Reverse Mortgage

Thousands of Canadians are using a reverse mortgage as part of their retirement  solution. Purpose-built for Canadians 55+ it allows homeowners to turn their equity  into tax-free cash. 

Below is a list of the most commonly asked questions about reverse mortgages with  the right answers to get you equipped to close the deal. 

Question: Will the bank own the home? 

Fact: The homeowner always maintains title ownership and control of their home,  HomeEquity Bank simply has a first mortgage on the title. 

Question: Can the bank force the homeowner to sell or foreclose at any time?

Fact: A reverse mortgage is a lifetime product and as long as the property taxes and  insurance are in good standing, the property remains in good condition, and the  homeowner is living in the home, the loan won’t be called even if the house decreases  in value.  

Question: With a reverse mortgage will the homeowner owe more than their house is worth? 

Fact: Clients can qualify for up to 55% of their home’s appraised value and with  HomeEquity Bank, every reverse mortgage comes with a *No Negative Equity Guarantee  which means that the overall debt will not exceed the cost of the loan as long as the  conditions of the loan are met. In fact, 99% of HomeEquity Bank’s clients have equity  remaining in the home after the loan is repaid.  

Question: Are reverse mortgages too expensive because the rates are high?

Fact: HomeEquity Bank rates can be more favourable than alternative lenders’ rates  on second mortgages or unsecured loans. Plus, with a reverse mortgage, clients don’t  have to worry about making any repayments as the debt isn’t owed until the borrower(s)  pass away or no longer live in the home. 

Question: Isn’t a reverse mortgage a last resort solution? 

Fact: A reverse mortgage frees up equity that is tied up in the value of a home and can  allow the borrowers to enjoy their retirement on their terms. In fact, many financial  professionals recommend a reverse mortgage as the proceeds are tax-free and after  paying off debts, can be used for anything the client chooses, from purchasing a vacation  home to helping grandchildren with school tuition. 

Question: Can the homeowner(s) still get a reverse mortgage if they have an existing mortgage? 

Fact: A reverse mortgage can be used to consolidate existing debt, eliminate monthly debt  payments and provide financial security. If a client has existing debt, these would need to  be paid off first and the remainder of the funds can be used however the client chooses. 

Question: Isn’t a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) a better option?

Fact: Clients should always explore all their options before making a decision. HELOCs are  a good short-term borrowing option for people who can pay the interest and loan back in  the near future. Whereas a reverse mortgage is a long-term financial solution that doesn’t  require any monthly payments and provides the ability to prolong retirement savings. 

Question: Aren’t surviving spouses stuck with paying the loan after the homeowner passes away? 

Fact: As long as the surviving spouse is on title, they can choose to remain in the home  without having to make a repayment.