Reverse Mortgage FAQ – What You Need To Know About HECM Reverse Mortgages

For senior American residents, getting a reverse mortgage makes it possible for them to stay and keep their own homes for as long as possible.
What You Need To Know About HECM Reverse Mortgages

Reverse mortgages are the most misunderstood loan program in the market today.  The FHA insured reverse mortgage, called the Home Equity Conversion
Mortgage (HECM), is by far the most popular reverse mortgage.

Today, I want to shed some light on the HECM by answering a few of the most frequently asked questions about reverse mortgages.

What exactly is a HECM reverse mortgage?

HECM stands for home equity conversion mortgage and is the FHA (Federal
Housing Authority), insured reverse mortgage program.  It is specifically designed for homeowners age 62 and above, that allows you to convert
a portion of the value of your home into tax-free money*, without having to sell the home, give up title or obligate yourself to a monthly mortgage
payment.

A reverse mortgage is not free money.  What makes it different from a conventional mortgage is that as long as either you or your spouse live in the
home, and continue to pay the property taxes and homeowners insurance, you never have to make a payment.  If you want to make payments, you can,
but you are not required to do so.

Please remember that you are still charged interest every month, you just do not pay it on a monthly basis.  The home stays in your
name so you have to continue to maintain the home as well as pay the taxes and insurance.

How much money is available from the reverse mortgage?

There are no fixed loan-to-value ratios with the HECM reverse mortgage program.  The amount available is based on:

  • The age of the youngest homeowner
  • The value of the home (Up to FHA lending limits)
  • The current interest rate

Typically, the amount available is anywhere from 45% – 70% of the value of the home.

What are the changes to the HECM reverse mortgage program over the last few years?

There have been a number of changes to the HECM reverse mortgage program, but the most important ones are:

  1. Protections for non-borrowing spouses:  Allows spouses that are younger than the minimum age of 62 years old to stay in the home when the
    borrower passes away or permanently leaves the home.
  2.  Limits on the amount of money available during the first 12 months:  FHA limits the maximum amount of money that you can take out
    during the first 12 months to 60% the loan amount.  If you have an existing mortgage that is more than 60% of the amount available, you are
    allowed to take the amount to pay that off, plus an additional 10%.  The remaining money can be set aside in a line of credit and will be
    available 12 months after the closing.
  3. Financial Assessment:  FHA requires lenders to verify that you have enough income to pay the property taxes and homeowners insurance as
    well as good credit.  They want to make sure that you will continue to pay the bills related to your home and you are more likely to do so
    when you have enough income and good credit.

What happens when the loan comes due?

The HECM reverse mortgage only comes due when the last homeowner permanently leaves the home.  This can be from selling the home, moving to assisted
living or passing away.  At that time, the amount borrowed, plus all accrued interest and fees will come due.

When the last homeowner passes away, the heirs inherit the home.  The bank does not automatically take the home.  The heirs have six months
to either sell the home or refinance it and pay off the reverse mortgage.Any remaining equity will be inherited by the heirs.  If it takes longer
than six months to sell the home, FHA allows up to two 90 day extensions so the heirs have up to 12 months to sell or refinance.

If there is no equity in the home when the last homeowner passes away or leaves permanently, the heirs can sign the home over to the lender and simply
walk away.  The bank cannot come after any additional monies nor the heirs or the estate for any loss.  This is what is called a 100% non-recourse
loan.

People typically have a lot of questions about reverse mortgages and these are just a few of the most common ones.  It is best to consult a reverse
mortgage specialist to make sure you get all of your questions answered so you can make an informed decision.

*You should consult your tax advisor

Bruce Simmons

Bruce Simmons

I absolutely love what I do - working with senior homeowners to help them live a more comfortable, flexible and secure retirement. I have the absolute best customers in the world, and even though I worked in the forward mortgage business for a number of years, I could never go back to doing conventional loans. I'm a 100% reverse mortgage specialist.

5.0

My wife and I are retired and had a mortgage that was quite high. We contacted Bruce regarding a Reverse Mortgage and were pleased with his knowledge and experience. He made the whole process very easy and explained everything along the way. Since then, I have had a couple of questions and contacted him regarding the RM. Bruce has always been very responsive and returned our calls within minutes. We couldn't be happier having used Bruce for the Reverse Mortgage and highly recommend him.

