When used properly and with correct planning a reverse mortgage can be a
useful tool for both the middle class and even wealthy borrowers. The
key lies in analyzing the borrower’s current needs and making the best
decision for them.
Typical Situation for Middle Class
Many people in the middle class work in a career for 30+ years and
retire in their mid to late 60’s with a home that is either paid off or
close to being paid off within a handful of years. Thankfully, paying
off the mortgage will free a sizable portion of their income.
Unfortunately, most people retire with a noticeable decrease in their
monthly income.
A reverse mortgage can help this situation in a
number of ways. The easiest solution is to borrow 65% to 70% of the
home’s value and receive monthly payments. The payments will usually be
enough to offset most of the loss in income. A second method is to get a
lump sum distribution and use the money to invest in safe resources
like bonds and low risk mutual funds that will yield enough interest to
supplement the borrower’s income. Other possible resources that can be
purchased would be rental property or a silent partnership in a stable
company.
Typical Situation for Moderately Wealthy
People that have been accustomed to a 6 figure job will find it
mentally and emotionally difficult to drop down to a slightly less
expensive lifestyle when they retire. Fortunately, these individuals
usually have homes that are in the higher price range of $400,000 and
up. With homes at these price levels it is possible to get a higher
reverse mortgage amount. The current maximum reverse mortgage amount is
$625,500 but that may likely change at the beginning of the new year
back to $417,000.
Even at the lower amount it is still possible for borrowers to get a
sizable loan and use it for investing purposes. Like the previous
example, the borrowers can use the money to invest in multiple ways. The
difference is that the bigger amounts would allow for a wider range of
diversity.
For instance, if a couple aged 65+ chose to get a $400,000 loan they could use the money in the following way:
Purchase a modest home for $125,000 and rent it out for $875 to $1125
per month, depending on the areaInvest $100,000 in bonds and mutual
funds that are yielding between 4% and 5% annually, resulting in $3,300
income per monthBuy a vacation home in the mountains or the beach that
averages $400 per month in rental incomePut $50,000 away in savings for
possible medical bills
Grand total of monthly income from investments: $4,575
As you can see, a reverse mortgage can literally change a person’s
financial status in a short amount of time and put them in a much better
position to live a comfortable life while also building up a sizable
nest egg to leave to their children.