in your home, and pay your taxes and homeowners insurance, your loan will not be payable. This is a very attractive option for seniors who are on a limited budget.

Another important aspect of reverse mortgages is that you can never owe more than your home is worth. The non-recourse nature of these loans means that if your property value declines below the value of the home, you are not required to pay the difference. This means you don’t ever have to worry about leaving a debt to your heirs. If you die and the loan balance exceeds the value of the home, your heirs can simply satisfy the loan obligation by turning the home over to the bank. Of course, they can also choose to repay the loan or refinance it with a regular mortgage if they’d like.

Reverse mortgages come in all shapes and sizes. You can choose to receive your funds in a variety of ways. For example, you can receive a lump sum distribution, a line of credit or a series of equal monthly payments for the remainder of your life. Or, alternatively, you can choose some combination of these options. Also, what you use the proceeds for is completely up to you. You can buy a new car, fix up your home or even take that vacation you’ve always dreamed of.

It doesn’t matter if you’re 62 and older and looking to increase your monthly income or just a typical home borrower looking to lower their monthly mortgage payments. Now is a great time to refinance your home. Despite the down economy, you should investigate your financing choices. This decision could end up saving you an unbelievable amount of money in future years. Make sure you investigate your financing options before this amazing environment of low interest rates disappears.

Looking for more information on a reverse mortgage lump sum or refinance mortgage company? Then make sure to check out Tim Begert’s online resources.

A Fresh Look At Reverse Mortgages

June 8th, 2010 No comments

More people have taken out reverse mortgages over the last three years than any time in history. As more and more retirees find themselves in financial need during their retirement years, reverse mortgages have provided a necessary solution to maintain their standard of living. However, the downturn in real estate prices combined with significant fees has turned many consumers away from reverse mortgages.

While the significant fees associated with these products and the depreciation of home values has hurt reverse mortgage growth rates, the industry must accept much of the responsibility for the lack of reverse mortgage popularity among seniors. Strong sales tactics and lack of consumer education has created significant misunderstanding related to these loans. However, recent market conditions and the elimination of many fees by lenders may make for the ideal opportunity for borrowers to take another look at what reverse mortgages have to offer.

This spring has seen a revolution in the way reverse mortgage fees are charged. With banks slashing fees associated with these loans, consumers have seen a bonanza of opportunity. Increasing bank competition has allowed some seniors to tap into their home equity at a savings of fees in excess of $10,000. Without a doubt, this has been a boon to consumers who have taken advantage of this competitive climate.

With this increasing competition, however, a surge in aggressive marketing tactics my many reverse mortgage companies has been in full force. While these products are cheaper than ever before, consumers must be careful when dealing with mortgage brokers who are more interested in closing a deal than providing valuable information to the consumer. For this reason, it is now more important than ever that consumers work with a mortgage broker that will take the time to teach them about their options and educate the borrower as to the variety of products available in the marketplace.

Shopping for a reverse mortgage can be a confusing process. However finding the right reverse mortgage broker can make the experience much more bearable. Always make sure you find a broker who’s asking you the necessary questions to determine your needs and which product works best for your retirement goals. By taking the time to understand all the options available to you, you can assure that your financial goals will be met for years down the road.

Want to find out more about Florida Reverse Mortgages , then visit Tim Begert’s blog on senior home mortgages for your needs.

Recent Reverse Mortgage Events

June 6th, 2010 No comments

During this time of economic uncertainty, reverse mortgages are receiving quite a lot of attention in the press. The system of providing reverse mortgages to allow seniors to cash in on some of the equity they’ve built through home ownership is still going strong, even though it has experienced some brushes with fraudulent claims over the last few years. Banks and government agencies continue to work to make reverse mortgages more powerful and less costly for seniors who need the extra financial cushion a reverse mortgage can provide.

Reverse Mortgage Fraud

Unfortunately, there are still plenty of individuals who will prey on unsuspecting seniors to make a quick buck. One recent scam involved reverse mortgage originators who would place seniors in housing only to pocket the reverse mortgages proceeds. The unsuspecting seniors were not conspirators in the fraud and had no idea what was happening. The Federal Government is currently working hard to create additional protections to prevent these types of scams.

