While most reverse mortgages are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) through its Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program, there are also a rising number of Non-FHA reverse mortgages known as proprietary or jumbo reverse mortgages.
Among those Non-FHA reverse mortgages, the programs offering loan amounts higher than the FHA’s lending limit are typically called “jumbos.” Like jumbo programs in the forward mortgage market, reverse mortgage jumbos typically extend more borrowing potential to homeowners in that their lending limits exceed the current $1,089,300 lending limit set by FHA.
Jumbo reverse mortgages are available to qualifying homeowners with higher home values than the average HECM loan amount. Many jumbo reverse mortgages are held by homeowners in California and other areas where home values tend to trend higher than the national average.
In this article, you will learn:
- Differences between jumbo and FHA-insured reverse mortgages
- Key benefits of a jumbo reverse mortgage
- Risks and rewards of a jumbo reverse mortgage
- History and current market outlook for jumbo reverse mortgages
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN JUMBO AND FHA-INSURED REVERSE MORTGAGES
Several lenders are offering jumbo reverse mortgages, and their specific elements vary. Jumbo reverse mortgages are proprietary loans, meaning they do not need to adhere to Department of Housing and Urban Development program rules.
Some private reverse mortgage programs offer features that the FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) product does not.
These might include:
- A minimum borrower age that is below the HECM minimum age of 62
- The ability to borrow from a Non-FHA-approved condo unit
- The ability to take out the full amount of a lump sum payment upfront with fewer restrictions than under the HECM program
Another significant difference is that jumbo reverse mortgages have no mortgage insurance premiums, a cost that applies only to HECM loans.
In most respects, however, jumbo reverse mortgages are very similar to HECMs. Jumbo programs typically require reverse mortgage counseling, they may offer different disbursement options such as lump sum and a jumbo line of credit option, and they allow borrowers to tap into their home equity while they live in the home.
Jumbo VS HECM Product Comparison
Compare Features | Jumbo Reverse Mortgage | HECM Reverse Mortgage |
---|---|---|
Borrower Minimum Age | 55 | 62 |
Maximum Lending Limit | $4,000,000 | $1,089,300 |
Eligible Properties | Single Family (SRF), FNMA warrantable Condo, Townhome, 1-4 Units. | Single Family (SRF), HUD Approved Condo, Townhome, 1-4 Units. |
Lump Sum | 100% | Limited* |
Line of Credit | 10 Year Draw Period | Lifetime |
Line of Credit Growth Rate | Limited to 7 Years | Lifetime |
Tenure Payment Plan | No | Yes |
Low/No Closing Costs | Yes | No |
Younger Spouse Protection | No | Yes |
Use for Home Purchase | Yes | Yes |
KEY BENEFITS
The key benefit of a jumbo reverse mortgage is the ability to maximize loan proceeds for home values at higher levels. The exact percentages and figures will vary depending on several factors, including interest rates, borrowers’ ages, and home value.
However, many jumbos are available with a lending limit of $4 million or more — a significant increase over the HECM lending limit of $1,089,300
Jumbo Reverse Mortgage Loan-to-values (LTV)
Borrower Age | Loan-to-value | Loan-to-value |
---|---|---|
Rate | 8.99% | 9.75% |
60 | 25.1% | 30.7% |
65 | 26.3% | 32.3% |
70 | 28.4% | 34.9% |
75 | 31.7% | 39.1% |
80 | 36.5% | 43.8% |
85 | 42.5% | 49.8% |
90 | 44.0% | 51.4% |
Available Payout: Lump Sum
*Divide your home value by the LTV percentage to calculate your loan amount.
E.g., $2,000,000 value, age 70 = 34.1% LTV or $682,000 loan amount.
Jumbo Reverse Mortgage Rates
Fixed Rate | Adjustable Rate | Lending Limit |
---|---|---|
8.990% (9.428% APR) | 11.805% (6.625 Margin) | $4,000,000 |
9.750% (10.256% APR) | 11.930% (6.750 Margin) | $4,000,000 |
9.875% (10.393% APR) | 12.055% (6.875 Margin) | $4,000,000 |
9.990% (10.499% APR) | $4,000,000 |
Jumbo APR Illustration: Assumes $1,000,000 loan amount, includes standard 3rd party closing costs.
Adjustable-Rate Payment Options: Lump Sum or Line of Credit
Index: 12-Mo. CMT
Lifetime Cap: 5% Over Start Rate
RISKS AND REWARDS
For those considering a jumbo reverse mortgage, there are some pros and cons – most of which apply to all reverse mortgages.
HISTORY AND CURRENT MARKET OUTLOOK
Like all mortgage products, the jumbo lending environment changes based on many factors. Historically, there were many Non-FHA reverse mortgages with different rates and terms.
After the housing crash in 2008, most jumbos disappeared from the market. Several jumbo products were launched based on low-interest rates and changes to the FHA lending limit in recent years, offering various rates, terms, and features.
Suppose you are interested in a jumbo reverse mortgage. In that case, it’s important to ask about the terms offered by your lender, such as the amount that can be borrowed, how proceeds can be obtained, and the types of protections regarding non-borrowing spouses.
Top FAQs
What is a jumbo reverse mortgage?
What lenders offer jumbo reverse mortgages?
What are the interest rates on Jumbo Reverse mortgages?
How much can you get from a jumbo reverse mortgage?
Can you get a Jumbo reverse mortgage line of credit?
What is the difference between jumbo and proprietary loans?
Additional Resources:
Read my article published at Forbes.com, “The Evolution Of Jumbo Reverse Mortgages.”
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