A Reverse Mortgage for Purchase allows seniors, age 62 or older, to purchase a new principal residence using loan proceeds from the HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage)

The Purchase Reverse Mortgage program was designed to allow seniors to purchase a new principal residence and obtain a reverse mortgage within a single transaction by eliminating the need for a second closing.  The program was also designed to enable senior homeowners to relocate to other geographical areas to be closer to family members or downsize to homes that meet their physical needs, i.e., handrails, one level properties, ramps, wider doorways, etc

Lenders may take application but they may not process or perform services that would result in a charge to the applicant.

No. Counseling on a reverse mortgage purchase transactions will become available January 1, 2009.  Counselors need time to adjust to the new provisions

Yes.  Lenders choosing to lock-in at initial application will do so at their own risk of knowing that the 120-day clock begins on the day the FHA case number is issued January 1st or later.

Existing one-to-four unit properties where construction has been completed and the property is habitable.  See ML 2007-06

Yes, if the property will be used as collateral for the HECM and the mortgage will be held in fee simple, or on a leasehold under a lease for not less than 99 years which is renewable, or under a lease having the remaining period of not less than 50 years beyond the date of the 100th birthday of the youngest mortgagor.

No.  The lender may only take application once the Certificate of Occupancy or its equivalent has been issued.

 

No.  Prospective mortgagors may only use their own money or money obtained from the sale of assets.  FHA prohibits the use of loan discount points, interest rate buy downs, closing cost assistance, builder incentives, gifts or personal property given by the seller or any other party.

No.  This would be a violation of 24 Code of Federal Regulations 206.32(a), which requires all outstanding obligations connected to the HECM transaction, purchase or otherwise, to be satisfied prior to or on the date of closing.

No.  Seller concessions are applicable to forward mortgages only.

No. All existing liens must be satisfied at the HECM closing.

No. Consistent with existing policy, bridge loans and other interim financing methods associated with HECM transactions are prohibited, unless the unpaid or outstanding obligation can be satisfied prior to or on the day of closing. 

 Yes.  Although one spouse will become the HECM mortgagor, the lender must obtain the credit report for a review of financial obligations, monetary judgments and liens that could jeopardize the HECM lien status/clear and marketable title. 

 The senior may decide to cancel the purchase transaction at any time prior to the date of closing.  If the senior decides to cancel the transaction, he/she must notify all parties in writing.  Where earnest money has been provided, the senior should review the sales contract to determine if the earnest money is refundable. The Federal Reserve Board of Governors should be contacted for right of rescission and Truth in Lending Act guidance.

No.  When purchasing a new principal residence, the HECM mortgagor has 60 days to occupy the home.  Unlike a forward mortgage, there is an increased risk to FHA when the home is not occupied by the HECM mortgagor.  Prior to closing, the HECM mortgagor and seller should agree to a date for physical occupancy of the property and the lender should confirm occupancy prior to their submission of the case binder to the local HOC for endorsement.

The title company (settlement agent) is responsible for disbursing funds in accordance with State law.

No.  FHA has sufficient valuation guidelines related to comparable sales and declining markets to address the resale of foreclosed properties.  HUD has imposed a standard of accountability to which lenders, sponsor lenders, and loan correspondents will be held is the same as the standard used to impose civil money penalties for program violations, and that standard is one of knowing (actual knowledge) or had reason to know.

No.  FHA encourages all first-time homebuyers to meet with a reverse mortgage counselor that offers pre-purchase counseling to educate themselves on the responsibilities of becoming a homeowner.  Prior to signing a sales contract, FHA encourages a home inspection of all properties that will serve as collateral for HECM for purchase transactions.  The inspection serves two purposes, to determine the magnitude, if any, of repairs and/or rehabilitation the home as well as helps the buyer to negotiate the purchase price in situation where a home requires repair or rehabilitation.

Your Purchase Reverse Mortgage Specialists

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We specialize in Reverse Mortgages for both Purchase & Refinances. A reverse mortgage enables senior homeowners to sustain their retirement while living in the home and community they love. Contact us for reverse mortgage purchase information and our no obligation reverse mortgage informational package.