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Asked 9/23/2008

Is a Reverse Mortgage a good idea for me?

I am a 63 yr old batchelor; I retired 17 months ago. My credit score is around 820. I purchased a 4 yr old home for $146,000 in Dec. 2005 putting $60,000 down on a 30 yr, fixed, 5.625% conv. loan. I had hoped that by putting so much down, my payments would not be as high as they are as I was thinking about my upcoming retirement. My current payments are just under $600.00 a month which really puts a strain on my $30,000 annual retirement income. My mortgage balance is approximately $84,500 presently with approximately 26 years to go on the loan. I have heard Suze Ormond mention that reverse mortgages are a good idea. Since I understand such a mortgage frees up the equity to make payments on the home which may help me out greatly. Would a reverse mortgage be a good idea for my situation and what can I do to select a mortgage company offering reverse mortgages and to qualify in general?

 
 
 
 
 
Answers

Answer 1/5 - Submitted 7/18/2010

If you have other money to live on the I would not get a reverse mortgage. The lender will charge you fees and interest. It sounds like a good idea but remember you probably be paying fees and interest. You would be amazed how much interest you pay over the life of a loan.

 
 

Answer 2/5 - Submitted 7/18/2010

No. Reverse mortgage is good if you have some concerns like health or otherwise; didn't have enough pension or something, you look like secured and have enough sense to know the difference. Just sit on your property right now, you have about 15 years to think about reverse mortgage. I know this my mother went through this and please don't let them lure you into this, you will end up unsecured and pay more icharges.......

 
 

Answer 3/5 - Submitted 5/4/2011

I think the best option for you is going to be to look into refinancing at a lower interest rate instead of a reverse morgage. You are pretty young without a lot of equity. A referse morgage is going to chew up 8-10k of your equity in closing costs which won't leave you much to draw down on. Refinancing may be difficult as well now that you are retired, but will depend on how much your monthly income is. I would definitly recommend talking with a local credit union to see what their options would be for refinancing to a lower rate.

 
 

Answer 4/5 - Submitted 5/9/2011

To be honest, I do not believe you have enough equity to qualify for a reverse mortgage. In your situation, I would consider that any extra monies should be used to reduce the principal of the mortgage. That way, in the future, you may desire to utilize that option.,

 
 

Answer 5/5 - Submitted 5/9/2011

Reverse mortgages are a good product in some, but certainly not all situations. You should seek out someone who specializes in reverse mortgages and also, speak to a financial adviser.

 
 
 
 
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