Reverse Mortgages in Riverside, California and the rest of the country are set to change on October 4th, 2010.
There was a very informative and relative post at Reverse Mortgage Daily, yesterday:
Here's the gist of it: On October 4, 2010 (yep, next month) there will be some changes to all new HECM loans with case numbers assigned after that date. We've know n about these upcoming changes for some time now and here they come.
- The MIP will increase from a .5% annual premium to 1.25%. This amount is added monthly to the loan balance.
- The principal limits (sort of like Loan To Value ratios) will decrease between 1 and 5% where they are currently.
This is the second time HUD has been forced to reduce the principal limits in the last two years. Last year HUD reduced the principal limits by 10% which had a large effect on the number of seniors able to utilize a reverse mortgage to payoff their existing traditional mortgage.
Last year, HUD reduced the principal limits by 10% and I noticed an immediate increase in the number of homeowners I was unable to help. This is because for the most part seniors use the reverse mortgage to payoff an existing mortgage, eliminating the monthly mortgage payment and effectively increasing their cash flow. When I have to tell them that they now have to bring funds to the table to get a reverse, many times (not all) I am told. "Gee, Debbie, if I had $XX,XXX.XX dollars I wouldn't be trying to get a reverse mortgage!" For them, the best option may be to sell. Others will look for ways to supplement their income. Most will just keep going as they have been, deeper into savings, deeper in credit card debt until....
According to HUD, loans with a case number assigned prior to October 4th will still be eligible for the previous principal limits. A mortgagee letter explaining the changes will be published in September.
The bright side - If you look at the raise in MIP as effectively an "interest rate" in as much as it accrues to the balance, even at 1.25% MIP rates are lower than they were when I first got into this business and it was benefiting many seniors. At that time the FHA HECM lending limits were around $212,000. Now the limit is $625,500, making if very useful for seniors living in higher value areas like Southern California. It also allows FHA to keep this great product viable and available for senior homeowners and home buyers over the age of 62.
In addition to these changes, HUD is expected to release a new type of reverse mortgage, called a HECM light. More to come on that!
©
By Deborah Nance
NMLS#202003
Your Local Southern California Reverse Mortgage Professional
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iReverse Home Loans, LLC, NMLS#810502 originates reverse mortgages in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona (MB-0919584), California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon (ML-5378), Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont (1164-MB), Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
Important Information: Reverse Mortgages are neither "endorsed" nor "approved" by the Federal Government. The FHA (Federal Housing Administration) provides certain insurance benefits for lenders and borrowers in connection with the lender’s HECM loans; the FHA does not make or originate loans. The owner(s) retain title to the property that is the subject of the reverse mortgage until the person sells or transfers the property and is therefore responsible for paying property taxes, insurance, maintenance and related taxes. Failing to pay these amounts or failure to maintain the condition of your property may cause the reverse mortgage loan to become due immediately. A reverse mortgage is a complex loan secured by your home. Whether such mortgage makes sense for you depends on your financial situation and needs. For these reasons, we strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified independent housing counselor, family members and other trusted advisers before making this decision. This website is not from HUD or FHA and was not approved by HUD or any government agency.