Bruce has been serving my interest over and above what one might expect during the whole process of handling my reverse mortgage dating back to 2010 and continues to be available at present whenever a question may arise. He is one of the most reliable, trustworthy and knowledgeable experts regarding reverse mortgages that I have had the privilege to do business with! I would highly recommend Bruce to anyone who is considering a reverse mortgage. Thank you Bruce!

I met Bruce from a referral who just love what he did for them on their Reverse Mortgage, So I contacted Bruce and told him my story and he came up with a great Reverse Mortgage for me and my needs and now I am living good and not worrying about Finances anymore. He had it done in a timely manner. If you are looking for the MAN to help you get the best Reverse Mortgage you need to call him and hope you let him help you.

Bruce is one of the most professional, knowledgeable and efficient experts I have worked ŵith ever in any field. He is fast to answer and always ready to help...and he's a great guy!

I was hesitate about getting a reverse mortgage until Bruce Simons put my mind at rest. He is easy to work with, extremely knowledgeable and efficient. Things get done and he will make sure that you understand every part of the process. I interviewed several other people and he was hands down.....The only choice.

Doing a Reverse Mortgage is a major decision, when working with Bruce he came out personally to go over every thing in detail, there was no pressure to finalize the transaction, I had even put the loan on hold for awhile even though I had locked in my rate, I had called Bruce off and on for a few weeks to ask questions that I had concerns about and he was always available to talk to me. In the end it gave me time to feel comfortable about my decision to move forward with the Reverse. Bruce was very pleasant to work with and would certainly recommend Bruce if you are going to consider a Reverse Mortgage.

Bruce Simmons at American Liberty is one of the best in the reverse mortgage industry. I have known and worked with him for years and he always does a great job. You are in good hands with Bruce and know that he will take good care of you or your loved ones every step of the way.

Best thing I ever did! Bruce Simmons at American Liberty Mortgage is the best. He is always there to answer your questions, and can easily explain the whole idea of a Reverse Mortgage. He takes the time and goes through the entire process with you. It worked out so well for me. Thank You Bruce!

We had researched Reverse Mortgages for 5 years and after hearing about Bruce Simmons and meeting with him, we finally decided to move forward with the Reverse Morgage. It has been over a year now and we are still very pleased with our decision. We think Bruce is very professional, knowledgeable and honest. Thank you, Bruce, for all your help.

I first met Bruce Simmons 2017. I found him on the internet. I was looking for someone local. I called him and explained I was only looking into doing a reverse mortgage, so I did not want him to think this was something I was ready to do. Bruce was friendly, very open about the basics of a reverse mortgage. Bruce came to my home and presented the figures and other details that he could offer. The first thing that impressed me was this was not a hard sell, more of a informational meeting. He was very open about all of the details, and answered my questions without hesitation. What really was evident was he was establishing a relationship with me, and I realized he knew I would not take the loan at that time. There was not enough equity in my home, and I would have to bring money to the table. Although I was not ready to do a loan, Bruce assured me he is always available for questions. Four years later, I finally did do a reverse mortgage, and I couldn't be happier with having done it. I have done away with a mortgage payment which allows me to fund my retirement account with that mortgage payment. We did some much needed landscaping with our cash out transaction, and will move on to improvements inside of the house. My reverse mortgage has a line of credit, and I feel sense security knowing it is there if I need it. Bruce explained that a reverse mortgage is not for everyone, but I feel certain that he paved the way for a strategy that worked for me. I will definitely do a refinance when the time is right. I will check in with Bruce to be sure what the benefits are when I do it again.

I have worked with Bruce Simmons for 15 years. Bruce is one of the best in the industry. He is extremely knowledgeable, kinds and detailed in what he does. His clients love working with him and trust him to help them with their Reverse Mortgage loans. I would recommend Bruce to anyone I know that is thinking about or wanting to do a Reverse Mortgage. He will always take very good care of the customers and make sure their needs are met! Class act and one of the best in the industry by far!

