How Does a Hecm for Purchase Work for Home Buyers

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A HECM for Purchase is a type of reverse mortgage that allows homebuyers to purchase a new home using the equity from their existing home.

The process starts with the seller's existing home equity, which is used as a down payment for the new home. The seller can use up to 50% of their home's value, up to a maximum of $679,650.

This type of mortgage is especially useful for retirees who want to downsize to a smaller home but still want to use their existing home's equity to purchase the new home. It's a great way to make a smooth transition to a new home without having to come up with a large down payment.

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The Process

You'll start shopping for your new home, and your loan officer will help you understand how much you can afford. Your loan officer will be with you every step of the way to ensure you find the perfect home.

Smiling Senior Couple Listening to a Real Estate Agent Discussing About Home Mortgage
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You'll need to put down 50% to 60% of the purchase price, and the remaining balance will be financed by the reverse mortgage. This can be a significant upfront cost, but it's worth it to get the home you want.

A HECM for purchase at Mutual of Omaha Mortgage typically closes within 30 days. This is a relatively quick process, especially compared to traditional mortgages.

Before you can file a reverse mortgage loan application, you'll need to complete a counseling session with a third-party counselor approved by HUD. This is an important step to ensure you understand the terms and conditions of the loan.

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Who Qualifies for a HECM?

A HECM for Purchase can be a great option for retirees who want to relocate, downsize, or upsize in retirement.

You don't have to be a certain age to qualify, but you do need to be at least 62 years old to take advantage of this option. This is because HECM stands for Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, and it's a type of reverse mortgage that allows homeowners to tap into their home's equity.

For your interest: Hecm Program for Seniors

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To qualify, you'll also need to own your home outright or have a low balance on your mortgage. This is because the HECM for Purchase program allows you to use the equity in your current home to purchase a new one, eliminating the need for a traditional mortgage.

Some common reasons retirees want to move include downsizing to a smaller home, moving to a retirement community, or relocating to be closer to family. If you're in this situation, a HECM for Purchase could be a great way to make your move more affordable.

Here are some possible reasons you might want to move:

  • Their current home may be more house than what they need, and they want to downsize.
  • Their current home may be too expensive to maintain, or they want to live in a retirement community.
  • They may want to move closer to their family.
  • Their neighborhood may not be as safe as it was when they first bought it years ago, and they want to move to a safer community.

In fact, 49% of retirees don't downsize, and 30% purchase larger homes when they buy a new home in retirement, according to a study by Merrill Lynch and Age Wage. This means that a HECM for Purchase can be a great option for retirees who want to upsize or move to a new community.

How It Works

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A HECM for Purchase loan allows you to buy a new home without making monthly mortgage payments, as long as you're 62 years or older. This is a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured home loan that lets you use the equity from the sale of a previous residence to buy your next primary home in one transaction.

The amount of money you can receive from a HECM for Purchase Loan depends on your age, current interest rates, and the lesser of the appraised value, the purchase price, or the FHA lending limit. You'll need to set aside additional funds from loan proceeds to pay for taxes and insurance.

You can expect to put down 50% to 60% of the purchase price, with the remaining balance financed by the reverse mortgage. Your loan officer will help you understand how much you can afford and connect you with a third-party counselor approved by HUD for a required counseling session before filing a reverse mortgage loan application.

Here are some key benefits of a HECM for Purchase loan:

  • Eliminates monthly mortgage payments
  • Increases your purchase power
  • Preserves your cash

What's Different About Traditional Mortgages?

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Traditional mortgages can be quite different from HECM for Purchase loans, especially when it comes to repayment.

Most traditional mortgages don't have a non-recourse feature, which means the borrower could owe more than the home is worth.

Traditional mortgages typically require monthly principal and interest payments, unlike HECM for Purchase loans.

You can use a traditional mortgage to buy a wider range of properties, including second homes, vacation homes, and investment properties.

In contrast, HECM for Purchase loans are limited to single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and manufactured homes that meet HUD guidelines.

Traditional mortgages usually require a down payment, which can be a significant upfront cost.

A traditional mortgage doesn't allow you to keep more assets to use as you wish, unlike HECM for Purchase loans.

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Determining Your Proceeds

So, how much money can you get from a HECM for Purchase Loan? The amount you receive depends on the age of the youngest titleholder, current interest rates, and the lesser of the appraised value, the purchase price, or the FHA lending limit.

Couple celebrating their new home purchase with a sold sign, symbolizing real estate success.
Credit: pexels.com, Couple celebrating their new home purchase with a sold sign, symbolizing real estate success.

You'll need to consider that the funds available to you may be restricted for the first 12 months after loan closing, due to HECM requirements. This means you won't have full access to the loan proceeds right away.

