Common Misconceptions about Reverse Mortgages

common misconceptions about reverse mortgagesIf you’ve ever discussed reverse mortgages with friends or family, you’ve probably heard some version of “the bank takes your house” or “it’s only for people who are broke”. I hear myths like this constantly, and most of them are out of date or simply not accurate. Reverse mortgages have changed a lot over the years and can be very beneficial for seniors who are sitting on significant home equity and who want to stay in their homes. With that said, reverse mortgages may not be the right choice for everyone.

My goal with this post is to help clear up the most common misconceptions I run into and put reverse mortgages in context with other mortgage options available for people who are 62 and older. As always, I like to provide as much information as possible to help you make informed decisions about your finances. [Read more…]

Townhome vs. Condo: Which Is Right for You in Washington State?

Condos and Townhomes Mortgage LoansThis post compares the ownership structures of townhomes and condos in Washington State — what you actually own, what you’re responsible for, and how that affects your monthly costs and financing.

Townhome vs. Condo: What’s the real difference?

“Townhome” and “condo” get used almost interchangeably by buyers, but they’re legal ownership structures, not architectural styles. A building can look like a townhome and still be legally structured as a condominium — and that distinction matters more for your wallet than the floor plan does. [Read more…]

Aging in Place in Washington: Homeowners Have Options

senior citizen homes washingtonEditor’s note: This post was inspired by a recent HousingWire interview with Cameron Carter, CEO of Rosarium Health, on why aging in place is shifting from a lifestyle preference to a financial necessity. You can read the full interview here.

Aging in Place Is Becoming a Financial Necessity, Not Just a Preference

For years, “aging in place” has been talked about as a lifestyle choice — the version where you simply prefer your own kitchen to a facility dining room. That framing is changing. In a recent HousingWire interview, Cameron Carter, founder of health-tech startup Rosarium Health, made the case that aging in place is increasingly driven by cost and capacity, not preference: skilled nursing and assisted living have gotten more expensive, and in some states the wait list to get into preferred institutional care runs two to three years. People aren’t just choosing to stay home — in many cases, they’re staying home because there’s nowhere else to go yet. [Read more…]

Your Mortgage and Home Equity should be part of your Financial Planning

Your Mortgage and Financial Planning for Retirement

A recent MarketWatch article featured a reader question that probably sounds familiar to a lot of people approaching retirement. Here’s the situation as the reader described it:

“I’m 57, single, have $300,000 in a 401(k) and about $12,000 in savings in different accounts. I owe $93,000 on a house and have $20,000 in credit card debt. I make about $100,000 per year. Should I consolidate my savings? Should I pay off my credit card with the savings and then rebuild my account? I am working on paying off the credit card but I have terrible spending habits. I really don’t want to work until I’m 67. What advice do you have? Should I hire a financial planner to help me?”

— MarketWatch reader question

[Read more…]

Retirement, random thoughts and your mortgage

retirement and mortgage optionsI read an interesting article about planning for retirement. This is a topic that I find very important. I’m not a financial planner, however as a Mortgage Professional I see a financial snapshot of what people have when applying for a mortgage. I concur with this article from CNBC, most people do not have enough money saved up for their golden years. [Read more…]