Reverse Mortgage CT: Understanding the Process and Benefits

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A reverse mortgage in Connecticut can be a great way to tap into your home's equity, but it's essential to understand the process and benefits before making a decision.

To be eligible for a reverse mortgage in CT, you must be at least 62 years old and own your home outright or have a low balance on your mortgage.

You can use the proceeds from a reverse mortgage to pay off your existing mortgage, make home improvements, or supplement your retirement income.

The amount you can borrow is based on the value of your home, your age, and current interest rates, with the maximum loan limit set at $822,375 in Connecticut.

Qualifications & Requirements

To qualify for a reverse mortgage in Connecticut, you'll need to meet certain requirements. You can find more information on the eligibility page.

You must be at least 62 years old to be eligible for a reverse mortgage.

A GoodLife Reverse Mortgage Specialist can help answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process.

You're free to reach out to them directly for personalized assistance.

Lending Limits & Options

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Connecticut FHA Reverse Home Loan Limits vary from county-to-county, with property values tending to be high and limits ranging from above average to high.

To qualify for a federally insured HECM, borrowers must choose a HUD-approved lender from the list, which requires lenders to have made a HECM within the last year.

The HUD Home Equity Conversion Mortgage is designed to provide a reverse mortgage for the average homeowner.

The median home value in Connecticut is $405,746 as of January 2025, with many homes falling under the federal reverse mortgage lending limit of $1,209,750, making them eligible for HECM loans.

For homes valued above this limit, proprietary jumbo reverse mortgage programs are available for more borrowing power.

Eligible Payment Amount

Your eligible payment amount will vary based on your age, with older CT residents receiving more.

The amount you're eligible for also depends on interest rates, with lower rates giving you more borrowing power.

To get a better idea of how much you may be able to access, you can use our reverse mortgage calculator for a free estimate.

Your home's value is another factor, with higher values resulting in more proceeds.

Opportunities

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Connecticut has a high median home value, with a 6.3% increase over the previous year, reaching $405,746 as of January 2025.

Many Connecticut homes fall under the federal reverse mortgage lending limit of $1,209,750, making them eligible for HECM loans.

Around 823,529 residents are aged 62 and older, and more than 76% of those 65 and older are homeowners in Connecticut.

This means there are many potential candidates for reverse mortgage loans in the state.

The state's western region is the most affluent and populated area, which may impact the availability of reverse mortgage options.

As of 2024, Connecticut has an estimated population of approximately 3.6 million residents.

Connecticut borrowers seeking a HECM should choose a lender from the HUD-approved lender list.

Lenders must have made a HECM within the last year to make this list.

Paying Back a Reverse Mortgage

You can use the money you get from a reverse mortgage to pay the various fees that are charged on the loan, which is called "financing" the loan costs. These costs are added to your loan balance, and you pay them back plus interest when the loan is over.

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The amount you're eligible to receive from a reverse mortgage varies based on your age, interest rates, and home value. Older CT residents receive more, and a higher home value means more proceeds.

You won't have to worry about making monthly payments on a reverse mortgage, but you'll still need to pay back the loan when it's due. This typically happens when the last surviving borrower dies, sells the home, or permanently moves out of the home.

A permanent move means that neither you nor any other co-borrower has lived in your home for one continuous year.

Understanding the Process

To understand the process of a reverse mortgage in Connecticut, you can start by visiting GoodLife's reverse mortgage guide, a free download that explains the HECM program.

The guide will walk you through the various options for using proceeds from a reverse mortgage in Connecticut, such as covering living expenses.

Constitution State residents can also reach out to one of GoodLife's Reverse Mortgage Specialists if they have further questions after reading the guide.

Process

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In Connecticut, you can use proceeds from a reverse mortgage for various options.

The application process for a reverse mortgage in Connecticut is relatively quick and painless.

You can download GoodLife's reverse mortgage guide to learn more about the HECM program, which explains everything you need to know.

The reverse mortgage application process with GoodLife involves just 4 simple steps.

You can reach out to one of GoodLife's Reverse Mortgage Specialists if you have any questions after downloading the guide.

Originations by City

As you delve into the world of reverse mortgages, you'll notice that the process varies from city to city. The top city for reverse mortgage originations is Bristol, with a total of 436 originations.

Bristol's high ranking is likely due to its large population and proximity to other major cities in the state. The city's residents may be more familiar with the concept of reverse mortgages and more likely to take advantage of this financial option.