Reverse Mortgage Positives

Reverse mortgage are becoming more and more attractive. A growing amount of seniors are looking at these products every year as a tool to supplement their retirement funds. Although these loans have costs associated with them, the product’s attributes continue to make them attractive to many retirees. Specifically, there is no repayment requirement as long as the borrowers continue to live in the home. Generally, the lender does not receive repayment until the borrowers move or pass away. This is a very attractive attribute for borrowers on a limited income.

Reverse Mortgages Can Change Lives

There are many situations in which these loans have improved borrowers lives immensely. Borrowers who risked foreclosure have saved their homes by utilizing the benefits of reverse mortgages. Many seniors have used these loans to pay property taxes, eliminate mortgage payments and increase cash reserves during their retirement years. Money that would otherwise go towards housing expense could now be used to maintain their overall standard of living. These loans have improved the lives of many seniors over the years.

The Falling Costs of Reverse Mortgages

The most encouraging recent news about reverse mortgages is that the costs related to the loans are falling rapidly. Reverse mortgage lenders are cutting costs related to the mortgages at every level, which makes reverse mortgages beneficial for seniors who are struggling with finances as well as seniors who would like to use a reverse mortgage as a safety net in case unexpected expenses arise. The largest cut has been in the percentage a lender charges for closing costs. The rate has dropped by as much as $10,000 in some cases.

Want to find out more about reverse mortgages, then visit Tim Begert’s site on how to choose the best reverse mortgage for your needs.

Purchasing A Florida Home With A Reverse Mortgage

June 4th, 2010 No comments

Seniors around the nation have new financing options for purchasing a home. By using a reverse mortgage to purchase a home, older borrowers can use existing cash savings or the money from the sale of their home to purchase a new home in Florida and around the country. The remaining purchase price of the home can be borrowed by taking out a reverse mortgage. This incredible loan eliminates future monthly mortgage payments.

The Florida HECM for Purchase makes it easy for borrowers to purchase a home with a reverse mortgage. Borrowers can use the proceeds to move to a new location or to downsize their primary residence to meet their retirement needs. Seniors could also conceivably sell their existing home and use the proceeds to buy a larger home financed with the reverse mortgage. The amazingly flexible product makes almost anything possible.

Purchasing a new home with a reverse mortgage is very similar to purchasing a new home using conventional financing. However, the loan process tends to be shorter and more simplified. Generally the amount of money a borrower is eligible to take out is based upon the home’s value, the age of the youngest borrower and the current interest rates. When determining the home’s value, the bank will generally use the lower of the appraised value, the FHA limits or the purchase price. The amount of money the borrower would need to provide at closing is the difference between the loan’s value and the amount of money the borrower is eligible to borrow, minus any closing costs. The appraisal, inspection and closing processes are almost exactly the same as in conventional financing.

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In order for a home to be eligible for a HECM for Purchase reverse mortgage, the property only needs to meet standard FHA eligibility requirements. Single-family homes, multi-unit properties and certain condominiums are eligible. If the purchase property is new construction, the property must be completed by closing and ready for immediate occupancy. Once the loan closes, the borrower must occupy the property within 60 days of closing.

Reverse mortgages are no more difficult to obtain than regular mortgages. In fact, in many ways they are much simpler. Borrowers do not need to meet any particular credit or income eligibility since there is no obligation to repay the loan as long as the borrowers continue to live in the home. They must continue to keep their taxes and homeowners insurance up to date, however. Another great benefit of the reverse mortgage is the non-recourse nature of the loan. This aspect of the loan means that a person can never owe more than their home is worth even if the home drops in value drastically.

These amazing loans are sure to grow in popularity in the future. As we get older as a country, expect these loans to be utilized more and more for seniors looking to purchase their retirement homes. Purchasing a new home with a mortgage and the added benefit of no monthly mortgage payments is sure to be very popular.

Looking to find the best deal on reverse mortgages, then visit www.reverse123.com to find the best advice on reverse mortgages for you.

