Juhani Tontti asked:




The reverse mortgage loan is a long term solution. Many seniors seem to think, that when they postpone the financial decisions, the time will handle the issue. Unfortunately,. The time just worsens the things and the only wise thing is to make the decision now. And, the reverse mortgage loan is just one option.

1. It Is Important To Act Quickly.

The limit is 3 months. If a senior is 3 months, or more, behind with his mortgage payments, it is important to act quickly. The first thing is to contact the lender and to tell him honestly, what is your situation and whether he has some tips, what to do. You can also ask, whether the reverse mortgage loan would be useful in your situation.

Most obviously a senior needs more disposable money to be able to handle all the monthly costs. When he has an old mortgage left, which he has to pay monthly, the reverse mortgage loan can handle two things. A senior can pay away the old mortgage with the reverse loan, which gives him more disposable money. Exactly, what he needs. The reverse loan has no monthly payments.

2. The Importance Of The Good Credit Score.

The credit score is like a good health. When it is okay, you will not even notice it, but when you have lost it, it causes many troubles. The bad credit score makes the borrowing more expensive or even impossible. If a senior meets the foreclosure, his credit score will drop by 250 – 300 points for 10 years. And he will lose the home.

3. How The Reverse Home Mortgage Will Help A Senior?

The best feature of this loan type is, that the lender will pay to the senior. A senior has to have a home, where he has an equity left, which is his permanent home. The age must be 62 or over.

By taking the reverse loan, he transfers a part of the home equity into cash money. This means extra disposable money every month. On the top of this, he can pay away the traditional mortgage with the reverse one, which further adds his disposable monthly cash. The new loan capital, interests and all costs will be paid, when the loan will be closed. This happens, when the borrower will move away, sell the home or die.

4. How The Loan Amount Is Calculated?

There is a maximum limit of $ 625.000. The age of the borrower, the interest rate level and the appraised value of the home are the 3 factors, which influence on the loan amount. The thumb rule is, that the older the borrower is, the higher the appraised home value and the lower the interest rates, the more a senior can borrow.

5. This Is A Must: A Senior Has To Meet The Counselor.

Before a senior can sign the reverse mortgage loan contract he has to meet the counselor, says the law. This is very good, because the counselors are free to guide also concerning other options and they are not salespeople. A senior makes it wise, if he will prepare well for this meeting, because it can be honestly useful.

Leslie

Steven Cancel asked:


It has never been a better time to consider getting a home loan with rates at historic lows and home prices softening. Purchasing a home is often the biggest investment one will make within their lifetime. Prior to purchasing a home there are many things to consider. You will want to have goals in place that support your decision and loan type. Different loan types can cater to your current and future financial needs. Always understand that mortgage companies understand that your needs and future expectations change. At any point you’re within your loan you can refinance and adjust your loan type and length but this often includes fees and charges that can be avoided by not changing the terms of your loan.

The first step one should take in consult with a seasoned loan professional. This would include a mortgage broker or loan officer that has been originating mortgages for a long period of time. It is not wise to make such a large investment with someone who is not familiar with each aspect of the industry. Create a list of questions that you have prior to contacting the professional so they will get a good feel of what your goals and expectations are. Be prepared for a credit check and be able to provide up to 2 years of income documentation. Your loan specialist will then provide you with an amount you will be able to get approved for along with what the expected monthly payment will be should you decide to take a loan out for the given amount.

If your goal is to purchase a home to live in it for at least 30 years it is best to get a 30 year fixed mortgage. This will allow your new home to be fully paid off over a 30 year period. After 30 years you will only have the loan paid off but you will also have equity that was obtained. Over the history of the real estate industry, housing pricing has shown incredible returns for their owners. Many other options are also available such as lower fixed periods, ARM, and jumbo loans. Your mortgage professional will best fit you with your loan type.

As a consumer it is also important that you trust your loan professional. Should you decide purchasing a home is the right path for your future you should make sure that the origination process is completed in a reasonable manner? Loan professionals are paid on what is known on the industry as points. Each point is a percentage on the actual amount being provided from the lender. These points can be clearly stated on the loan forms but also can be included in the actual rate you are being provided. Ensure you are aware of all the charges you acquiring to prevent from being over charged by a loan professional.



ALLAN

Kristin Abouelata – Home Loans asked:


"In order to promote the production of more affordable new housing units for very low, low and moderate income individuals and families in the state, to promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for such persons, and to bring greater stability to the residential construction industry and related industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new housing units…"

Many times, people have heard of THDA and are confused, thinking that THDA is a certain loan type. In fact, it’s lending agency. All THDA mortgages must be insured by private mortgage insurance, FHA, VA or RECD And as these loans are intended for low to moderate income families or individuals, there is a income limit and acquisition cost limit. Also, you must be a first time homebuyer unless your home is in a targeted area.

Why is THDA so fantastic for a first time homebuyer? Well, it comes down to money. THDA offers a below market rate and will allow up to 100% financing. Have you been reading the papers lately? It’s not so easy to find 100% financing these days. Unless, that is, you’re a first time homebuyer. It also has programs that allow for down payment assistance via grants from certain approved agencies (if your loan type requires a down payment). If you have satisfactory credit and the home you wish to buy meets THDA’s standards, then you’re in business.

All THDA mortgages are 30 year fixed rate loans, so you needn’t worry about finding yourself with an ARM loan (adjustable rate mortgage) and a new payment you can’t afford in 3 years. And THDA allows lenders to only charge customers a standard 1% origination and .25% discount fee. It also closely monitors fees associated with the loan. THDA really looks out for the best interest of the first time homebuyer. If you are eligible for a THDA loan, you can feel pretty certain that an unscrupulous lender can’t take advantage of you because THDA won’t let them. For so many people, buying a home is pretty intimidating. THDA takes away the uncertainties a buyer faces with its guidelines and lending practices.

If you do apply for a THDA loan, be prepared to document your credit worthiness. THDA loans require slightly more documentation than your average loans because of the uniqueness of its product. In order to offer more, THDA asks for more – ensuring you qualify for its pretty awesome program. Sounds like a fair trade, if you ask me.

What are the disadvantages of a THDA loan? Not many. They do have a federal recapture tax if you sell your home within the first nine years of owning it. But it sounds scarier than it really is. I’ve heard that only about 1% of THDA customers actually pay this tax. That’s because a bunch of really great things have to happen to you in order for it to actually apply to you. And if those great things happen to you, paying the recapture tax won’t matter much to you anyway. I’ve been in the business for 16 years and have only heard of one person actually having to pay one. He graduated from medical school and his income when through the roof. His property was sold above market value than for the area because it was adjacent to some property that a huge retailer wanted to purchase. Again, good things have to happen to pay the recapture tax. So, you shouldn’t be afraid of it.

More people need to hear about and take advantage of the THDA loan programs. It’s such a great product and really helps the community and the housing industry. If you’re a first time homebuyer or think you’re in a targeted area, make sure you ask about THDA to see if you would qualify for a loan. You won’t regret it!



ERNEST