Below are links to the eight stories published during my pursuit of a reverse mortgage in mid-2010. They explain each step of the process using my experience as the template, with a lot of information gathered through research and interviews with reverse mortgage experts.
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: The Basics
Part 3: Finding a Lender
Part 4: Do Not Fear HECMs
Part 5: The Mandatory Counseling Session
Part 6: The Home Appraisal
Part 7: Lender Conditions
Part 8: The Closing
Posted by Ronni Bennett at 01:29 PM | Permalink
Comments
Great articles, great website. I am sure seniors everywhere are benefiting from your vast array of knowledge on any given topic.
What have seniors disliked most about the Reverse Mortgage known as a HECM? The high closing costs! It's been a well understood and understandable objection. Unfortunately, many seniors who needed this program the most were reticent about getting a Reverse Mortgage due to closing costs.
Hud, however, has listened. You may have heard, but HUD announced a new HECM program called the HECM Saver which took effect October 4th. The proceeds are less to the borrower than the standard HECM which has higher costs. However, because the up front mortgage insurance premium required by FHA is less at closing (0.01%) and spaced out over time year by year (1.25 percent of the outstanding loan balance), this causes the program to be more attractive to senior homeowners. The closing cost objection is now gone.
For persons who are satisfied with smaller proceeds, the HECM Saver is a great alternative. For senior borrowers looking for maximum borrowing power, the HECM Standard would be the better option.
The HECM saver option opens the door to many who have thus far closed the door on this life changing program. To me it offers hope.
Thanks for continuing to feature Reverse Mortgages as they are a wonderful tool for the right person!
Kind regards,
Kathie Adler
Posted by: Kathie Adler-Senior Reverse Mortgage Specialist on Oct 23, 2010 5:19:00 PM
Thanks! We're beginning to look into this concept for the future. I'm interested in your readers' thoughts on retirement planning software. Any guidance?
Posted by: jack-of-all-thumbs on Feb 15, 2011 9:16:51 AM
Post a comment
