Texas and Non-Borrowing Spouses

As of August 8th 2014, the state of Texas is not allowing the new HUD rules on Non-Borrowing Spouses (NBS) regarding reverse mortgages.  The good news is that the spouse issue is not a constitutional issue and is expected to be resolved in the next month or two.  The National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) is currently working with HUD to amend Texas loan documents to allow for the implementation of the new NBS rules.  We will keep you posted as developments unfold.

Reverse Mortgage Principal Limit Changes

Beginning August 4, 2014, FHA will make changes to the principal limit factors (PLF) for FHA Reverse Mortgages, also known as HECM's.  The principal limit is the loan amount available based on a property's value minus closing costs and any existing liens.  The PLF will increase the qualifying percentages for the majority of reverse mortgage borrowers.  This is great news for the reverse mortgage industry and homeowners over the age of 62.