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John Addante
John Addante

Just left us a 5 star review

google
John Addante
February 7, 2023

My wife and I are retired and had a mortgage that was quite high. We contacted Bruce regarding a Reverse Mortgage and were pleased with his knowledge and experience. He made the whole process very easy and explained everything along the way. Since then, I have had a couple of questions and contacted him regarding the RM. Bruce has always been very responsive and returned our calls within minutes. We couldn't be happier having used Bruce for the Reverse Mortgage and highly recommend him.

google
Kathryn Hostetler
February 1, 2023

Bruce has been serving my interest over and above what one might expect during the whole process of handling my reverse mortgage dating back to 2010 and continues to be available at present whenever a question may arise. He is one of the most reliable, trustworthy and knowledgeable experts regarding reverse mortgages that I have had the privilege to do business with! I would highly recommend Bruce to anyone who is considering a reverse mortgage. Thank you Bruce!

google
John Wickersham
December 22, 2022

I met Bruce from a referral who just love what he did for them on their Reverse Mortgage, So I contacted Bruce and told him my story and he came up with a great Reverse Mortgage for me and my needs and now I am living good and not worrying about Finances anymore. He had it done in a timely manner. If you are looking for the MAN to help you get the best Reverse Mortgage you need to call him and hope you let him help you.

google
Tim Mallory
November 11, 2022

Bruce is one of the most professional, knowledgeable and efficient experts I have worked ŵith ever in any field. He is fast to answer and always ready to help...and he's a great guy!

google
Kathleen Mitchell
September 18, 2022

I was hesitate about getting a reverse mortgage until Bruce Simons put my mind at rest. He is easy to work with, extremely knowledgeable and efficient. Things get done and he will make sure that you understand every part of the process. I interviewed several other people and he was hands down.....The only choice.

google
Mike Hoeffner
August 30, 2022

Doing a Reverse Mortgage is a major decision, when working with Bruce he came out personally to go over every thing in detail, there was no pressure to finalize the transaction, I had even put the loan on hold for awhile even though I had locked in my rate, I had called Bruce off and on for a few weeks to ask questions that I had concerns about and he was always available to talk to me. In the end it gave me time to feel comfortable about my decision to move forward with the Reverse. Bruce was very pleasant to work with and would certainly recommend Bruce if you are going to consider a Reverse Mortgage.

google
Jonathan Maiolatesi
August 22, 2022

Bruce Simmons at American Liberty is one of the best in the reverse mortgage industry. I have known and worked with him for years and he always does a great job. You are in good hands with Bruce and know that he will take good care of you or your loved ones every step of the way.

google
Ronda Giblin
August 20, 2022

Best thing I ever did! Bruce Simmons at American Liberty Mortgage is the best. He is always there to answer your questions, and can easily explain the whole idea of a Reverse Mortgage. He takes the time and goes through the entire process with you. It worked out so well for me. Thank You Bruce!

google
John Bell
August 20, 2022

We had researched Reverse Mortgages for 5 years and after hearing about Bruce Simmons and meeting with him, we finally decided to move forward with the Reverse Morgage. It has been over a year now and we are still very pleased with our decision. We think Bruce is very professional, knowledgeable and honest. Thank you, Bruce, for all your help.

google
Mary Bernard
August 19, 2022

I first met Bruce Simmons 2017. I found him on the internet. I was looking for someone local. I called him and explained I was only looking into doing a reverse mortgage, so I did not want him to think this was something I was ready to do. Bruce was friendly, very open about the basics of a reverse mortgage. Bruce came to my home and presented the figures and other details that he could offer. The first thing that impressed me was this was not a hard sell, more of a informational meeting. He was very open about all of the details, and answered my questions without hesitation. What really was evident was he was establishing a relationship with me, and I realized he knew I would not take the loan at that time. There was not enough equity in my home, and I would have to bring money to the table. Although I was not ready to do a loan, Bruce assured me he is always available for questions. Four years later, I finally did do a reverse mortgage, and I couldn't be happier with having done it. I have done away with a mortgage payment which allows me to fund my retirement account with that mortgage payment. We did some much needed landscaping with our cash out transaction, and will move on to improvements inside of the house. My reverse mortgage has a line of credit, and I feel sense security knowing it is there if I need it. Bruce explained that a reverse mortgage is not for everyone, but I feel certain that he paved the way for a strategy that worked for me. I will definitely do a refinance when the time is right. I will check in with Bruce to be sure what the benefits are when I do it again.

google
LESLIE HINES
August 19, 2022

I have worked with Bruce Simmons for 15 years. Bruce is one of the best in the industry. He is extremely knowledgeable, kinds and detailed in what he does. His clients love working with him and trust him to help them with their Reverse Mortgage loans. I would recommend Bruce to anyone I know that is thinking about or wanting to do a Reverse Mortgage. He will always take very good care of the customers and make sure their needs are met! Class act and one of the best in the industry by far!