Disadvantages of a Reverse Mortgage: Important Things to Remember

by Igor Buces

There’s a handful of facts to grasp regarding reverse mortgages before choosing to apply for one. In this article, we’ll discuss the principal disadvantages of a reverse mortgage so that you are better prepared when applying for one.

For example, most of reverse mortgages have changing rates. The rates will fluctuate as the financial indicators change. This may be a disadvantage because of the uncertainty associated with it. Still, it can also work as an advantage if the interest rates decline once you get your reverse home mortgage. In this case, you’ll get more money.

Anywys, the event that interest rates increase is not as vital because you’re not making any type of monthly payments. Increasing rates only mean that you may not be able to get as much of a monthly payment or that the equity in the house can decrease quicker than you planned.

Since reverse mortgages function by decreasing the equity in the house, you may spend most of the value of the home; leaving very little money left for you and your heirs. Nevertheless, you need to remember that a “non-recourse” clause existing in most reverse mortgages prevents either you or your heirs from owing more money than your home is worth.

Furthermore, beacuse you are retaining ownership of your house, you are accountable for the major expenses associated with keeping a house: taxes, utilities, insurance and maintenance.

One of the important disadvantages of a reverse mortgage is that some lenders charge inception fees and other closing costs for a reverse home mortgage. Lenders may also charge servicing fees during the duration of the reverse home mortgage. Depending on the lender you choose, the fees may vary greatly. Nonetheless, these costs are previously included in the home mortgage and don’t represent an out-of-pocket cost to you.

Also, the interest rate on a reverse home mortgage is not deductible in your income tax returns until the loan is paid off (partially or whole.) Nevertheless, if you do not need that money right now, it can become a large amount at the time when you sell off your house.

Lastly, there is generally a more inexpensive solution to your financial concerns (credit line, refinancing, etc.) than getting a reverse mortgage. Of course, for many homeowners, the advantages clearly excel the disadvantages of a reverse mortgage.

Several of the benefits are the possibility of staying in your own home for as long as you decide, maintaining proprietorship of the house and not needing to make any monthly mortgage payments while you live in it.

To make sure you get the best available deal, apply for a reverse mortgage employing a licensed FHA reverse mortgage broker. A professional reverse mortgage broker will advise you while saving you thousands of dollars at the same time and minimizing the disadvantages of a reverse mortgage.

About the Author:
Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google
  • Furl
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Ma.gnolia
  • MisterWong
  • NewsVine
  • RawSugar
  • Reddit
  • Spurl
  • Live
  • Simpy
Tags: Real Estate, Real Estate

Related Posts:
Pitfalls of a Reverse Mortgage: Things to Remember
Pros and Cons of Reverse Mortgage
Reverse Mortgage Pros and Cons: What You Should Know


Leave a Reply