These frequently asked questions are arranged in the order in which they occur during the loan origination process. If you read all the questions from beginning to end, you will be traveling through the entire process.
For answers to frequently asked questions about the following, click on the term:
Can I apply for a reverse mortgage?
A: As a starting point, reverse mortgages are exclusively available to homeowners 55 and older, though some states or product tvpes require you to be 60 or 62. Speaking with an experienced loan officer can help determine if a reverse mortgage is a sensible and available option for you.
How much do I qualify for?
A: Speaking with an experienced loan officer is the best way to get concrete numbers that reflect your individual situation. The amount you may qualify for is highly dependent on several variables. including:
Your age
The state you live in
Current interest rates
Your home’s value
The reverse product and disbursement option you choose
How will I receive my cash?
A: For most products, you have the ability to access your home equity in the way that makes the most sense for your financial needs. Options include receiving a lump sum upfront, setting up monthly disbursements, establishing a line of credit – or a combination of all three.
What happens at the end of the loan?
A: Typically, a reverse mortgage ends when you no longer use the home as your primary residence. This could be due to several factors, including a permanent move, selling the home, or the last borrower passing away. At this time, the balance must be repaid.
It’s important to remember that reverse mortgages are non-recourse loans, which means that you, or your estate, can’t owe more than the value or your home when the loan becomes due and the home is sold.
What about closing costs?
A: Closing costs for a reverse mortgage are near-identical to what you would expect to pay when obtaining a traditional forward mortgage. Most of the costs can be financed into the loan, so there is a minimal out-of-pocket upfront cost. Here’s what you can typically expect to see:
Similar to what you’d expect with a forward mortgage:
Appraisal (usually paid in advance)
Title services and title insurance
Credit report
Property inspection (not always required)
Origination fee (if applicable)
State and local taxes. and tax verification fee
Government recording fees
Unique to a reverse mortgage
Reverse counseling (paid in advance)
FHA insurance (only for HECM loans)
Qualification
Q: Does my home qualify?
A: Eligible property types include single-family homes, 2-4 unit properties, manufactured homes (built after June 1976), condominiums, and townhouses. Co-ops do not qualify.
Special Requirements
Q: Are there any special requirements to get a reverse mortgage?
A: You must own a home, be at least 62, and have enough equity in your home. There are no medical requirements.
Lenders must conduct a financial assessment of every reverse mortgage borrower to ensure he or she has the financial capacity to continue paying mandatory obligations, such as property taxes and homeowner’s insurance, as stipulated in the Loan Agreement.
If a lender determines that a borrower may not be able to keep up with property taxes and homeowner’s insurance payments, they will be authorized to set-aside a certain amount of funds from the loan to pay future charges..
Existing Mortgage
Q: What if I have an existing mortgage?
A: You may qualify for a reverse mortgage even if you still owe money on an existing mortgage. However, the reverse mortgage must be in a first lien position, so any existing indebtedness must be paid off. You can pay off the existing mortgage with a reverse mortgage, money from your savings, or assistance from a family member or friend.
For example, let’s say you owe $100,000 on an existing mortgage. Based on your age, home value, and interest rates, you qualify for $125,000 under the reverse mortgage program. Under this scenario, you will be able to pay off ALL the existing mortgage and still have $25,000 left over to use as you wish.
Social Security and Medicare
Q: Will I lose my government assistance if I get a reverse mortgage?
A: A reverse mortgage does not affect regular Social Security or Medicare benefits. However, if you are on Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), any reverse mortgage proceeds that you receive must be used immediately. Funds that you retain count as an asset and could impact eligibility. For example, if you receive $4,000 in a lump sum for home repairs and spend it all the same calendar month, everything is fine. Any residual funds remaining in your bank account the following month would count as an asset. If the total liquid resources (including other bank funds and savings bonds) exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple, you would be ineligible for Medicaid. To be safe, you should contact the local Area Agency on Aging or a Medicaid expert.
Rejecting a Reverse Mortgage
Q: Under what circumstances should I not consider a reverse mortgage?
