Comparing Reverse and Forward Mortgages

Many individuals who retire acquire most of their income from social security, pensions, and retirement accounts they have built over the years. However, these income streams may not be enough. Many of these retired individuals find themselves struggling no matter how well they budget their money.

That is where the reverse mortgage line of credit comes in. A reverse mortgage allows the homeowner to convert part of their homes equity into cash. In other words, the equity that is built up throughout years of mortgage payments can be paid back to the homeowner.

This is unlike a traditional second mortgage or home equity loan for the fact that there is no required repayment until the borrower no longer uses that home as their primary residence. Also, the older the borrower, the higher the loan can be because of the amount of equity that has accumulated over time.

To get a reverse mortgage, excellent credit is not required, nor does a steady income have to be coming in. The main factor is that the person doing the borrowing is actually the owner of the home.

The other type of mortgage, and the more traditional type, the forward mortgage is the type that is used when buying a house. In this case, the borrower must have a steady source of income and good credit. If payments are defaulted upon, the home can be taken away because the home itself is what secures the mortgage.

As payments are made on a forward mortgage, the equity within the home grows. This is because it is the difference between the amount of the mortgage and what has been paid into it. Once the last payment is made, the homeowner then owns the home.

However, the reverse mortgage is the complete opposite of the forward mortgage. This is because the debt increases as the equity decreases. The borrower is not making monthly payments, but the equity is eaten up because there is interest added to it as the money is paid out to the borrower.

Eventually, this mortgage must come due and there could be a large amount owed, depending on the length of the loan. If the value of the home has decreased at any point, it is very possible that there may not be any equity left to borrow from. If the value of the home increases, then there will be more equity to borrow from.

When it is time for the loan repayment to come due, it is usually because the homeowner is selling the home and will not be using it as their primary residence anymore. They usually move to assisted living facilities or an apartment that makes moving around easier. The money that is used to sell the home is usually used to pay back the equity that they have borrowed.

For those wondering what the differences are between a reverse mortgage and the traditional forward mortgage, this should clear that up. This should also help you decide whether or not a reverse mortgage is something that can help when money is needed.