If you are a homeowner age 62 or older and have paid off your mortgage or paid down a considerable amount, and are currently living in the home, you may participate in FHA’s HECM program. The HECM is FHA’s reverse mortgage program that enables you to withdraw a portion of your home’s equity.
FHA reverse mortgages are increasing in popularity with seniors who have equity in their homes and want to supplement their income. The only reverse mortgage insured by the U.S. Federal Government is called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), and is only available through an FHA-approved lender.
The amount that will be available for withdrawal varies by borrower and depends on:
- Age of the youngest borrower or eligible non-borrowing spouse;
- Current interest rate; and
- Lesser of appraised value or the HECM FHA mortgage limit or the sales price.
If there is more than one borrower and no eligible non-borrowing spouse, the age of the youngest borrower is used to determine the amount you can borrow.
You can also use a HECM to purchase a primary residence if you are able to use cash on hand to pay the difference between the HECM proceeds and the sales price plus closing costs for the property you are purchasing.
Information provided from Hud.gov
Note: Federal loan programs are subject to change.
