Reverse mortgages have evolved from a needs-based product to a product many financial planners recommend as an important component of a comprehensive retirement plan. Below, the myths are separated from the facts. Myth 1: The bank owns the home. Fact: The homeowner always maintains title ownership and control of their home, and they have the freedom to decide when and if they'd like to move or sell. Myth 2: Those with a reverse mortgage will owe more than their house is worth. F...

A reverse mortgage is an attractive product for so many people who are at least 55 years old. Traditionally, a reverse mortgage gives people the money to stay in their home and enjoy their retirement years. This is still the number one use of a reverse mortgage, but did you know that there are many other ways in which you can use a reverse mortgage? From my experience, here are five innovative uses: 1. Investment Properties: Do you want that equity in your home to be working hard for you du...

A reverse mortgage is a loan secured against the value of your home, but with NO monthly payments required. You always maintain ownership and control of your home. The most common form of a reverse mortgage is that you receive a lump sum of money up front. The amount depends on your age and the value of your home. Interest accrues on the mortgage amount but you do not make any payments for the life of the mortgage. Three basic criteria to qualify: First is that you are at least 55 years old...

The first thing to keep in mind is that interest rates are at an all-time low.  Whether you qualify for 2.59% or 3.29% or even 4.99%, it is still a very low cost of borrowing. A mortgage for most people is the cheapest form of borrowing money. Now let's consider the lender's perspective. Lenders have money that they want to loan out as mortgages, and they need to earn a return on their money. The higher the risk of the investment, the higher the rate of interest charged.&nbsp...

One of the questions I get most frequently is "why use a broker, why not just go to a bank?" When I got my first mortgage about 18 years ago, I went straight to my bank and filled out an application. I didn't even know that mortgage brokers existed. I accepted whatever rate the bank offered and bought my first condo. Looking back, I had no idea what mortgage options were available or what rates other lenders were offering. The mortgage industry has come a long way in 18 ye...