
The FHA maximum claim amount for HECM Reverse Mortgages has been $625,500 since President Obama increased it in the stimulus package in 2008. It is schedule to go back to $417,000 on December 31st 2011 unless Congress votes to extend it. In the San Francisco Bay Area, this means many older homeowners will not qualify for a reverse mortgage as their existing mortgage to be paid off will be higher than the reverse mortgage will allow. For example, 72 year old homeowner with a home valued at $600,000 would now get $392,000 or pay off a mortgage up to that amount without bringing in additional cash. On October 1st, that same $600,000 home will only provide $272,000. Folks, that’s $120,000 less! If that isn’t a good enough reason to start your reverse mortgage now, consider this: fixed rate reverse mortgages are in the mid 4% range (may even go back down to and some fixed rate options have no origination fee.
Consider a reverse mortgage as part of your smart financial plan. If you are drawing money from your retirement plan (paying taxes) and paying towards mortgage payments, it’s smart to get a reverse mortgage and get rid of those mortgage payments forever. Draw less funds, lower your taxes and enjoy life more.
Give me a call, Maggie O’Connell and let’s talk. No sales talk, but good solid information and ideas on how to structure your retirement in a better way utilizing a FHA government insured reverse mortgage. (800) 489-0986 and for more information go to www.ReverseMortgageStore.com

