The news is out: Reverse mortgages can be a valuable retirement and estate planning tool for the right borrowers.
However, many eligible borrowers have hesitations about reverse mortgages because they are worried about their heirs.
What's in this article?
In this article, we’ll explore a reverse mortgage’s role in estate planning and the steps you can take to ensure a smooth transition for your heirs.
How does a reverse mortgage work?
Reverse mortgages were designed for homeowners aged 62 and older to take advantage of the equity they have built into their homes over the years.
The most common type of reverse mortgage is the home equity conversion mortgage (HECM), which is backed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Eligibility requirements for a reverse mortgage include:
- Homeowner: Must be at least 62 years old
- Home: Must be primary residence
- Equity: Must be at least 50%
- Property: Must meet HUD standards
- Finances: Must meet certain credit score, income, asset and down payment minimums
Reverse mortgages allow borrowers to convert a portion of their home equity into cash without selling the property.
A reverse mortgage lender determines a borrower’s loan amount based on factors such as age, the home’s appraised value, current interest rates and the chosen payment plan.
The loan becomes due when the homeowners no longer live in the home (including any eligible non-borrowing spouses).
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What are the benefits of a reverse mortgage?
One of the biggest benefits of a reverse mortgage is that it eliminates the need to continue making monthly mortgage payments.
Other key benefits include:
- Borrowers can remain in their homes
- Borrowers can use the funds for any purpose of their choosing
- Flexible payment options, including a lump sum, monthly payments or a line of credit
- Cash (from the loan) is typically not subject to income tax
- Heirs have options for repaying the loan and retaining the property
- Heirs are not responsible for any shortfall if the loan balance exceeds the home’s value at the time of sale
The protections for heirs are one of the many reasons homeowners choose a HECM.
What is a reverse mortgage’s role in estate planning?
Estate planning involves decisions about the transfer of assets and minimizing potential taxes.
A reverse mortgage can play a strategic role in estate planning, especially for older homeowners looking to optimize their financial resources and plan for the transition of assets to heirs.
Let’s take a look at how a reverse mortgage can be incorporated into estate planning.
Supplemental income
Reverse mortgages eliminate the need to make monthly mortgage payments and allow homeowners to convert a portion of their home equity into tax-free cash.
The elimination of mortgage payments can alleviate stress for retirees on fixed income, while the additional income from their equity can be used to cover any expenses of their choosing.
Asset preservation
The supplemental income from a reverse mortgage prevents homeowners from the need to tap into other assets.
As a result, borrowers can preserve their savings and investments for other uses or pass them on to heirs.
Social Security delay
The additional funds can also help homeowners delay their Social Security payments, which can result in higher monthly payments when benefits are eventually claimed.
Options for heirs
HECMs are “non-recourse” loans, which means that neither the borrower nor the borrower’s heirs are personally liable for any shortfall if the loan balance exceeds the home’s value at the time of sale.
Heirs have the following options after the homeowner passes away:
- Pay off the loan balance and keep the home
- Sell the home and pay off the mortgage with the profits
- Transfer the deed to the lender (known as a deed in place of foreclosure)
- Refinance the reverse mortgage with a new loan
This flexibility provides choices that align with the heirs’ preferences and financial capabilities.
Estate preservation
A reverse mortgage can contribute to the preservation of the family home, allowing heirs to keep the property and potentially pass it on to the next generation.
Steps to ensure a smooth transition for heirs
The keys to a smooth transition for families include open communication and preparedness.
Borrowers should take the following steps to ensure their heirs are prepared once the borrower passes away.
Step 1: Discuss your reverse mortgage with your heirs
Communicate with your heirs about your decision to obtain a reverse mortgage, including the reasons behind this choice and the potential impact on their inheritance.
Help your heirs understand the terms of the reverse mortgage loan and the options available to them once you pass away and the loan becomes due.
Step 2: Designate a point of contact
Keep thorough records of the reverse mortgage agreement, including loan documents, statements and contact information for the lender.
Then, designate a point of contact or executor in your family who can manage your documents and coordinate with your lender.
Step 3: Encourage heirs to seek financial advice
To ensure your heirs fully understand their rights and responsibilities, encourage them to seek advice from a financial planner, attorney, tax advisor or mortgage professional.
If your heirs are not interested in keeping the home, they can simply choose to sell it or hand it over to the lender.
But if they want to keep the home in the family, they will need support to determine the best course of action for their financial situation.
Step 4: Stay up-to-date on the industry
Periodically review your reverse mortgage and its impact on your overall financial picture.
Stay informed about any changes in the reverse mortgage industry that may affect your estate plan, and encourage your heirs to do the same.
Discover your options with Compass Mortgage
Reverse mortgage loans may seem complicated; but with the right support and proper preparedness, you and your heirs can experience a smooth process from start to finish.
If you are interested in a reverse mortgage’s role in your estate planning process, apply with the mortgage experts at Compass Mortgage today.
The Compass Mortgage team promises to be your advocate and partner throughout every step of the reverse mortgage process.
Together, we’ll navigate the best loan solutions for your unique needs.