Reverse Mortgage Loans

Article by Juhani Tontti

Have you ever thought, if you have taken the reverse mortgage loan, what the term permanent residence mean? Have you pondered, how long you are allowed to be on a vacation or in the hospital?

The HECM reverse mortgage loan is meant to arrange more disposable money to the senior. It uses the equity of the permanent home, i.e. the loan is taken against the home equity. Therefore it is natural, that there are certain rules about the usage of the home. The reverse mortgage uses the equity of the permanent home and nothing else is allowed.

The borrower must use the home as a primary home as long as the loan running time goes on. What does this mean for the senior, who wants to spend a part of the year in the second home, have to go to the hospital, wants to spend a long holiday or goes to a retirement home?

1. If A Borrower Leaves The Home Because Of Illness.

In this case the rules are quite clear. If the last borrower, max three is allowed, stays away from the primary home during 12 consecutive months, then the home is no longer a primary residence and the HECM reverse mortgage loan becomes due. The loan will never become due and payable, if one of the borrowers uses it as a primary residence.

2. Other Reasons.

It is odd, that the loan documents do not specify other reasons, like the vacations. However, the general rule is, that the home must be a primary residence all the time, but months long vacations are still allowed. He or they can travel to other countries and if one of the borrowers is using the home as his or her primary residence, then there is no problem.

3. Be Careful With Over One Year Absence.

Because the rules concerning the length of the absence are not clear, it is wise to avoid the longer absences, at least those over one year. And if the HECM reverse mortgage borrower is unsure, whether he will meet difficulties, it is wise to negotiate with the lender or with the counselor.

4. During The Absence The Property Must Be Kept In A Good Condition.

The lenders are interested about the condition of the home. A senior or seniors must keep the home in a good condition even if they are away for a longer period, The important season is the winter, which can hurt the home seriously, if something happens.

5. A Wise Senior Asks Before Any Absence Decision.

A wise senior remembers, that the HECM reverse mortgage lender has interests over the property, because the loan and its cost will be paid away, when the property is sold after the running time. The lender is especially concerned about the longer absences other than for the illness reason, especially during the winter.

It is not wise to make the lender nervous. Thus it is wise to talk with them or with the counselor about the longer absences and to arrange the property care, if needed.

About the Author

Juhani Tontti, B.Sc., Marketing. The Reverse Mortgage Borrower Must Be Careful With The Absence From The HECM Reverse Mortgage Primary Home. Visit: Reverse Mortgages