William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty
Roni Agress, William Pitt Sotheby's International RealtyPhone: (203) 733-2656
Email: [email protected]

A simple guide to reverse mortgage loans

by Roni Agress 12/29/2024

Two individuals holding hands

A home is a big investment. As you continue to own a home, it builds equity over the years. This article provides a basic guide of reverse mortgages and how they put the power of your home’s equity back in your grasp.  

What are reverse mortgages? 

A reverse mortgage is a program meant for elders aged 62 and up. It allows them to borrow some of the equity that has built up for their home in the form of a loan. A reverse mortgage lender offers participants to choose a loan type. From there, they can decide if they want a line of credit or lump sum of funding. 

How do you qualify for a reverse mortgage loan? 

To qualify for a reverse mortgage loan, you have to meet these criteria: 

  • Owner of the property bust be at least 62 years old
  • Home must be completely owned or be mostly paid off
  • Must show finances are available to continue paying property taxes
  • Property must be the primary residents 

Once you’ve qualified and been approved for this kind of loan, it’s then time to decide which loan type you’ll utilize. 

Reverse mortgage Types

There are multiple loan types to choose from: 

  • HECMs or Home equity conversion mortgages can be used for almost anything. They are supported by Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Housing
  • Single-Purpose Reverse Mortgages are more affordable. They can be provided by the state and can be used for specific reasons specified by the loan lender. 
  • Proprietary reverse mortgages are not supported by the government. They come with their own requirements for eligibility. These loans are private and easy to obtain. 

Reverse mortgages are helpful for life expenses. Speak with a reverse mortgage lender today to explore your next loan options.

About the Author
Author

Roni Agress

Roni Agress brings to William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty an accomplished and diverse history spanning three decades in entertainment management. Her experience, representing and assisting international performing artists and the administration of their production companies led to the establishment of her own firm in 1995. A passion for excellence, a strong work ethic and a commitment to getting the job done and an ability to anticipate, meet and manage is the foundation upon which Roni has built her career as a full-time realtor. As a resident of Redding, Connecticut since 1989, she possesses a detailed knowledge of the local markets, trends and values. Enthusiasm, vitality, resourcefulness and a can-do spirit accompany every transaction. Roni specializes in residential sales and relocation. She is an award-winning Realtor, an Accredited Buyer Representative and is Relocation Certified. • 2001 to Present – Sales Associate Ridgefield-Redding Brokerage • Gold Star, Silver Star, and Bronze Star Performance Awards – William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty • #14 Company-wide in Units and #2 in Units in the Ridgefield Brokerage in 2013 • CT Magazine Five Star Performance Awards • 2011-2014 serving as a Director/Officer to the Ridgefield Board of Realtors