A reverse mortgage (or lifetime mortgage) is a loan available to seniors, which is used to release home equity in a property as one lump sum, multiple payments, or a credit line. Loan repayment is deferred until the owner dies, sells the home, or leaves (e.g., to a nursing home.
In a conventional mortgage, homeowners make monthly payments to the lender and their home’s equity increases over time. At the end of the term (e.g., 30 years) the mortgage is paid in full and the lender releases the property.
In a reverse mortgage, homeowners make NO PAYMENTS and all interest is added to the lien on the property. If they receive monthly or bulk payments of the available equity percentage for their age (older means a higher percentage), then property debt increases monthly.
When the homeowner dies, sells the house, or moves (e.g., to a nursing home) the loan can be paid off with home sale proceeds or refinanced by heirs of the estate with a regular mortgage. If proceeds exceed the loan amount, interest, and fees, the owner receives the difference. If deceased, the heirs get the difference.
What Are the Benefits?