A: Because of the upfront costs associated with a reverse mortgage, if you intend to leave your home within 2 to 3 years, there may be other less expensive options to consider, such as home equity loans, no-interest loans or grants that may be offered by your county government or a local non-profit to repair your home, or a tax deferral program, if you’re having problems paying your property taxes. Also, if you want to leave your home to your children, then you should consider other options, because in many cases, the home is sold to pay back a reverse mortgage.
Payment Options
Q: What are My Payment Plan Options?
A: You can choose to receive the money from a reverse mortgage all at once as a lump sum, fixed monthly payments either for a set term or for as long as you live in the home, as a line of credit, or a combination of these.
Amount of Proceeds
Q: How Much Money Can I Get?
A: The amount of funds you are eligible to receive depends on your age (or the age of the youngest spouse when there is a couple), appraised home value, interest rates, and in the case of the government program, the FHA lending limit, which is currently $970,800. If your home is worth more, then the amount of funds you may be eligible for will be based on the $970,800 loan limit. In general, the older you are and the more valuable your home (and the less you owe on your home), the more money you can get.
During the first 12 months after closing, a borrower cannot access more than 60 percent of the available loan proceeds. In month thirteen, a borrower can access as much or as little of the remaining funds as he or she wishes.
There are exceptions to the 60 percent rule. If you have an existing mortgage, you may pay it off and take an additional 10 percent of the available funds, even if the total amount used exceeds 60 percent.
Use of Proceeds
Q: How can I use the proceeds from a reverse mortgage?
A: The proceeds from a reverse mortgage can be used for anything, whether its to supplement retirement income to cover daily living expenses, repair or modify your home (i.e., widening halls or installing a ramp), pay for health care, pay off existing debts, cover property taxes, or prevent foreclosure.
Interest
Q: How does the interest work on a reverse mortgage?
A: With a reverse mortgage, you are charged interest only on the proceeds that you receive. Both fixed and variable interest rates are available. Rates are tied to an index, such as the U.S. Constant Maturity Rate, plus a margin that typically adds an additional one to three percentage points onto the rate you’re charged. Interest is not paid out of your available loan proceeds, but instead compounds over the life of the loan until repayment occurs.
Growth Feature
Q: My understanding is that the unused balance in the HECM Line of Credit Option has a growth feature. Does that mean I’m earning interest?
A: No, you’re not earning interest like you do with a savings account. After the first month of your HECM loan, the principal limit increases each month thereafter at a rate equal to one-twelfth of the mortgage interest rate in effect at that time, plus one-twelfth of monthly mortgage insurance premium rate. This growth should be considered a further extension of credit rather than an accrual of interest.
Loan Closing Date
Q: What is the loan closing date?
A: The Loan Closing Date for all HECMs is defined as the date on which you (the borrower) sign the note to your reverse mortgage. This date must appear, and be identified, as the “loan closing date” in Block 1 on Page 1 of the Form HUD-1 Settlement Statement, which you are to receive at your loan closing.
Right of Rescission
Q: What is the Right of Rescission?
A: Regulation Z of the federal Truth In Lending Act provides you (the borrower) with a right of rescission, or right to cancel your loan, for three business days after your loan closing. Lenders are prohibited from charging interest on the funds which are held available for you during the three day rescission period. Interest must begin to accrue on the day after the disbursement is made. According to Regulation Z requirements, you must be provided with a copy of the Notice of the Right of Rescission at your closing. This notice informs you of your right to rescind the contract within three (3) days of loan closing. The notice must be signed and dated by you to indicate the date you received the notice. If you decide to rescind your contract, you must notify your lender within the three (3) days of your loan closing, according to the instructions provided on your Notice of the Right of Rescission.
For example, if you signed your Note on Thursday, March 13, 2020, the rescission period would expire on Monday, March 17, 2021, and the disbursement of funds would take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2021. The interest on the funds disbursed to you would begin to accrue on Wednesday, March 19, 2021.
Why Two Mortgages?
Q: Why did I sign two (2) Mortgages and Notes at my closing?
A: The service fee set aside is the dollar amount deducted from your Original Principal Limit and serves to ensure the future payment of your monthly servicing fee. The amount of the service fee set aside is NOT part of your outstanding balance and is NOT accruing interest. As the service fee set aside is not part of the loan balance, the funds remaining in the service fee set aside at time of loan repayment are not subject to refund.
