Making significant decisions about your home can be stressful, and it’s natural to want to wait for the perfect time. However, just as in life, perfect opportunities in real estate are rare and often only recognized in hindsight. Many retirees consider reverse mortgage loans to boost their cash flow but are concerned about current interest rates. The average mortgage rate exceeded 7% in August 2023, the highest in over 20 years. Although interest rates affect reverse mortgage costs, they are just one part of the overall value these loans can provide.
The Relationship Between Home Values and Reverse Mortgage Loans
While mortgage rates are high, the silver lining for reverse mortgage borrowers is the increase in home values. Many homeowners bought their properties years ago and have seen substantial appreciation. From 2000 to 2020, the median national home price rose by 99%, with an additional 26% increase from 2020 to Q2 2023.