"USE YOUR HOME TO STAY AT HOME:
OFFICIAL REVERSE MORTGAGE CONSUMER BOOKLET BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT"
The U.S. Department Of Housing and Urban Development.
Free mortgage guide available online.
Program Description
"If you expect to live in your current home for several years, you could consider a reverse mortgage. Reverse mortgages are designed for homeowners age 62 and older. These types of loans are called 'reverse' mortgages because the lender pays the homeowner. To qualify for this loan, you must live in the home as your main residence. Unlike conventional mortgages, there are no income requirements for these loans. You do not need to make any monthly payments for as long as you (or in the case of multiple homeowners, the last remaining borrower) continue to live in the home. When the last borrower moves out of the home or dies, the loan becomes due."
-source: ncoa.org
Seniors can face health problems making it difficult to predict how long they can realistically continue to safely live in their own homes.
The “Use Your Home to Stay at Home” booklet helps seniors think about where they would realistically like to live as they age and encourages them to plan ahead.
The “Use Your Home to Stay at Home” booklet encourages seniors to think about tough questions such as:
-Will the home be too difficult to handle alone?
-Will housing expenses including maintenance, home modifications, improvements, or repairs be too expensive to handle?
-Is the home safe; walker or a wheelchair friendly, fall prevention proof, or in a good neighborhood?
-Will the location make the individual feel isolated or lonely if they are not as mobile?
-How to afford living at home as you age.
The “Use Your Home to Stay at Home” booklet also helps seniors to understand:
-What is a reverse mortgage (also known as home equity conversion mortgages (HECMs) and is tapping into home equity for additional income the right decision.
-How a reverse mortgage may affect eligibility for senior programs.
-Conventional home equity loans, Home equity line of credit.
-Where to go for help and additional program information.
-Different ways to pay for in-home care.
-Government benefits and community programs for seniors such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Veteran Affairs.
The National Council on Aging’s Reverse Mortgage Counseling Services Network’s counselors are Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved and help seniors to:
-Evaluate the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage (home equity conversion mortgages)
-Apply for public and private benefits to pay for expenses such as home energy, meals, and medications
-Find senior programs and services so that they can stay independent longer.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a senior advocacy organization with headquarters in Washington, DC.
source: ncoa.org