Reverse Mortgages and Retirement: How Your Home Can Help You As You Age

For many people, retirement is something they look forward to. For others, they fear it due to a lack of financial planning. However, even if you don't have a fat pension or a great investment plan, you can still retire comfortably during your later years if you are a homeowner. 

This can be done via a reverse mortgage that transforms the equity you have built up in your home into retirement income. Below are some of the benefits of using a reverse mortgage for retirement.

It Can Give You Cash

One of the biggest problems for retired seniors is not having enough monthly income. A reverse mortgage can help with this problem in two ways. If you are still making mortgage payments, it can eliminate that monthly expense after you refinance. 

 Then, any equity left can be used to produce a steady stream of retirement income. This can be a great help if you need more than Social Security and whatever retirement plans you have to make ends meet.

It Allows You to Stay in Your Home

One reason why some people are fearful of reverse mortgages is that they believe that they will be forced out of their homes. This is not true at all. The homeowner actually retains ownership of the home until they and their spouse pass away. 

Only then will it be transferred to the lender. The reverse mortgage can also end if you choose to move at some point. Still, it is an excellent option for those that want to continue living in their home permanently.

Your Heirs Won't Have to Pay for It

Another fear people have is that their children or other heirs will have to pay the bill if the amount of equity used exceeds the actual value of the house. This is also false. A reverse mortgage is a kind of financing known as non-recourse. 



What this means is the lender will have no ability to make a claim against an heir to pay for that debt. The responsibility for paying that debt isn't allowed to exceed the value of the home.

The Income Isn't Taxable

Another huge benefit you should be aware of is the fact that the income you receive from your reverse mortgage isn't taxable. This is due to the fact that the IRS categorizes the payments you receive as "loan proceeds." This is a significant advantage over other kinds of retirement income that can indeed be taxed by the federal government.

There are many benefits to having a reverse mortgage during retirement. However, taking out one may not be best for everyone. Consider the benefits, your plans, and your financial situation when making your decision. Get some advice on the matter. It may turn out that a reverse mortgage is right for you and your family.