Servicing Fee
Q: What is the Service Fee Set Aside?
A: No, you’re not earning interest like you do with a savings account. After the first month of your HECM loan, the principal limit increases each month thereafter at a rate equal to one-twelfth of the mortgage interest rate in effect at that time, plus one-twelfth of monthly mortgage insurance premium rate. This growth should be considered a further extension of credit rather than an accrual of interest.
Q: Why am I charged a servicing fee?
A: The monthly servicing fee covers the costs associated with administering your reverse mortgage loan. This administration includes, among other tasks, providing customer service, maintaining accurate records of your outstanding loan balance (including the interest and mortgage insurance premiums, etc.) at all times, tracking your property taxes and your hazard insurance, certifying your occupancy status, issuing your statements of account, issuing and collecting payments, collecting on the loan when it becomes due, and discharging the mortgage.
Mortgage Insurance Premiums
Q: Why is there a Mortgage Insurance Premium with my HECM reverse mortgage?
A: Under the HECM program, you will be charged a Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) at closing that equals two (2) percent of the home’s appraised value or FHA lending limit ($970,800), whichever number is less.
You also are charged MIP on an annual basis — equal to 0.5 percent of the outstanding loan balance — however this fee doesn’t come out of your available loan proceeds. Rather, it accrues over time and you pay it once the loan is called due and payable.
The MIP guarantees that if the company managing your account – commonly called the loan “servicer” – goes out of business, the government will step in and make sure you have continued access to your loan funds. Furthermore, the MIP guarantees that you will never owe more than the value of your home when the HECM must be repaid.
The mortgage insurance premium is considered by the FHA to be a “fully earned premium” at the time of the loan closing and these mortgage insurance premiums are non-refundable.
Payments
Q: I elected to receive monthly payments, when will those monthly payments commence?
A: Your first monthly payments are to be sent to you the first business day of the month following your loan funding date. For example, if your loan closed at the end of May and your loan funded in June, then your first monthly payment will be issued the first business day of July. If your loan closed in June, and your loan funded in June, then your first monthly payment will be the first business day of July.
Q: Can I change the type of payment plan I elected at closing?
A: If you have a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), and your loan documents allow for a payment plan change, then yes you can change your payment plan. This means that you can change from monthly payments to a Line of Credit, or vice versa. There is usually a fee associated with changing you payment plan. NRMLA strongly advises that you discuss the payment plan change options that may be available, and any possible fee for changing your payment plan, with your reverse mortgage servicer.
Q: What if my loan servicer does not send my requested funds in a timely manner?
A: Your loan servicer is to send your requested Line of Credit funds within five (5) business days of receiving your request for funds. If you have scheduled monthly payments, then these funds are to be disbursed by the first business day of each month. If your servicer does not disburse your funds within these timeframes, FHA can fine your loan servicer and make them pay you an extra 10% of the payment that is due to you, plus interest on that sum for each additional day the disbursement is delayed. This fine shall not exceed $500 for each instance of late disbursement. This fine may not be added to your loan balance.
Prepayments
Q: Can I make a partial prepayment to my reverse mortgage account?
A: Most reverse mortgages will permit a partial prepayment to your reverse mortgage account without penalty. NRMLA strongly advises that you discuss the partial prepayment options which may be available to you under the terms of your loan agreement with your reverse mortgage servicer.
Q: How are my partial prepayments applied to my loan balance?
A: Each reverse mortgage product has specific sequences for applying partial prepayments. For example, if you currently have a HECM reverse mortgage, then your payments are applied in the following order: first to that part of your loan balance representing mortgage insurance premiums, secondly to that part of your loan balance representing servicing fees, thirdly to that part of your loan balance representing interest charges, and finally to that part of your loan balance representing principal advances. NRMLA strongly advises that you confirm with your loan servicer the manner in which your partial prepayments will be applied to your specific account.
Interest charges and your income taxes
Q: Can I deduct the interest charges for income tax purposes?
A: Interest charges can only be deducted once those interest charges have been paid. As long as you have not made any payments to your reverse mortgage, you would be precluded from deducting those interest charges for income tax purposes. If you have made partial prepayments, then you must be assured that your prepayments have been applied to your interest charges (see section 7, “Prepayments”).
