Financial Assessment Impact on Reverse Mortgage Lenders

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced last week the implementation of the Financial Assessment for the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM).  The reverse mortgage industry as a whole welcomes the new guideline to ensure the strength of the program in the long run and added protection for our senior consumers.  The financial assessment is aimed at providing accountability both for borrowers and lenders.  Lenders will be required to closely analyze a borrower's capability to afford and comply with reverse mortgage requirements, such as paying for property taxes and homeowner's insurance.  Some lenders are concerned that loan volume may decrease beginning in March 2, 2015 due to the change keeping some seniors from qualifying.  However, the industry is still working out how the language and criteria of the new rule will affect the lending process, so stay tuned for more information coming soon.

Breaking News: Reverse Mortgage Financial Assessment to Take Effect March 2015

HUD issued Mortgagee Letter 2014-22 on November 10, 2014, signaling the confirmation of the long anticipated Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) Financial Assessment and Property Charge Requirements.  The financial assessment requirements will be effective for all case numbers issued on or after March 2, 2015.  The purpose of the new requirements is to evaluate the mortgagor's (borrower) willingness and capacity to timely meet his or her financial obligations and to comply with the mortgage requirements.  The mortgagee (lender) must also consider to what extent the proceeds of the HECM could provide a solution to any financial difficulties the borrower may be currently having.  The borrower's income and credit history will be reviewed with the possibility of establishing an escrow account from the reverse mortgage proceeds to pay for future property tax and homeowner's insurance premiums.  Stay tuned for additional information as it becomes available.  

Love ‘em, hate ‘em, reverse mortgages are staying

A recent article in the El Paso Inc gives an insight to how the perception of reverse mortgages has changed.  More and more homeowners and professionals are learning that a reverse mortgage has been a good product all along, but they just hadn't realized that until recently.  Click on the link to read the entire article:

Love ‘em, hate ‘em, reverse mortgages are staying - Personal Finance - El Paso Inc.



And click here to learn more about reverse mortgages.

MarketWatch Says Reverse Mortgages Better Than HELOCs for Some

According to MarketWatch, a reverse mortgage may be a better alternative for some when compared to a home equity line of credit (HELOC).  The article provides three options on how to access one's home equity:  reverse mortgages, HELOCs and home equity loans.  The only option that does not require a monthly payment is a reverse mortgage, and the article cautions readers to consider the risk of losing your home if you can't make the payment.  Read the entire article here.  And find out more about reverse mortgages here.

Kiplinger Says a Reverse Mortgage Can Help Buy a Home

A recent article in Kiplinger supports the HECM for Purchase program (aka Reverse Mortgage Purchase program) as a way for senior homeowners to buy a new home without having a mortgage payment during retirement.  The article provides real life examples of couples who used the HECM for Purchase program to qualify for a more desirable home.  Many seniors are looking to either downsize to a smaller home or upsize to a nicer home.  In some cases, some are wanting to move to warmer climate areas or to be closer to their families.  This program can provide many seniors the ability to make a move that they never imagined they could.  Read the entire article here.
And find out more about reverse mortgages here.