Reverse Mortgages and the Under-Age 62 Spouse

New Rule on Reverse Mortgages

A new rule has been issued which allows that a reverse mortgage (HECM) shall protect borrowers even when one spouse is younger than 62. Both the  purchase or traditional reverse mortgage amount will be based on the younger spouse’s age. Given the number of variables, and the complexity with how these new factors work please contact your trusted reverse mortgage loan originator.

For all FHA case numbers issued on or after August 4, 2014 this revolutionary new rule becomes effective. This rule will allow younger spouses of borrowers that no longer live in their home to stay in their home without the threat of foreclosure. In a nutshell, the requirements are this:

• They must have been married when the mortgage was taken,
• Have remained married,
• The surviving spouse shall continue to pay taxes, insurance, and HOA fees (if applicable).

Prior to August 4, 2014, the full repayment of the reverse mortgage was due and payable following the death of the borrower, leaving the surviving spouse whose name was not on the mortgage in the lurch for the debt or forced to sell the home. This change defers that settlement until after the surviving spouse’s death.

This new rule comes at a cost. Lenders factor in the age of the younger spouse when calculating the reverse mortgage payout; in a nutshell, the younger the spouse the longer the loan will be outstanding resulting in the lesser payout.

Reference: FHA Mortgagee Letter: ML 2014-07

Readers of this blog may also wish to read: What Is A Purchase Reverse Mortgage? as well as The New Reverse Mortgage.

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Notice: The information provided is not intended to be an indication of loan approval or a commitment to lend. Additional program guidelines may apply. Information is subject to change without notice.

DISCLAIMER – This post does not represent that any of the information provided herein is approved by HUD or FHA or any US Government Agency or Department.

Financially Speaking™  James Spray, MLO, CNE, FICO Pro 

CO LMO 100008715 / NMLS 257365 | August 2, 2014

 Notice: The information on this blog is opinion and information. While I have made every effort to link accurate and complete information, I cannot guarantee it is correct. Please seek legal assistance to make certain your legal interpretation and decisions are correct. This information is not legal advice and is for guidance only. You may use this information in whole and not in part providing you give full attribution to James Spray.