JUMBO LOANS
FUNDAMENTALS
What is it?
A jumbo reverse mortgage is a type of reverse mortgage that exceeds the loan limit imposed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for standard Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs). The HECM program, insured by the FHA, has certain loan limits that vary by location and are subject to change. If a homeowner’s property value exceeds these limits, they may opt for a jumbo reverse mortgage, also known as a proprietary reverse mortgage.
Here are some key features of jumbo reverse mortgages:
Higher Loan Limits: Jumbo reverse mortgages allow homeowners with high-value properties to access a larger portion of their home equity than what is permitted under the standard FHA HECM limits.
Private Lenders: Unlike HECMs, which are insured by the FHA and subject to government regulations, jumbo reverse mortgages are offered by private lenders. This means that the terms and conditions of these loans can vary between lenders.
Property Requirements: Jumbo reverse mortgages are often available for higher-value homes that exceed the FHA HECM limits. The specific property eligibility criteria can vary among lenders. Loan Terms: The terms of jumbo reverse mortgages, including interest rates, fees, and payout structures, are determined by the private lenders offering these loans. Borrowers should carefully review and compare terms from different lenders.
Financial Assessment: Some jumbo reverse mortgage lenders may have more flexible financial assessment criteria compared to FHA HECMs, allowing homeowners with certain financial profiles to qualify for the loan.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN JUMBO PRODUCT AND HECM
Age Limit:
HECM: The HECM loan limit is set at 62+.
Jumbo Reverse Mortgage: While each lender has their own set of criteria and qualifying factors, the general age limit for the jumbo reverse is 55+.
Recourse vs. Non-recourse:
HECM: One of the key features of the HECM is the non-recourse feature that insures your never own more that the house is worth. Jumbo Reverse Mortgage: The jumbo product being a proprietary product doesn’t necessarily have this type of protection and thus you are subject to the laws of your state when it comes time to settle an estate. For this reason, it is crucial that you speak to a financial planner on the best way to safeguard your life’s earning and make sure they go where you want them to go.