NRMLA strongly advises that you consult with an income tax professional for any guidance relating to the deductibility of you interest charges relating to your reverse mortgage account.
Repair Information
Q: What is a Repair Rider?
A: In select cases, there may be a requirement that certain repairs to your property be completed so that your property meets the required lending standards. If completing such repairs was a condition of your loan closing, then you were to have signed a “Repair Rider” to your loan agreement. This Rider is your agreement to complete the required repairs within the time frame detailed in that Repair Rider. The Repair Rider is considered to be additional terms to your loan agreement.
NOTE: NRMLA strongly encourages you to have all of your required repairs completed by the deadline stated in your Repair Rider. Failure to complete your repairs by the date stipulated in your Repair Rider is a DEFAULT OF THE LOAN AGREEMENT and will cause the suspension of all payments to you and may cause your loan to be called due and payable.
Q: What is a “Repair Set Aside”?
A: The “Repair Set Aside” is the portion of your available funds which are to be used solely for the completion of your required repairs. This “set aside” is not part of your loan balance until which time the funds are actually disbursed.
Q: Will inspections be required to verify the required repairs have been completed?
A: Yes. Your loan servicer will arrange to have the repair work inspected so as to verify the required repairs have been completed. It may be possible to arrange interim inspections so that partial repair completion payments can be made by your loan servicer.
Statements
Q: Should I receive a statement of account from my loan servicer?
A: Yes. Your loan servicer must issue to you a statement of account after each line of credit activity. Your loan servicer must also issue to you a statement advising you of any impending interest rate change that may impact your reverse mortgage. Additionally, your loan servicer is required to provide to you an annual statement of account by January 31 which details all of your previous year’s reverse mortgage account activity. The annual statement must summarize all advances of principal, all Mortgage Insurance Premiums accrued, all interest charges, and all property charges paid in the prior year.
Occupancy
Q: Why do I receive “Occupancy Certificates”?
A: All reverse mortgages require you to periodically certify that you continue to reside in the mortgaged property as your primary residence. You must truthfully attest to your occupancy status on this Occupancy Certificate by signing the certificate and returning this Occupancy Certificate to your loan servicer. Failure to complete this Occupancy Certificate in a timely manner may cause an interruption in your reverse mortgage payments and may eventually lead to a default in the terms of your loan agreement.
Property Taxes
Q: Do I have to pay my property taxes?
A: Yes, it is your responsibility to ensure that your property taxes are paid in a timely manner. Failure to keep your property taxes current is considered a DEFAULT in the terms of your Loan Agreement and may be grounds for calling your loan due and payable.
Q: What is a “Tax Set Aside”?
A: You may choose to have your reverse mortgage servicer pay your property taxes on your behalf. You may work closely with your servicer so as to determine how much your property taxes are each year and for how many years you want your servicer to pay your taxes on your behalf. The amount that is required to meet this tax obligation will be “set aside” from your available loan proceeds and will be used for the payment of your taxes. These funds do not become part of your loan balance until which time the funds are actually disbursed.
Q: Can I participate in a property tax deferral program?
A: You may only participate in a property tax deferral program if the lien created by your deferral program is subordinate to your reverse mortgage loan. NRMLA strongly advises you to check with your loan servicer to determine if you reside in an area that might allow for a property tax deferral.
Q: May I participate in a tax exemption program?
A: Yes, tax exemption programs are permitted under the reverse mortgage program. NRMLA strongly suggests that you coordinate your participation in any tax exemption program with your loan servicer.
Hazard Insurance
Q: Am I required to maintain Hazard Insurance on my mortgaged property?
A: Yes. You must maintain Hazard Insurance on your property in an amount that is equal to at least 100% of the insurable value of the improvements at the time of your loan closing. You must provide your loan servicer with a copy of your Hazard Insurance policy and ensure that the policy is renewed upon expiration. Failure to maintain adequate Hazard Insurance on your property is considered a DEFAULT in the terms of your Loan Agreement and may be grounds for calling your loan due and payable.
Q: What is an “Insurance Set Aside”?
