Colorado Reverse Mortgage FAQs

In 2010, more than 78,000 reverse mortgages were insured by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These federally insured loans, also called Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), have increased in popularity as older Americans tapped the equity in their homes so they could age in place. Since the program began in 1990, more than 660,000 reverse mortgages have been issued.

FAQ #1 - Am I Eligible for a Colorado Reverse Mortgage?

Before applying for a Colorado Reverse Mortgage, there are some facts to consider. The first question is whether you are eligible.

To qualify for a Colorado Reverse Mortgage you must be at least 62 years old. In the case of a couple or co-owners, both must be 62 if their names both appear on the title to the house.

You must live in your home, own your home outright, or be able to pay off your home with the proceeds from a Colorado Reverse Mortgage. In other words, you must have enough equity in your home.

Eligibility assessments use an FHA calculation that considers:

Age of the homeowner
Property’s value
Balance on existing mortgages
Expected interest rate
Principal lending limit

You must own as your primary residence a single-family home, qualified condominium, townhouse, manufactured home, or a 1 to 4 family owner-occupied property.

Factors that do not affect Colorado Reverse Mortgage eligibility are:

Income
Credit score
Bankruptcy
Health of the homeowners

The Colorado Reverse Mortgage is an excellent financial planning tool that is used by homeowners from all walks of life to enhance their retirement years. While some need a Colorado Reverse Mortgage more than others, the growing popularity of this product is evidence of its benefit in a wide array of financial circumstances.

If you think you or a loved one qualifies, and are interested in finding out more about what a Colorado Reverse Mortgage could do for you, call our office, and we’ll help you sort everything out. You can reach us toll free at: 877-299-5500.

Until then, click here to try our calculator, and see how much money you could get with a Colorado Reverse Mortgage.

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FAQ #2 - Must My Home be Paid Off to Qualify for a Colorado Reverse mortgage?

Some people think their house must be paid off before they can qualify for a reverse mortgage. Nothing is farther from the truth.

Seniors with an outstanding first mortgage or other debt on their home may still qualify for a Colorado Reverse Mortgage. The proceeds of the reverse mortgage, though, must first be used to pay off those debts.

Many seniors are finding they can use a reverse mortgage to pay off their existing mortgage, or to pay off other debt. The important thing is how much equity they have in their home.

For many seniors, the equity in their home is their largest single asset, yet it is unavailable to use unless they take out a home equity loan. But a traditional loan doesn't free up the equity without penalty, because the money has to be paid back, with interest.

A Colorado Reverse Mortgage, on the other hand, taps into home equity without creating new monthly payments, and without requiring the money to be paid back during a person's lifetime. Instead of making payments, the cash flow is reversed, and the senior receives payments from the bank. Thus the title "reverse mortgage".

So if you still owe money on your home, that alone does not disqualify you from getting a Colorado Reverse Mortgage. To learn more about whether you qualify and what the benefits to you may be, call our office toll free at: 877-299-5500.
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FAQ #3 - Must I Receive Counseling before I Can Get a Colorado Reverse Mortgage?

Yes! Counseling is a very important consumer protection required by law for the federally insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM. The purpose of counseling is for you to meet with an independent third party who can review your circumstances and recommend whether a Colorado Reverse Mortgage is the best option for you, and determine if there is a better option.

You can be counseled in person or over the phone from a HUD-approved counseling agency. Another option is a phone session from a national counseling agency such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, Money Management International, CredAbility, or the National Council on Aging. Lenders will provide you with a list of at least nine counseling agencies to choose from.

Since 2010, HUD has required counselors to pass an exam before they are eligible to meet with prespective borrowers. They must also meet continuing education requirements, so that they are kept informed about industry developments and product changes. Your counselor will follow a strict set of protocols that dictate what must be covered during the counseling session.