Should Your Elderly Parents Get a Reverse Mortgage?

Many seniors are house rich but cash poor. This means that they have a lot of equity in their homes, but not enough liquid assets to cover their living expenses. A reverse mortgage can be a great solution for seniors in this situation, as it allows them to tap into the equity in their home without having to sell the property or take on a new monthly mortgage payment.

However, a reverse mortgage is not right for everyone. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the pros and cons of reverse mortgages so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this type of loan is right for your elderly parents.

 

What is a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows homeowners 62 and older to borrow against the equity in their homes without having to make monthly payments. The loan does not have to be repaid until the borrower dies, sells the home, or permanently moves out of the home.

Reverse mortgages can be a great financial tool for seniors who are struggling to make ends meet.

1. They Can Use the Money for Anything

Reverse mortgage loans give borrowers access to a lump sum of cash that they can use for anything they want. Whether your parents need the money to cover medical expenses, make home repairs, or just have some extra spending money, a reverse mortgage can give them the financial flexibility they need.

2. They Won't Have to Make Monthly Payments

With a traditional mortgage, your parents would have to make monthly payments until the loan is paid off. With a reverse mortgage, they don't have to make any monthly payments as long as they live in the home as their primary residence. The loan is only repaid when they move out or pass away.

3. They Can Stay in Their Home

A reverse mortgage will allow your parents to stay in their home as long as they want. As long as they continue to live in the home and maintain it according to the terms of the loan, they won't have to worry about losing their home to foreclosure.

4. They Won't Owe More Than Their Home Is Worth

Even if your parents never repay the loan, they won't owe more than their home is worth when they sell it or pass away. The loan balance will never exceed the value of their home, so they (or their estate) will never have to come up with additional funds to cover any shortfall.

 

The Pros of Reverse Mortgages

There are several advantages to taking out a reverse mortgage, including:

• No monthly payments are required, which can free up cash for day-to-day living expenses.
• The loan does not need to be repaid until the last surviving borrower dies or moves out of the house.
• Seniors can stay in their homes and age in place.
• The interest on the loan is tax-deductible.
• Reverse mortgages can give seniors the financial resources they need to cover unexpected medical expenses or make needed home repairs.

 

The Cons of Reverse Mortgages

Of course, there are also some potential drawbacks to taking out a reverse mortgage, including:

• Your parents will owe more money over time, as the interest on the loan accrues.
• Taking out a reverse mortgage could reduce your parents' eligibility for certain needs-based government programs, such as Medicaid.
• If your parents pass away or move out of the house before the loan is repaid, you or your siblings may be responsible for repaying the remaining balance before any inheritance can be distributed. (although you will not owe more than the value of the property).
• Your parents may be subject to foreclosure if they fail to stay current on their property taxes or homeowners insurance premiums.

If your elderly parents are struggling financially, a reverse mortgage could be a good solution for them. However, it's important to weigh both the pros and cons of this type of loan before making any decisions.

Be sure you understand all of the terms and conditions of the loan so that there are no surprises down the road. Ultimately, you'll want to do what's best for your parents and their individual circumstances.

Find out more about how Simple Reverse Lending can help you as an Adult Child make the right financial decisions with your parents.  Or Contact Us for specific questions.