A: You may choose to have your reverse mortgage servicer pay your Hazard Insurance premiums on your behalf. You may work closely with your servicer so as to determine how much your Hazard Insurance premiums are each year and for how many years you want your servicer to pay your premiums on your behalf. The amount that is required to meet these premium obligations will be “set aside” from your available loan proceeds and will be used for the payment of your Hazard Insurance premiums. These funds do not become part of your loan balance until which time the funds are actually disbursed.
Flood Insurance
Q: Do I have to carry Flood Insurance in addition to my Hazard Insurance?
A: If your property is in an area that has been identified by FEMA as having special flood hazards, then you must maintain Flood Insurance in compliance with the Flood Disaster Act of 1973. If you are required to maintain Flood Insurance, then you must provide your loan servicer with evidence of this coverage and ensure that this policy is renewed upon expiration.
Q: I was not required to have Flood Insurance when my loan closed, but I am now notified that I must get Flood Insurance. Why is this?
A: FEMA will periodically update their Flood Maps and alter the risk of flood associated with your geographic area. If FEMA determines that your geographic area represents a risk of flood, then you must purchase flood insurance to be in compliance with the terms of your Loan Agreement. Conversely, if you were considered to be in a flood zone at the time of your loan closing, but FEMA updated your geographic area to be a non-risk zone, then you may cancel your Flood Insurance once your loan servicer has been formally notified of the change to your geographic area.
Loan Assignment
Q: Why have I received a notice that my loan is being assigned to HUD?
A: Under the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) plan, your loan servicer may assign your loan to HUD when your outstanding loan balance reaches 98% of the maximum claim amount. HUD will continue to administer your HECM reverse mortgage. HUD will continue to issue your disbursements and will track your Property Taxes, Hazard and Flood Insurance and Occupancy.
Bankruptcy
Q: What happens if I file for Bankruptcy while I have a reverse mortgage?
A: Filing for Bankruptcy is NOT a default in the terms of the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) Program. Under the HECM program, you cannot access any additional reverse mortgage funds unless that request for funds is approved by the court or the trustee monitoring the bankruptcy proceedings. NRMLA strongly recommends that you notify your loan servicer once any Bankruptcy action is taken. If your reverse mortgage is not a HECM reverse mortgage, then you must check with your loan servicer to determine if Bankruptcy is a default under the terms of your loan agreement.
Maturity
Q: What is a maturity event?
A: A maturity event is any event which may cause your reverse mortgage to be called due and payable. Once a loan has reached a maturity event, then no additional funds may be advanced from the reverse mortgage. Such maturity events include:
- All borrowers have passed away
- All borrowers have sold or conveyed title of the property to a third party
- The property is no longer the principal residence of at least one borrower for reasons other than death
- The borrower does not maintain the property as principal residence for a period exceeding 12 months because of physical or mental illness
- Borrower fails to pay property taxes and/or insurance and all attempts to rectify the situation have been exhausted
- The property is in disrepair and the borrower has refused or is unable to repair the property.
Payoffs
Q: Can I pay off my reverse mortgage before a maturity event is reached?
A: Yes. You can pay your reverse mortgage in full at any time during the term of your reverse mortgage.
Q: How long will my estate have to pay off the reverse mortgage once it has been called due and payable?
A: The reverse mortgage is to be paid in full once it has been called due and payable. You and/or your estate must work closely with your loan servicer to ensure your reverse mortgage is paid in full in a timely manner. If arrangements to pay the reverse mortgage are not made with your loan servicer, then your loan servicer may proceed with foreclosure between 30 days and six months from when your loan has been called due and payable. If you or your estate are actively working to either refinance your property or sell your property so as to satisfy your reverse mortgage, then foreclosure maybe forestalled. It is not typical to forestall foreclosure after one year has passed since the maturity event. NRMLA strongly advises you and your estate to work closely with your loan servicer once your loan has been called due and payable.
Non-recourse Provisions
Q: Why have I received a notice that my loan is being assigned to HUD?
A: Under the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) plan, your loan servicer may assign your loan to HUD when your outstanding loan balance reaches 98% of the maximum claim amount. HUD will continue to administer your HECM reverse mortgage. HUD will continue to issue your disbursements and will track your Property Taxes, Hazard and Flood Insurance and Occupancy.