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| A reverse mortgage is a non-recourse loan secured | | | | - the borrower can remain in their home, allowing them |
| by a house. Unlike a conventional mortgage that | | | | to remain independent; |
| decreases over time, a reverse mortgage increases | | | | - the proceeds from the reverse mortgage are |
| over time. | | | | generally tax free; |
| Reverse mortgages are designed for older | | | | - reverse mortgages are flexible; payments can be |
| homeowners who are "house rich, but cash poor." | | | | received as a lump sum, or as monthly payments for |
| With a reverse mortgage the homeowner borrows | | | | life; |
| money, but does not have to repay it as long as they | | | | - no repayments are necessary as long as the |
| live in their house. | | | | homeowner lives in the home; |
| Each month interest is added to the principal amount | | | | - in most cases reverse mortgage proceeds will not |
| of the loan, and when the homeowner moves, they | | | | affect regular Medicare or Social Security benefits; |
| either repay the loan, or the house is sold and the | | | | - the borrower's credit rating doesn't matter; only the |
| proceeds go to the reverse mortgage lender. | | | | value of the home is important; |
| To qualify for a reverse mortgage, the borrower (and | | | | - no payments are required as long as the |
| their spouse if married) must be 62 years of age or | | | | homeowner lives in the house; |
| older, and they must own their primary residence, | | | | - it's a good way to unlock the equity in a house, to |
| which will serve as security for the loan. | | | | allow the homeowner to remain in their house; |
| The amount that the borrower can borrow is based | | | | - the proceeds from the mortgage can be used for |
| on the value of the home, interest rates, and the age | | | | any purpose; |
| of the homeowner. Older homeowners can borrow | | | | - reverse mortgages are non-recourse, so even if |
| more than younger homeowners, since it is assumed | | | | house prices drop in the future, or interest rates |
| that the reverse mortgage will be repaid sooner. | | | | increase, the homeowner cannot be forced from their |
| Here are ten reasons you should consider a reverse | | | | home. |