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Here's a breakdown of the top 5 cities for reverse mortgage originations:

These cities are followed closely by Stamford, Bridgeport, and Wallingford, which all have over 200 originations. It's worth noting that the number of originations can fluctuate from year to year, but these cities have consistently ranked high in recent years.

Tax Deferrals & Other Benefits

In Connecticut, property tax deferrals are available in some municipalities, allowing seniors to divert a portion of their home's equity to pay taxes.

These programs work similarly to reverse mortgages, but the funds are specifically used for property taxes, not home improvements or other purposes.

Some municipalities offer property tax deferral programs, which can be a valuable option for seniors struggling to pay their property taxes.

These programs are often low-cost and can provide significant relief for seniors facing tax burdens.

A statewide senior citizen property tax deferral program has been considered in Connecticut, but so far, it's only available on a local basis.

By taking advantage of these programs, seniors can enjoy greater financial stability and peace of mind.

Leaving a Legacy

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You can leave your house to your heirs, but it depends on the status of your reverse mortgage. Your reverse mortgage is due when you move out of the home or pass away.

At that point, you or your estate must settle the loan by repaying the balance or selling the house to repay the balance. You can repay your HECM loan at any time.

If you're considering leaving a legacy, it's essential to understand the implications of your reverse mortgage on your estate.

FHA Loan Limits & More

Connecticut has a significant population of homeowners aged 62 and older, with over 823,529 residents in this demographic.

The state's western region is the most affluent and populated area, with a high percentage of homeowners aged 65 and older.

To qualify for a federally insured HECM, borrowers must choose a lender from the HUD-approved lender list, and the lender must have made a HECM within the last year.

Property values in Connecticut are relatively high, with FHA mortgage limits varying from county-to-county, from a bit above average to high.

Current

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If you're currently dealing with a mortgage in Connecticut, it's essential to understand that the debt you owe on a reverse mortgage is equal to all the loan advances you receive, including any used to finance the loan or pay off prior debt.

The interest added to your loan balance is also included in this total amount. This is a crucial aspect to consider when paying back the loan.

Your home's value plays a significant role in determining how much you owe on the reverse mortgage. If the amount owed is less than your home's worth, you or your estate get to keep the difference.

FHA Loan Limits

FHA loan limits vary from county-to-county, with property values in Connecticut tending to be a bit high.

In Connecticut, these limits are key in determining who qualifies to borrow a federally insured HECM.

The HUD Home Equity Conversion Mortgage is designed to provide a reverse mortgage for the average homeowner.

Connecticut borrowers seeking a HECM should choose a lender from the HUD-approved lender list.

Lenders must have made a HECM within the last year to make this list.

Differences & Comparisons

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In Connecticut, there are two types of reverse mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) and proprietary reverse mortgages.

A key difference between HECMs and proprietary reverse mortgages is that HECMs are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), while proprietary reverse mortgages are not.

HECMs typically have more lenient credit and income requirements compared to proprietary reverse mortgages.

Is a Home Equity Loan Different Than a Home Loan?

A home equity loan is indeed different than a home loan. Home equity loans require you to make monthly payments, whereas home loans, like reverse mortgages, do not.

Qualifying for a home equity loan can be more difficult than for a home loan, such as a reverse mortgage, which has more relaxed income requirements.

Home equity loans are typically better suited for short-term needs, while home loans are better for longer-term financial planning.

Differences Between Mortgage and Regular Loan

A reverse mortgage is different from a regular mortgage in a big way: it doesn't require monthly payments. This is because the principal amount of the mortgage grows monthly.

The principal amount of a reverse mortgage can increase significantly over time, as it's not being reduced by monthly payments.

This is in contrast to a regular loan, where you pay back the principal amount plus interest each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the downside to reverse mortgage?

Reversing a mortgage comes with upfront and ongoing costs, including origination fees, mortgage insurance premiums, and monthly servicing fees

How much money do you actually get from a reverse mortgage?

You can typically receive 40-60% of your home's appraised value through a reverse mortgage, with older homeowners eligible for larger loan amounts. The exact amount depends on your age and current interest rates.

What is the 60% rule in reverse mortgage?

The 60% rule in reverse mortgage limits HECM borrowers to taking the greater of 60% of their total available equity or 110% of their mandatory obligations in the first payout. This rule helps ensure borrowers don't over-borrow and maintain a stable financial position.

Allison Emmerich

Senior Writer

Allison Emmerich is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in technology and its impact on daily life. Her work often explores the latest trends in digital payments and financial services, with a particular focus on mobile payment ATMs. Based in a bustling urban center, Allison combines her technical knowledge with a knack for clear, engaging prose to bring complex topics to a broader audience.

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