Reverse mortgages: A basic guide to loan types and requirements

by Wendy Wiegand 07/31/2023

Two individuals holding hands

A home is a big investment. As you continue to own a home, it builds equity over the years. This article provides a basic guide of reverse mortgages and how they put the power of your home’s equity back in your grasp.  

What are reverse mortgages? 

A reverse mortgage is a program meant for elders aged 62 and up. It allows them to borrow some of the equity that has built up for their home in the form of a loan. A reverse mortgage lender offers participants to choose a loan type. From there, they can decide if they want a line of credit or lump sum of funding. 

How do you qualify for a reverse mortgage loan? 

To qualify for a reverse mortgage loan, you have to meet these criteria: 

  • Owner of the property bust be at least 62 years old
  • Home must be completely owned or be mostly paid off
  • Must show finances are available to continue paying property taxes
  • Property must be the primary residents 

Once you’ve qualified and been approved for this kind of loan, it’s then time to decide which loan type you’ll utilize. 

Reverse mortgage Types

There are multiple loan types to choose from: 

  • HECMs or Home equity conversion mortgages can be used for almost anything. They are supported by Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Housing
  • Single-Purpose Reverse Mortgages are more affordable. They can be provided by the state and can be used for specific reasons specified by the loan lender. 
  • Proprietary reverse mortgages are not supported by the government. They come with their own requirements for eligibility. These loans are private and easy to obtain. 

Reverse mortgages are helpful for life expenses. Speak with a reverse mortgage lender today to explore your next loan options.

About the Author
Author

Wendy Wiegand

As a premier real estate agent in Carlsbad, I’m here to provide you with all the resources and information you need to buy or sell real estate. I work with buyers and sellers in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, San Marcos, Vista and the surrounding areas and I’ve had extensive training in the latest real estate marketing strategies.  I’m confident that I can offer you knowledge and tools most other agents can’t.

I believe in service, both to my clients and our community. When working with clients, you can be assured I am focused on providing the most comprehensive and dedicated effort so that you can achieve the best results possible when buying or selling real estate. I am also deeply involved in serving our community, as you and I all call it home. I have been a member of Rotary since 2003, have been an active member of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce since 2006, and serve on the board of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation. Perhaps my even deeper service to my clients and our community is Wiegand Realty’s participation in Business for a Cause.

Contact me so I can keep you updated on the latest real estate activities in our community and answer any questions you may have.

Thanks and I look forward to assisting in all of your real estate needs! 

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