Reverse Mortgages, Most Common Features:

A reverse mortgage is a special type of loan that seniors can sometimes get to convert the equity in their homes to cash.

Many reverse mortgages offer special appeal to older adults because the loan advances, which are not taxable, generally do not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits.

Originally designed for retirees interested in keeping their homes but whose incomes aren't sufficient to support them, reverse mortgages have typically been used to help people on low fixed incomes make ends meet, make needed home repairs or pay for large medical bills that otherwise would be unaffordable.

Depending on the plan, reverse mortgages generally allow homeowners to retain title to their homes until they permanently move, sell their home, die, or reach the end of a pre-selected loan term.

Generally, a move is considered permanent when the homeowner has not lived in the home for 12 consecutive months. So, for example, a person could live in a nursing home or other medical facility for up to 12 months before the reverse mortgage would be due.

However, be aware that:

Reverse mortgages tend to be more costly than traditional loans because they are rising-debt loans.

The interest is added to the principal loan balance each month. So, the total amount of interest owed increases significantly with time as the interest compounds.

Reverse mortgages use up all or some of the equity in a home. That leaves fewer assets for the homeowner and his or her heirs.

Lenders generally charge origination fees and closing costs; some charge servicing fees. How much is up to the lender.

Interest on reverse mortgages is not deductible on income tax returns until the loan is paid off in part or whole.

Because homeowners retain title to their home, they remain responsible for taxes, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and other housing expenses.

Getting a Good Deal.

If you decide to consider a reverse mortgage, shop around and compare terms.

Look at the:

Annual percentage rate (APR), which is the yearly cost of credit. type of interest rate. Some plans provide for fixed rate interest; others involve adjustable rates that change over the loan term based on market conditions, number of points (fees paid to the lender for the loan) and other closing costs.

Some lenders may charge steep costs, which your lender may offer to finance. However, if you agree to this, you'll take out fewer proceeds from the loan or you'll borrow an extra amount, which will be added to your loan balance and you'll owe more interest at the end of the loan. Total Amount Loan Cost (TALC) rates.

The TALC rate is the projected annual average cost of a reverse mortgage, including all itemized costs.

It shows what the single all-inclusive interest rate would be if the lender could charge only interest and no fees or other costs. payment terms, including acceleration clauses.

They state when the lender can declare the entire loan due immediately. Under the federal Truth in Lending Act, lenders must disclose these terms and other information before you sign the loan.

On plans with adjustable rates, they must provide specific information about the variable rate feature.

On plans with credit lines, they must inform the applicant about appraisal or credit report charges, attorney's fees, or other costs associated with opening and using the account.

Be sure you understand these terms and costs.