To make the most of your loan, you'll need to set aside additional funds from loan proceeds to pay for taxes and insurance. This is an important consideration when planning your loan.

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How Reverse Mortgages Work

A reverse mortgage can seem complicated, but let's break it down. The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is a type of reverse mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). It allows homeowners 62 or older to borrow money using the equity in their home.

To qualify for a HECM, you must own your home outright or have a low balance on your mortgage. You can use the loan to purchase a new home or refinance your existing mortgage. In fact, the HECM for Purchase Loan can help you buy your next home without required monthly mortgage payments.

Credit: youtube.com, Reverse Mortgage Explained - How Do They Work?

The HECM is a non-recourse loan, meaning you can never owe more than the home is worth. This provides protection against owing more than the home is worth. You'll still be responsible for paying property taxes, insurance, and maintenance on your home.

One of the benefits of a HECM is that you can choose to repay as much or as little as you like each month, or make no monthly principal and interest payments. However, repayment is generally required once you sell the home, pass away, move out, or fail to meet your loan obligations.

Here's a comparison of HECM for Purchase and traditional mortgages:

As you can see, a HECM for Purchase offers more flexibility and protection than a traditional mortgage. However, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions of your loan before making a decision.

Mortgage Insurance Premiums

Borrowers pay FHA an upfront premium equal to either .5% of property value or 2.5%, depending on the size of cash draws upfront and in the first year.

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This upfront premium is financed, meaning you won't have to pay it out of pocket.

The monthly premium on all HECMs is 1.25%/12, which is an add-on to the interest due.

This premium is paid every month and is used to compensate FHA for the risks it assumes with a HECM.

What is a Loan?

A loan is a financial arrangement where you borrow money from a lender, and you agree to pay it back, usually with interest.

The amount you can borrow is determined by your age, interest rate, and the value of your property.

Older homeowners tend to have a bigger borrowing limit, especially if they have a more valuable home.

If you're married or have a co-applicant, the age of your spouse or co-borrower can affect the principal amount you're eligible for.

There are different ways to receive your loan, including a line of credit, monthly payouts, or a lump sum.

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Example and Benefits

Credit: youtube.com, What Is A HECM For Purchase and How Does It Work?

A HECM for Purchase can be a game-changer for seniors looking to buy their next home without monthly mortgage payments. The key is understanding how it works and what benefits it offers.

Don't worry if you're not sure what a HECM for Purchase is - we'll break it down step by step. Let's take a look at an example: Don, a 68-year-old, wants to move closer to family. He uses the proceeds from a HECM for Purchase Loan of $168,600 and a cash investment of $146,140 to purchase his next home, eliminating monthly mortgage payments.

In this scenario, Don's cash investment is $146,140, and he gets a loan of $168,600. This is a common arrangement for HECM for Purchase loans. The cash investment is essentially a down payment on the new home.

Here's a breakdown of the benefits of a HECM for Purchase:

  • Eliminates monthly mortgage payments
  • Increases your purchase power
  • Preserves your cash

To give you a better idea of how a HECM for Purchase works, let's look at some numbers. If you opt to downsize, you can get $164,000 financed by a Reverse Mortgage, leaving you with $264,000 in cash. On the other hand, if you upsize, you'll get $294,500 financed, leaving you with $94,500 in cash.

As you can see, the specifics of a HECM for Purchase loan can vary depending on your circumstances. The good news is that you can use this type of loan to buy your next home without worrying about monthly mortgage payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the down payment on a HECM for purchase?

A HECM for Purchase typically requires a down payment between 29% and 63% of the purchase price, depending on the borrower's age or their spouse's age if applicable. This down payment may be reduced if closing costs are financed.

Where can funds come from on a HECM for purchase transaction?

For a HECM for purchase transaction, funds can come from the borrower's own savings, the sale of a previous home, or gifts from family members, but not from borrowed money or bank financing. This means you can use your own money or money inherited from a previous home or gifted to you, but not money you've borrowed from others.

What is required before closing on a HECM for purchase when purchasing a newly built property?

Before closing on a HECM for purchase, the mortgagor and seller must agree on a physical occupancy date and the lender must confirm occupancy. This ensures a smooth closing process for the newly built property.

What is the downside of an HECM loan?

An HECM loan can increase your debt over time due to interest and fees, potentially affecting your eligibility for needs-based programs like Medicaid

Felicia Koss

Junior Writer

Felicia Koss is a rising star in the world of finance writing, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics into accessible, engaging pieces. Her articles have covered a range of topics, from retirement account loans to other financial matters that affect everyday people. With a focus on clarity and concision, Felicia's writing has helped readers make informed decisions about their financial futures.

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