Once the loan application has been approved, a closing
(signing) of the reverse mortgage is scheduled with a title
agent or attorney (depending on the state).
The lender should confirm the payment plan
the borrower wishes to receive (i.e. amount of fixed monthly payments, line of credit),plus any requested cash the homeowner
wishes to receive in a lump sum at funding. Closing
documents and final figures are prepared.
Closing costs are normally financed as
part of the loan, but the homeowner is
allowed to pay any costs in lieu of financing,
if they so choose.
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A reverse mortgage must be the
only lien on a property. This
means, in order to obtain a
reverse mortgage you must
pay off any existing mortgage(s) or other obligations for which a lien has been placed on the property.
You can use your reverse
mortgage proceeds to pay off
the mortgage or other obligations.
If existing liens are identified, the payoffs
are updated accordingly. Your closing
agent will pay off all existing liens, verify taxes
are paid and make sure that you have
a current homeowner’s insurance policy.
Before closing on a reverse mortgage, you
may consider seeking the advice of a tax
professional or elder law attorney in the
event you are faced with a situation that
can affect your taxes, Medicaid or SSI eligibility, etc. Medicare is not impacted at all by a reverse mortgage.
Under the best case scenario, it takes a few
business days to confirm all fees and
payoffs, schedule a closing date, prepare the documents and
communicate to all parties involved.
Closing agents who are NRMLA members
will not pressure you to close by a certain
time frame that you are unable to meet or
uncomfortable meeting. And you still have
an opportunity to change your mind.