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Understanding Reverse Mortgage Rules: Your 2025 Guide

June 17, 2024     19 comments

Reverse mortgages can provide older homeowners with financial flexibility, but navigating the rules doesn’t have to be daunting.  As of 2025, important updates to reverse mortgage guidelines have been introduced, making it crucial for those 62 and older to stay informed. If you're considering tapping into your home equity, this guide simplifies the five essential rules for reverse mortgages.  From...
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Using a Reverse Mortgage Purchase for New Construction

June 14, 2024     22 comments

Can a contractor build a new home for you and finance it with a reverse mortgage upon completion?  Thank you -Bob The short answer to your question is, yes, you can.  As a matter of fact, HUD has just made changes to the program effective in 2024 and made financing reverse mortgage purchases and new construction easier than ever...
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How the Reverse Mortgage Margin & Libor Rate Works

June 10, 2024     8 comments

[arlo_toc] Understanding Your Reverse Mortgage: Key Factors One of the most common questions about a reverse mortgage is how much money you, as the borrower, can receive.  The amount you can get depends mainly on two factors: your age and the loan's interest rate and margin. Typically, the older you are, the more money you can receive.  Lower interest rates...
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What to Expect When Your Reverse Mortgage is Assigned to HUD

June 7, 2024     103 comments

We received a notice that our reverse mortgage loan is being assigned to HUD, along with the name of the handling company.  This company has numerous complaints, especially about foreclosing before heirs can settle the home.  I am the beneficiary of my mom's house, which is in a trust and a will to avoid probate.  What recourse do I have...
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Is Tom Selleck Reverse Mortgage Company Selling Snake Oil?

May 20, 2024     84 comments

We just received this comment on our blog: It boils down to the saying, If it's too good to be true, then it is.  I watched this actor named Tom Selleck pitching for a reverse mortgage on a TV commercial.  That sounds very convincing, even when he swears to have done his homework on the matter and told the truth. ...
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Free Reverse Mortgage Amortization Calculator

May 16, 2024     7 comments

All Reverse Mortgage, Inc. (ARLO™) has created a new reverse mortgage amortization calculator that helps you understand how your loan will change over time. With the amortization calculator below, you can: Choose how much to borrow or repay. Instantly see how this affects your loan balance and credit line. Adjust for future interest rates, home value changes, and payment plans....
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Understanding Reverse Mortgage Insurance: Key Benefits, Costs, and Protections

May 16, 2024     36 comments

Introduction to Reverse Mortgage Insurance When you get a federally insured HECM reverse mortgage, the biggest initial cost is the Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP).  This is a one-time fee of 2% of either the maximum lending limit ([hecm_limit year="current"]) or your home’s appraised value, whichever is lower. There’s also an ongoing cost called the Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP). ...
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New Florida Law Reduces Taxes on Reverse Mortgages Starting July 1, 2024

May 14, 2024     no comments

[arlo_toc] The Cost of Reverse Mortgages in Florida Florida has long been one of the most expensive states in which to close a reverse mortgage due to the fees charged by the state.  In addition to already having higher title insurance costs and higher hazard insurance costs, Florida seniors have had to endure the state charging documentary stamp taxes on every mortgage...
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Can you get a Reverse Mortgage with a Life Estate?

April 25, 2024     25 comments

Question from an ARLO Reader: I am considering a reverse mortgage and have my debt-free property in a Life Estate; my sister is the Grantee.  I understand she would have to sign the loan/closing docs without having had the counseling, but I am confused about whether that title would still be held in the Life Estate, correct?  Are there any...
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Reverse Mortgage Purchase FAQs (2025 Update)

March 24, 2024     3 comments

Q. What is a Purchase Reverse Mortgage? A Purchase Reverse Mortgage allows seniors aged 62 or older to buy a new primary residence using the loan proceeds from a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). Q. What is the purpose of the program? The purpose of the Purchase Reverse Mortgage program is to allow seniors to buy a new primary residence...
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