The More You Know: Reverse Mortgages & Estate Planning
You have likely seen several advertisements for reverse mortgages if you have spent any time watching television or surfing on the internet. The concept is a simple one: as long as you own and live in your home, you can supplement your retirement income with a loan that you do not need to pay off. The trade-off when it comes to a reverse mortgage is that you are using your home’s equity to receive that extra retirement income. Even if a reverse mortgage is right for your circumstances, entering into a reverse mortgage is something that should be understood fully before signing any paperwork.
Reverse Mortgages Explained
How they work: Most reverse mortgages are federally insured and have several requirements including:
- at least one borrower is aged 62 or older;
- the home must be the primary residence;
- the borrower must have financial resources for the up keep of the home (taxes, insurance, maintenance); and
- the borrower must own the home outright or have a low enough “regular” mortgage.
Impact on your estate plan: If you plan on leaving your home to your heirs, understand that a reverse mortgage will reduce the value they receive. Depending on when you pass away and how long the reverse mortgage was in place, your home’s equity may have been exhausted meaning that there is nothing of value to leave your heirs. In that case, your heirs may need to pay off or refinance the mortgage to keep the house.
Retirement income: The positive trade-off of a reverse mortgage is that you will have an additional source of retirement income, which can be received in several different ways including: (1) an upfront lump-sum, (2) a monthly payout, or (3) a line of credit. Each scenario has its own tax, borrowing costs, and home value implications. If you’re considering a reverse mortgage, talk to your financial advisor and estate planning attorney first, to make sure you select the best payout option for your circumstances.
Buyer beware: It is important to make sure you avoid scams that are pretending to be legitimate reverse mortgages. One way to help avoid being tricked is to make sure you work with a reputable provider. You should also make sure that a reverse mortgage is a good fit for your financial needs before signing any documents. Finally, consider the estate planning impact entering into a reverse mortgage may have on your intended wishes once you are gone.
The Implications of Reverse Mortgages
There are several factors to take into consideration when you are contemplating a reverse mortgage. Specifically, the effect it will have on your estate plan, the type of retirement income you are trying to obtain, scams to watch out for, and anything unique to your circumstances. There are several questions you should address before deciding whether or not a reverse mortgage is right for you. These include:
- Can the life insurance you have in place pay off your reverse mortgage?
- Will your reverse mortgage exceed your home’s value when you pass away?
- What will happen to others living in the home if you die without paying off the loan?
Seek Advice
In addition to shopping around to find a reverse mortgage lender with terms that are most favorable to you, you should also determine whether a reverse mortgage is right for you and your needs. At McDonald Law Firm, we can help you and your family learn more about the impact a reverse mortgage will have on your estate plan. Contact Andre O. McDonald, a knowledgeable Howard County estate planning, special-needs planning and Medicaid/long-term care planning attorney at (443) 741-1088 for a no obligation consultation.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION POSTED ON THIS BLOG IS INTENDED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONVEY LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE.
