Disadvantages of a Reverse Mortgage: Things You Need to Know


by Igor Buces

There are a handful of facts to understand regarding reverse mortgages before choosing to get one. In the rest of the article, we will explain the principal disadvantages of a reverse mortgage.

For example, the majority of reverse mortgages have flexible interest rates. The interest rates will vary as the macro economic conditions change. This may be a danger because of the uncertainty that goes with changing rates. Nonetheless, it can also work as an benefit if the interest rates decline once you obtain your reverse mortgage. If this is the case, you’ll get larger payments and/or keep more of the equity in the house.

In addition, the fact that interest rates may go up is not as vital as in a typical mortgage because you are not making monthly payments. Interest rates increasing just mean that you may not be able to get as much of a monthly payment or that the equity in the house may decrease quicker than you imagined.

Since reverse mortgages function by reducing the equity in a house, you can use up most of the equity, leaving little money left for you and your heirs. Nonetheless, you need to keep in mind that a “non-recourse” condition found in most reverse mortgages prevents either your heirs or yourself from owing more cash than your property is sold for.

Moreover, beacuse you’re keeping ownership of your house, you’re accountable for the major expenses related with keeping a house: real estate taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance.

One of the important disadvantages of a reverse mortgage is that many banks charge inception fees and other closing costs for a reverse home mortgage. Banks may also charge servicing fees during the duration of the reverse home mortgage. 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 mortgage is not deductible in your income tax until the loan is paid off (in part or whole.) Nonetheless, if you do not need that cash right at this moment, it can become a serious amount of cash available to you when you decide to sell off your house.

Lastly, there is normally a cheaper solution to your financial problems (refinancing, credit line, etc.) than applying for a reverse mortgage. Naturally, for a large number of homeowners, the benefits surely exceed the disadvantages of a reverse mortgage.

Some of the advantages are the chance of staying in your own home for as long as you want, maintaining ownership of it and not having to make any recurring mortgage payments while you stay 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.

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Last Modified: Monday, July 14th, 2008 @ 14:55

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