Reverse mortgage loans provide flexible ways to access your home equity. Let’s explore the various options and understand how they work.
What are Reverse Mortgage Loans?
Reverse mortgage loans, especially the FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), are designed for homeowners aged 62 and above. Additionally, these loans allow you to convert part of your home equity into cash. The repayment is typically deferred until the last borrower leaves the home or passes away.
Moreover, you don’t have to make monthly principal or interest payments, but you still need to pay property charges like taxes and insurance. Plus, one of the borrowers must live in the home as their primary residence.
Fixed vs. Adjustable-Rate HECMs
HECMs in Myrtle Beach come with either fixed or adjustable interest rates, each offering different payout options.
Fixed-Rate HECMs: Meanwhile, these provide a one-time lump-sum payment at closing with a stable interest rate throughout the loan term.
Adjustable-Rate HECMs (HECM ARMs): These offer more flexibility, including options for a line of credit and fixed monthly payments. The interest rate can change monthly or yearly based on an index.
Initial Disbursement Limits
Moreover, the amount you can borrow, known as the principal limit, depends on factors like your property’s value and expected interest rate. There are limits on how much you can withdraw initially:
For fixed-rate HECMs in Myrtle Beach, the full amount is provided at closing.
For HECM ARMs, you have a limit on the initial amount you can withdraw in the first year. Aslo, this limit is the greater of 60% of the principal limit or the necessary payoffs (like mortgage liens) plus an additional 10%.
Growth Feature of HECM Line of Credit
Furthermore, one significant feature of the HECM line of credit is its growth over time. Additionally, any unused portion of your credit line increases, giving you more borrowing potential in the future. This makes the adjustable-rate HECM a popular choice among borrowers.
Payout Options for HECM ARMs
HECM ARMs offer several payout plans:
- Tenure: Receive equal monthly payments for as long as you live in the home.
- Term: Get equal monthly payments for a set period chosen by you.
- Line of Credit: Access a flexible line of credit that you can draw from as needed. The credit line cannot be reduced or canceled as long as funds are available.
- Modified Tenure: Combine a line of credit with monthly payments for as long as you live in the home.
- Modified Term: Receive monthly payments for a set period along with access to a line of credit.
Adjusting Your Payout Option
Also, you can change your HECM ARM payout option by contacting your lender or servicer. There may be a small fee for this adjustment. However, switching from a HECM ARM to a fixed-rate HECM (or vice versa) requires refinancing.
Additionally, reverse mortgage loans, particularly HECMs, provide flexible payout options tailored to your needs. Moreover, ufnderstanding these choices with the help of an expert like David Stacy Reverse Mortgage Specialist can assist you in making the best use of your home equity.