25 Ways to Use a Reverse Mortgage

25 Ways to Use a Reverse Mortgage

A few ideas for advisers and their clients.

Reverse mortgages allow homeowners age 62 or better to convert the equity in their primary residence into a liquid, tax-free asset.

  1. Pay off your forward mortgage to reduce your monthly expenses.
  2. Re-model your home to accommodate aging limitations.
  3. Maintain a line of credit (that grows) for health emergencies and surprises.
  4. Cover monthly expenses and hold on to other assets while their value continues to grow.
  5. Cover monthly expenses and avoid selling assets at depressed values.
  6. Pay for health insurance during early retirement years until Medicare eligible at 65.
  7. Pay your Medicare Part B and Part D costs.
  8. Combine life tenure payments with Social Security and income generated by assets to replace your salary and and maintain your monthly routine of paying bills from new income.
  9. Pay for your children’s or grandchildren’s college or professional education.
  10. Maintain a “standby” cash reserve to get you through the ups and downs of investment markets and give you more flexibility.
  11. Combine proceeds with sale of one home to buy a new home without a forward mortgage and monthly mortgage payments (called a HECM for Purchase).
  12. Pay for long-term care needs.
  13. Fill the gap in a retirement plan caused by lower than expected returns on your assets.
  14. Pay for short term in-home care or physical therapy following an accident or medical episode.
  15. Pay for a retirement plan, estate plan, or will.
  16. Convert a room or basement to a living facility for an aging parent, relative, or caregiver.
  17. Set up transportation arrangements for when you are no longer comfortable driving.
  18. Create a set-aside to pay real estate taxes and property insurance.
  19. Delay collecting Social Security benefit until it maxes out at age 70.
  20. Eliminate credit card debt and avoid building new credit debt.
  21. Cover monthly expenses in between jobs or during career transition without utilizing other saved assets.
  22. Cover expenses and avoid capital gains tax consequences of selling off other assets.
  23. Purchase health-related technology that enables you to age-in-place.
  24. Pay for an Uber or Lyft account so you have mobility and access to appointments and social activities.
  25. Help your adult children through family emergencies.

Credit: HECM Advisors Group.

One Response to “25 Ways to Use a Reverse Mortgage”

  1. I think it’s a great idea to set away a bit of cash to help you through tough times if you need it. My wife and I are trying to purchase our first home next year and need to find a good mortgage. We aren’t sure how this whole process works so we are going to look for a professional that can help us understand.

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