Life Events

How Reverse Mortgages and Existing Mortgages Are Connected

How Reverse Mortgages and Existing Mortgages Are Connected

Reverse mortgages are a popular financial option, allowing homeowners age 55 or older to tap into their home's equity for additional income. However, an existing mortgage can significantly impact the feasibility and implications of taking out a reverse mortgage. In this article, we will explore the connection between reverse mortgages and existing mortgages, how to calculate existing mortgage payments with a reverse mortgage, and strategies for managing both mortgages effectively.

Implications of Having an Existing Mortgage 

Having an existing mortgage while considering a reverse mortgage introduces certain complexities to your financial situation. When you take out a reverse mortgage, the loan amount will be based on your home's equity after paying off any outstanding mortgages or liens. Therefore, the higher the balance of your existing mortgage, the less available equity you'll be able to access through a reverse mortgage. This reduced equity could impact the amount of funds you can receive, potentially limiting its benefits in your family's specific case.

Additionally, it's important to understand that you are still responsible for keeping up with payments on your existing mortgage if you decide to apply for, and ultimately take out, a reverse mortgage. Failing to make timely payments on your original mortgage could result in the initiation of foreclosure proceedings.

GettyImages-1063372734_resized_foreclosure
Credit: Busà Photography/Getty Images

How to Calculate Existing Mortgage Payments with a Reverse Mortgage

To calculate existing mortgage payments when considering a reverse mortgage, you must first determine the monthly amount you owe on your current mortgage. This information can be found on your mortgage statement or by contacting your mortgage lender.

Next, you need to assess the eligibility and terms of the reverse mortgage you are considering. Different reverse mortgage products have varying requirements. Your reverse mortgage specialist will be able to help you compare different options that are available to you.

Calculate the potential amount you can borrow from the reverse mortgage and decide whether it will be sufficient to pay off your existing mortgage. Keep in mind that the reverse mortgage amount available to you may be influenced by your age, home value, interest rates, and other factors.

Strategies For Managing Existing Mortgage Payments

Managing both a reverse mortgage and an existing mortgage requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some strategies to help you simultaneously handle both of these major financial obligations without defaulting on one or the other:

Refinancing - If you have a considerable amount of equity in your home, consider refinancing your existing mortgage before applying for a reverse mortgage. By refinancing at a lower interest rate or extending the loan term, you can reduce your monthly mortgage payments, making it more manageable alongside the reverse mortgage. 

This could even eliminate the need for a reverse mortgage altogether in some cases if you are able to significantly lower your monthly payment.

Prioritize Payments - Ensure that you allocate sufficient funds from the reverse mortgage proceeds to cover your existing mortgage payments promptly. Timely payments on your traditional mortgage are crucial to maintaining long-term ownership of your home.

Seek Professional Advice - Consult your reverse mortgage specialist to evaluate the potential impact a reverse mortgage could have on your original mortgage and your overall financial situation. He or she can help you assess various scenarios and make an informed decision.

Consider Downsizing - If the burden of managing both mortgages becomes overwhelming, consider downsizing to a more affordable property. Selling your current home and moving to a smaller, less expensive property can help alleviate financial strain.

This is a challenging choice that is not right for every borrower. Most people prefer to exhaust all other options before selling their homes.

GettyImages-1171931385_resized_reverse-mortgage
Credit: Luis Alvarez/Getty Images

The connection between reverse mortgages and existing mortgages requires careful consideration. Having an existing mortgage can impact the amount of funds available through a reverse mortgage and requires managing both payments effectively. Remember that responsible financial planning and a thorough understanding of the implications of both reverse mortgages and existing mortgages are essential to maintaining financial stability throughout your retirement years.

Feature Image Credit: Richard Newstead/Getty Images

share this post
Search for matches...
David Gittelson

David Gittelson

Reverse Mortgage Advisors David Gittelson (Reverse Mortgage Specialist NMLS 224312) started his career in the lending and finance industry in 2001 and has supported close to two billion in transactions through hundreds of trusted professionals. In the early 2000's David used Reverse Mortgages to support his client's cash management and retirement strategies in collaboration with the client’s tax and financial advisers and continues today with even better products and solutions to support trusted advisers whose clients are fifty-five years and older.

Reverse Mortgage Advisors
0 reviews

California

Recommended Professionals

In the face of economic uncertainty, TaxBuzz is the industry's most up-to-date tax information.

Join 60,000 who get our weekly newsletter. No spam.

We know tax and accounting issues are complicated.

Do you have additional questions on this topic for this author?

Related Posts

Latest Posts