Thinking about how to leverage your home equity in retirement? Reverse mortgages are gaining traction as a way to unlock your home's wealth and stay put.
These loans provide you with monthly payments or a lump sum, boosting your retirement income and potentially helping you get out of debt.
While there are drawbacks to consider, a reverse mortgage might be a valuable tool for your financial future.
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What is a reverse mortgage?
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In a typical mortgage, you borrow money from a bank to buy a house. You then pay the bank each month to repay the lump sum and live in the house.
A reverse mortgage flips this scenario: The bank makes monthly payments to you instead, and you still get to live in the house. A major difference is that you're still paying the bank interest in a reverse mortgage, which eats into your principal.
To get out of a reverse mortgage, you must repay your loan from your own funds or sell your house. You can keep the remaining equity after you sell the home and pay off the reverse mortgage.
To qualify for a reverse mortgage, you must be 62 or older and have at least 50% equity in your home.
While a reverse mortgage isn't for everyone, here are a few situations where this financial tool may make sense.
You're house rich and cash poor
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If you haven't saved enough for retirement, your monthly cash flow may be hurting. You have a large chunk of equity in your home, so the monthly payments from a reverse mortgage can help you make ends meet.
You don't plan to leave your house to heirs
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The end of a reverse mortgage often results in the heirs selling the home to pay off the reverse mortgage. If you're not planning to leave the house to your heirs, using its equity to fund your golden years may not be a bad choice.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
You need cash flow during retirement
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Unexpected medical or other expenses can happen at any time. Even minor financial strains can become disastrous if you're on a fixed income.
When you need a little extra financial boost, and there aren't other places to turn, a reverse mortgage can help you tap your home equity to help.
You don't qualify for a HELOC
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If you need home repairs or renovations to remain in your home, a HELOC might be a logical way to pay for them. However, some HELOCs require an income, which most people don't have during retirement.
A reverse mortgage can accomplish the same goal even if you don't have regular income from a job.
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You have outstanding debts
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A reverse mortgage can help you consolidate high-interest debts. Current reverse mortgage interest rates are between 7.56% and 7.93%, much lower than the rate on many credit cards.
You want to delay taking Social Security payments
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Delaying the start of Social Security payments until you are 70 will maximize your monthly payment. If you need cash flow until then, a reverse mortgage could provide enough to satisfy your budget or supplement your Social Security.
You want to increase your quality of life
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Extra funds from a reverse mortgage could help you travel the world or visit the grandkids during retirement.
However you want to spend your energy and time, your home's equity could supply the means without dipping into your regular retirement funds or taking a job to make extra money.
Bottom line
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A reverse mortgage can be a valuable tool if you're looking to access your home equity to boost your retirement income and remain in your home.
However, it's vital to carefully consider the potential drawbacks, such as the impact on heirs and the fees involved.
Consult with a financial advisor first to ensure a reverse mortgage aligns with your long-term financial goals and estate planning wishes.
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