Hawaii's Reverse Mortgage Specialist!

Mary Joe Sato

20+ Years of Reverse Mortgage Experience

FREE Phone Consultation: (808)791-1044

What Is A Reverse Mortgage And Does A Borrower Retain Ownership?
A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM, is a flexible financial product designed for homeowners aged 62 and older. The loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) so that borrowers will not owe more than the value of the home at maturity. With a HECM, also known as a reverse mortgage, you can convert some of the equity in your home into cash to meet financial goals, such as supplementing retirement income, maintaining a good lifestyle or preparing for a more secure and rewarding financial future.

The borrower retains ownership of the home. However, the homeowner must: (1) occupy the home as your primary residence; (2) keep up with property maintenance; and (3) stay current on their payment on property taxes, required insurance, and homeowners’ fees. Failure to do this, may result in default or foreclosure. Instead of repaying the loan in monthly installments, you or your estate repay the principal, accrued fees and interest when you no longer live in the home.   We will also work with you or your heirs on repayment methods. Please call us anytime you have any questions or concerns.

The content on this webpage provides general consumer information. It is not legal advice or financial guidance. It’s usually a good idea to discuss important financial decisions with friends, family or someone you trust. If you would like, we will work with your lawyer, account or financial adviser to help to understand if a reverse mortgage is right for you..

Who Is Eligible For A Reverse Mortgage?
One of the strengths of the HECM program is that there are no overly restrictive requirements. This makes these loans easier to qualify for than other financial products such as a mortgage refinance, home equity loan, or home equity line of credit (HELOC).

In order to be eligible for a reverse mortgage you must meet the following requirements:
-You are 62 years of age or older
-You own your home and use it as your primary residence
-The house is single family, multi-family, or an approved condominium
-Your home is in good condition prior to taking out the loan
-You must speak with a HUD approved counselor before obtaining a reverse mortgage to determine if the product is suitable for your needs. The counseling sessions will help you understand how the loan works.
-You must remain current on all property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and basic home maintenance. Otherwise you risk default or foreclosure.

 What Is The Step-By-Step Process?
 1.Contact Mary Joe Sato to determine if a reverse mortgage is right for you
 2.Counseling - HUD requires that you receive third-party counseling from a HUD-approved agency
 3.Application
 4.Processing
 5.Underwriting
 6.Closing
 7. Disbursement

How Much Can I Borrow?
The amount of your reverse mortgage is based on is how old the borrower is, how much your home is worth, HUD zoning restrictions and the interest rate that you are offered on the loan. Certain restrictions apply. HUD also regulates the amount of money that can be withdrawn during the first year of your reverse mortgage.This is to help preserve your home equity for a longer period of time.
Please call Mary Joe Sato at (808) 791-1044 for a FREE Reverse Mortgage quote!

What Are My Options For Withdrawing My Money?
One of the best features of the HECM program is that borrowers are given a great deal of flexibility in how they receive the proceeds of the reverse mortgage.
Your Basic Options:
-Lump sum, receive a large portion of cash when the loan closes
-Monthly payments given to you
-Line of credit
-A combination of above choices

How Is The Government Involved?
There is a big point of confusion, especially since advertisements have sometimes promoted the reverse mortgage as a government benefit of some kind. First, it's important to note that the FHA, a government agency, is NOT loaning you any money. You are working with a private company, and the FHA is providing a guarantee on your loan. This guarantee protects you in two significant ways. First, the FHA guarantees that the senior will receive all the payments that he or she is entitled to because of the reverse mortgage. This removes the risk of the lender going bankrupt or simply refusing to make good on its obligations. Second, the FHA protects the borrower and his/her estate from ever owing more on the loan than the home is worth. In circumstances where the debt outstanding on the reverse mortgage exceeds the value of the home, FHA covers the difference. Remember, You must remain current on all property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and basic home maintenance. Otherwise you risk default or foreclosure.

Does A Reverse Mortgage Borrower Have Any Obligations?
Yes, the home must continue to be used as the primary residence. Seniors must also maintain the home, do needed repairs, and stay current on property taxes and homeowner's insurance. Otherwise they risk default or foreclosure. Bankruptcy can also be a violation of the reverse  mortgage agreement.

When Do I Have To Pay Back A Reverse Mortgage Loan?
An HECM loan has to be paid off when the last surviving borrower or eligible non-borrowing spouse dies. The loan also becomes due when the last surviving borrower sells the home or permanently moves out. Your heirs can sell the home or refinance the reverse mortgage into a traditional loan. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us right away. Mary Joe will help you evaluate or address any of your reverse mortgage concerns. She will advise you or your heirs on their financial status and methods of repayments. Seniors must also maintain the home, do needed repairs, and stay current on property taxes and homeowner's insurance. Otherwise you risk default or foreclosure. Bankruptcy can also be a violation of the reverse mortgage agreement. If you have any questions or concerns about repayment, please call us right away.

Call Us Today!
(808)791-1044

 
The content on this webpage provides general consumer information. It is not legal advice or financial guidance. It’s usually a good idea to discuss important financial decisions with friends, family, or someone you trust. If you would like, we will work with your lawyer, account or financial adviser to help to understand the pro's and con's to a reverse mortgage.
Leaf Funding is an FHA Lender, not affiliated, nor endorsed by any government agencies.Equal Housing Lender. NMLS#50726 NMLS#1631620