How Do Reverse Mortgages Benefit Senior Citizens?

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By suzetteboston

Mortgaging your future
Mortgaging your future

The Appeal of A Reverse Mortgage Loan

Retirement can be a stressful time under the best of circumstances, so imagine being faced with the normal expenses of daily life plus a mortgage payment. Is it any wonder some elderly Americans are using the biggest asset the have as a means of funding their future through Reverse Mortgage. Reverse mortgages are increasingly, becoming the logical solution for senior citizens who wish to maintain their quality of life without placing undue hardship on their adult children.

What is a reverse mortgage?

Like a conventional loan a reverse mortgage loan is based on the value of the house. The loan is not repaid until the homeowner either sells the house or dies. This particular type of loan is not just for senior citizens, though they makeup the largest demographic to take advantage of this loan. Growing older is getting more expensive even though earning power steadily decreases. Too often social security and retirement fail to cover the cost of maintaining a decent lifestyle. Though this particular type of loan is not for everyone for many it is the only solution.

Who Are Reverse Mortgages For?

Most financial experts would recommend this particular type of loan for senior citizens who own their homes but who need the extra cash to maintain a decent lifestyle. The borrower has the option to pay off the loan in monthly installments are a lump sum.

What Is The Loan Amount Based On?

  • the value of the home
  • the age of the homeowner
  • the interest rate for which the borrower qualifies for
  • the maximum rate in the county in which the borrower lives

The loan is based on life expectancy, the older the borrower the larger the loan they qualify for. It is a good idea to maintain the services of a financial specialist and to use a reverse mortgage loan calculator to determine the loan amount you'd qualify for.

  • When Senior Citizens Should Get a Reverse Mortgage?
  • when they are no longer working and cannot maintain their bills
  • when medical expenses are becoming a financial hardship
  • when longterm expenses are uncertain, or cannot be met
  • to pay escalating property taxes
  • to avoid bankruptcy or foreclosure

While there are many reasons seniors may wish to obtain a loan that would allow them to take the cash equity from their largest asset, it important to remember that is still a loan that must be repaid. There are many reasons seniors are opting to secure reverse mortgages, but the bottom line is that these loans should not be sought before investigating the terms, speaking with family members and securing legitimate and competent and professional legal advice. Start with your own financial institution for guidance.

www.find-reverse-mortgage.com

The Assisted Living Federation of America www.alfa.org

A Place For Mom www.aplaceformom.com

Emeritus Senior Living www.emeritus.com

Rescare, Inc. www.rescare.com

Seniors for Living www.seniorsforliving.com

The Renaissance Assisted Living www.holidaytouch.com

National Association of Senior Move Managers www.nassm.com

Senior Community Services www.srcommunityservices.com

HCR Manor Care www.hcr-manorcare.com

Elder Options of Texas www.elderoptionsoftexas.com

A Place for Mom

Assisted Living Federation of America

Best of the Web

The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
http://www.aahsa.org
Read consumer information, fact sheets on aging services, and updates on recent legislation.

Assisted Living Federation of America
http://www.alfa.org
Gather information on assisted living communities, and search for facilities near you.

Care Pathways
http://www.carepathways.com/NHx.cfm
Read about nursing homes, find one locally, and order inspection records on specific facilities.

The National Center for Assisted Living
http://www.ncal.org
Find resources, consumer information, and publications on assisted-living facilities.

National Citizen’s Coalition for Nursing Home Reform
http://www.nccnhr.org
Get information on nursing home reform, and find contacts from programs such as the National Long Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center (202-332-2275).

Nursing Home Compare
http://www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/home.asp
Learn about the past performance of every Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country.

Comments

Jean Bakula profile image

Jean Bakula Level 7 Commenter 15 months ago

Thank you for exploring this issue and providing information on it. There are so many seniors now that are paying more money on taxes than they paid when they had mortgages on their homes in my state of NJ.

suzetteboston profile image

suzetteboston Hub Author 15 months ago

Please share the article and seek advise prior to obtaining a reverse mortgage.

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