Reverse Mortgage Calculator

Reverse Mortgage Calculator

Curious about your home's equity? Explore with our reverse mortgage calculator.

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How to Calculate Reverse Mortgage

Using a reverse mortgage calculator is an effective way to estimate how much you can borrow against your home equity. While a typical mortgage requires monthly payments to build equity, a reverse mortgage lets you convert part of your home's value into cash. Understanding this process allows you to plan for your financial future and ensure you maximize your benefits.

MoneyGeek's reverse mortgage calculator can help you understand the potential loan amount. Let's dive into the information you need to provide and what the results mean.

INPUT
WHAT TO INPUT

Home Value

This figure helps determine the maximum loan amount you can receive. Lenders use your home's current market value to calculate the equity available for a reverse mortgage.

Existing Mortgage Balance

If you have an outstanding mortgage, it must be paid off with the reverse mortgage proceeds. This balance affects the net amount you can borrow.

Expected Interest Rate

The interest rate affects the total loan cost and how quickly your home equity decreases. A lower rate means slower equity reduction and potentially larger loan amounts.

Age of the Youngest (Or Only) Borrower

Lenders use this to estimate the loan's duration. Older borrowers typically receive larger amounts because of the shorter expected loan term.

OUTPUT
WHAT OUTPUT MEANS

Lump Sum

This option provides a single, large upfront payment. It's ideal for homeowners who require immediate access to substantial funds, such as for home renovations or debt consolidation.

Line of Credit

This type of credit offers flexibility by allowing you to draw funds as needed up to a certain limit. It's ideal for those who want access to funds over time for unforeseen expenses.

Monthly Payments for Life

Provides a steady income stream for as long as you reside in your home, making it ideal for supplementing retirement income and meeting ongoing living expenses.

When to Get a Reverse Mortgage

Deciding on a reverse mortgage is a significant step. Let’s explore several scenarios to help you determine when a reverse mortgage aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle. Knowing when it makes sense — and when it doesn’t — will help you be more strategic.

Scenario 1: Finding Stability in Retirement

Linda is a 70-year-old retired school teacher living in the suburbs of a mid-sized city. She now enjoys her retirement, keeping herself occupied with gardening, book club meetings and her grandchildren. Linda wants to maintain her lifestyle without compromising her independence, but her savings are dwindling.

Linda owns her home outright and is assuming tapping into its equity to supplement her pension and social security. Having a monthly income stream to cover her expenses, from health care to home maintenance, without the burden of monthly repayments leads her to consider a reverse mortgage.

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IS A REVERSE MORTGAGE THE ANSWER?

A reverse mortgage with monthly income payments is the best option for Linda because she needs a steady income stream to sustain her lifestyle in retirement. Owning her home outright presents an opportunity, allowing Linda to access its equity as supplemental income, covering essential expenses without monthly loan repayments.

Scenario 2: Balancing Legacy and Liquidity

Robert, a 65-year-old widower, recently retired from a long career in civil engineering. He spends his days working on intricate woodworking projects and volunteering at the local maritime museum. His home, filled with memories and personal projects, is a place he deeply cherishes.

Unexpected medical bills and the desire to financially assist his grandchildren with their college education have led him to explore ways to leverage his home's equity. He would also like to leave his home to his children as part of his legacy. That makes him hesitant about a solution that would significantly eat into the home's equity over time and require his children to pay off a debt to keep their home.

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IS A REVERSE MORTGAGE THE ANSWER?

In Robert's case, a reverse mortgage might not align with his dual goals. Given his desire to support current expenses and leave a legacy, a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) could be a more fitting solution. These allow Robert to access the funds needed for his immediate financial needs without compromising his ability to leave his home to his children.

Scenario 3: Weighing All Financial Avenues

Jasmine, a 68-year-old former music teacher and a local choir director, still fills her days with music and community service in her small town. She’s deeply attached to her home, which has been in her family for generations. It also serves as a community gathering spot for local music events.

Jasmine wants to convert part of her home into a small community music studio. She is considering a reverse mortgage to finance this project. However, Jasmine is also wary of diminishing her home’s equity; she wants to leave a substantial legacy to her children.

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IS A REVERSE MORTGAGE THE ANSWER?

While a reverse mortgage offers an immediate equity tap without monthly repayments, she should consider other financing options to preserve her home’s legacy for her children. Personal loans provide straightforward repayment plans and lower interest rates than credit cards for highly qualified borrowers. If she can secure a grant from a local community organization, she can also keep all the equity in her home without having to take on new debt.

What to Do After Using the Reverse Mortgage Calculator

Here are some immediate steps you might consider taking after calculating your potential reverse mortgage:

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    Consult a HUD-approved counselor

    Speak with a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved reverse mortgage counselor to get a comprehensive understanding of the reverse mortgage process. They can help you evaluate your options and discuss any financial implications. You can find a list of HUD-approved counseling agencies on the HUD website.

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    Prepare your documentation

    Start gathering necessary documents, such as proof of age (like a government-issued ID), proof of residence, documentation of income, your home's title and recent property tax statements. Details about your existing mortgage and any homeowners association (HOA) fees can also be useful.

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    Assess your financial situation

    Consider how the reverse mortgage fits into your long-term financial plan, particularly with estate planning and any plans to leave assets to heirs. Understand how your preferred payment option fits with your budget.

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    Discuss your plans with your family

    If you intend to leave your home to your heirs, it's advisable to discuss your reverse mortgage plans with them as it may impact their inheritance by depleting home equity.

Reverse Mortgage vs. HELOC

Comparing a reverse mortgage and a HELOC can help homeowners choose the right option. Both let you access home equity, but while a reverse mortgage provides income without repayments, a HELOC requires monthly payments. Knowing these differences can lead to more informed choices. Explore our comparison table for more insights.

Comparison Area
Reverse Mortgage
HELOC

Age Requirement

62+ years

None

Repayment

No monthly repayments required

Monthly payments required

Access to Funds

Lump sum, line of credit or monthly payments

Credit line, borrow as needed

Impact on Home Equity

Reduces equity over time, paid upon sale or death

Reduces equity as funds are drawn

Purpose

Supplementing retirement income

Home improvements, debt consolidation

Frequently Asked Questions About Reverse Mortgage Calculators

Using a reverse mortgage calculator often brings up various questions for homeowners. We've addressed the most common ones to help you understand how to use the tool effectively. Learn how factors like home value and borrower age influence your loan estimate.

What’s a reverse mortgage?
How are reverse mortgages paid out?
How do you use a reverse mortgage calculator?
How much money can you get from a reverse mortgage?
Are reverse mortgage payouts taxed?
What are possible alternatives to a reverse mortgage?

About Zachary Romeo, CBCA


Zachary Romeo, CBCA headshot

Zachary Romeo is a certified Commercial Banking and Credit Analyst (CBCA), and the Head of Loans and Banking at MoneyGeek. Previously, he led production teams for some of the largest online informational resources in higher education, with over 13 years of experience in editorial production.

Romeo has a bachelor's degree in biological engineering from Cornell University. He geeks out on minimizing personal debt and helping others do the same through people-first content.


sources
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. "Counseling Agencies." Accessed August 21, 2024.