Looking At Reverse Mortgages

May 31st, 2010 No comments

Reverse mortgages are wonderful products that are available to seniors. These loans are available for homeowners who are 62 or older. They are neither handouts or scams. To the contrary, they are financial vehicles that allow seniors to tap into their hard-earned equity to meet retirement needs.

Benefit From the Equity That is Already Earned

The benefit from a reverse mortgage is calculated by looking at the age of the borrower and the amount of equity in the home. A reverse mortgage works by allowing seniors to benefit from years of equity appreciation and paying off of their existing mortgages. Often seniors will use the proceeds from the reverse mortgage to repay their existing mortgage so that their is no monthly repayment obligation. Reverse mortgages can drastically improve the borrower’s monthly budget this way.

Creating Liquidity During Retirement

Reverse mortgage proceeds can be distributed over a number of years. Although a lump sum distribution is available, it is not necessary. The borrower has the ability to manage their payments as they see fit. In this respect, the borrower is able to control the funds as needed. In many ways, this line of credit can be used as a savings account to protect the borrower from unexpected expenses and medical emergencies. Actually, the proceeds can be used for almost anything the borrower chooses.

Fundamentals of Reverse Mortgages

The reverse mortgage process involves an assessment of the property’s value and the investment that the borrower has already made in the property. The borrower must maintain ownership of the property for the reverse mortgage to remain in effect. The borrower is also responsible for property taxes and insurance, and maintaining the habitability of the property. If those requirements are met, the reverse mortgage loan amount will be established by the bank. The borrower can choose to collect from the reverse mortgage at any time. When a payment is requested, the amount that is paid out is added to the eventual repayment amount of the loan.

How to Repay the Loan

There is no obligation to repay the reverse mortgage as long as the borrower maintains the home as their primary residence. Upon the death of the borrower or once the borrower has been out of the home for more than 12 months, the loan becomes due. The loan can be repaid by the heirs in a number of different ways: they can pay the loan outright, they can refinance the mortgage with a conventional mortgage or they can sell the home and use the proceeds to repay the loan. In no event would the heirs ever be required to pay an amount in excess of the homes value.

Learn more about reverse mortgages. Stop by Tim Begert’s site where you can find out all about HECMS and what they can do for you.

Learning About Reverse Mortgages

May 26th, 2010 No comments

Reverse mortgages help seniors to pay for expenses during retirement years while continuing to live in their home. By borrowing against the value of their home, seniors can meet their retirement needs with out having to lower their standard of llving. A large percentage of many retirees’ net worth is tied up in their home. Reverse mortgages provide these individuals a way to access that home equity without having to move.

Homeowners who are 62 years or older can borrow from a reverse mortgage and they do not need to pay back the loan until they no longer live in the home. The money from a reverse mortgage is available to borrower in many different formats. Borrowers can take a lump sum, a series of fixed montly payments or even open a line of credit.

The borrower remains in control of their home. They can decide to sell whenever they want to, and the lender never owns the house. When the property is sold, by the borrower or the beneficiaries of their will, the lender is repaid, with interest, from the proceeds of the sale. Any additional money that is made belongs to the homeowner.

You must be 62 years or older to take out a reverse mortgage. If a couple owns the home, both owners must be old enough to qualify. Condos, townhouses and single-family homes are eligible for reverse mortgages. An appraisal is taken before closing to determine how much the borrowers are eligible to receive in reverse mortgage benefits.

The lender will determine how much the home is worth to determine the benefit available to the borrower. Other determinants are: any existing mortgage balances, current interest rates and the age of the youngest borrower.

As with all mortgages, there are closing costs involved with reverse mortgages. These fees are often financed into the reverse mortgage, so there is little out of pocket expenses involved. While these fees are fairly standardized, they can differ among mortgage companies, so comparison shopping is a must.

Anyone who is considering taking out a reverse mortgage should ensure that they fully understand all of the terms and conditions. It is essential to choose a trustworthy provider and to seek a reliable source of information and advice before making a decision.

Looking to find the best deal on reverse mortgages, then visit www.reverse123.com to or visitThe Reverse Report for more information.