Knowing when you shouldn’t get a reverse mortgage

As a rule of thumb, reverse mortgages are designed for people who plan to live in their homes for at least five years (but more likely 8 to 12 years). Some senior homeowners are over optimistic about their current living situations, believing that they can continue living in their homes indefinitely, even though their doctor or concerned family has other ideas. Others aren’t patient enough to wait a few years to make the loan worthwhile before picking up and moving to Cancun. Of course, if you’re on the elder end of the borrower spectrum and need the funds from a reverse mortgage despite the fact that you may only hold the loan for a couple of years, don’t let that five-year timeframe keep you from seeking out the loan. Again, only you and your lending professionals know what’s right for you, but you’ll probably want to think twice about getting a reverse mortgage if any of these apply to you:

Your home is damaged beyond the point of repair. Reverse mortgages are great for revamping a few rooms, or making a home more accessible, but they don’t work miracles. Unlike the shows you may have seen on TV, you won’t be able to tear down your home and build a new one if there are major structural or foundation problems. Dangerous electrical or plumbing may also be an issue. Sometimes it’s better to cut and run. You may be able to purchase a new home with the Home Keeper for Purchase, but don’t expect anyone to let you stay in a house that’s crumbling.

You’re young and have plenty of money. Just because you’re 62 doesn’t mean you need to run out and apply for a reverse mortgage. The lenders aren’t going anywhere — there’s no rush. In fact, as we noted earlier, the younger you are, the less money you’ll get from your loan. If you can live off your nest egg for a few years, wait to get your reverse mortgage. Not only will you save money, you’ll get more money as well.

You think you’ll want to move out in the next couple of years. Reverse mortgages get less expensive the longer you have them. Moving out too soon means you’ll pay more for the privilege of having a loan, which is less money you’ll have for your fun and extravagant lifestyle or for the needs you took the loan out for in the first place. If you stay longer, you win. A reverse mortgage isn’t usually the best short-term solution.

You are ill and don’t believe you’ll live as long as the lender predicts. Just like moving out too soon, it doesn’t make sense to take out a loan that you know you’ll never be able to fully enjoy. Keep in mind, however, that sometimes need overrides financial considerations and the reverse mortgage is still your best choice. The loan may allow you to live out your last years more comfortably than your could otherwise manage. Make sure your counselor explains the pros and cons, and don’t be afraid to tell him or her about your condition. They need to know all the facts.

You have a spouse or other person living in your home who doesn’t qualify for a reverse mortgage. The loan becomes due and payable when the borrower (or last remaining borrower) permanently leaves the residence. That means if you get the loan when you’re 65 and your spouse is 57 and you die or move out for any reason, your spouse will be responsible for paying off your mortgage, which often means selling the house. If you can’t add all residents to the mortgage, you may want to wait or seek out a different option.