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More than one in every ten people in the United States is aged 65 or older, and that number is expected to nearly double to 20% by 2030, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. North Carolina is no exception—it was one of 13 states that saw their 65+ population increase by 25% or more between 2000 and 2010 to more than 1 million. That translates to about 13.2% of North Carolina’s overall population as of 2011, according to the Census Bureau, in line with the average rate... Read Full Article
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We have all seen the commercials with Fred Thompson or Henry Winkler (a.k.a. “The Fonz”) touting reverse mortgages as a financial product that can help you remain in your home and improve your cash flow in retirement. However, you may not be too familiar with how reverse mortgages actually work, who they can benefit, and the different kinds of options that are available for this kind of loan. History of the HECM and Who It Helps This government-insured program has been in existence for more than two decades, since a... Read Full Article
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Reverse mortgages are a great way to improve your cash flow during retirement by borrowing against the equity in your home or even to purchase a brand new primary residence. What you may not know is that if you’re in the market for a Recreational Vehicle (RV), you can use a reverse mortgage in place of financing for that too. And you’ll ultimately find some benefits that don’t come with traditional bank RV financing. As with any reverse mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), you’ll need... Read Full Article
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If you’re one of the 78 million baby boomers approaching retirement, you may be thinking about downsizing or moving into a home more geared toward aging in place. Some older adults have difficulty obtaining a mortgage to buy a new home, especially if they no longer have steady income from a job. Rather than use a conventional mortgage to purchase your home, you could opt for a reverse mortgage, which allows borrowers aged 62 and older to access their home’s equity in the form of a loan. ... Read Full Article
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The number of people opting to take out a fixed rate reverse mortgage has gone up dramatically over the last few years, but it’s important not to overlook all the benefits of having an adjustable rate reverse mortgage. While the certainty of the fixed rate can be a positive, taking out an adjustable rate reverse mortgage comes with features you won’t find on any fixed rate product. Adjustable Rate Provides Multiple Product Options and Flexibility Under the Federal Housing Administration’s Home Equity Conversion (HECM) program, borrowers have the choice... Read Full Article
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I am researching Reverse Mortgages for my parents (ages 63 & 66). My only concern is that they own a farm that is preserved in the state of New Jersey. They currently have it for sale, but really do not wish to sell, but think they have no other choice (dad is retired and ill, mom is working again but not making enough) They did own a very successful business, however, due to the economy and my father's health, the cost of running the business far exceeds the income it's bringing in... Read Full Article
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The time frame is running out for the Standard Fixed Rate version of the reverse mortgage program known as the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM or “Heck-um”). HUD announced that the last day that they will issue Case Numbers for this program is prior to April 1st, however borrowers must be aware that the 2 days leading up to April 1st are Saturday & Easter Sunday, thus making the last available day to return your application and signed counseling certificate Friday March 29th. All loans with assigned case numbers must... Read Full Article
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Before I even start this article, I want to admit that I have never been through HUD Counselor training and I do not know what the counselors have been trained to say and what not to say. I can say that only last week, HUD came out with a reminder to all reverse mortgage lenders and originators that they were not allowed to become involved in any way with the counseling, including assisting with making the appointment to even recommending a counseling agency. The idea behind the mandate is... Read Full Article
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As baby boomers begin to reach their senior years in droves, the percentage of seniors in many states is well over 10% and counting. And New Jersey is no exception. The state of New Jersey counts about 1.19 million people aged 65 and older according to the last full Census taken in 2010. That number constitutes 13.5% of the overall state population and is expected to continue growing over the course of the next decade. For many older households approaching retirement or already in retirement, costs are rising as income... Read Full Article
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As the baby boomers head toward retirement age, the United States’ population is becoming decidedly grayer, and that’s especially true in Pennsylvania. The 65+ population in Pennsylvania comprises 15.6% of the overall state population according to 2011 U.S. Census Bureau data—higher than the 13.3% belonging to this age group throughout the country. In the next couple of decades, nearly one in five Americans will be 65 or older, but as the population ages, many seniors are struggling to make ends meet, or are facing the prospect of not having enough... Read Full Article