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Remove the Cap on Reverse Mortgage Programs

By
Mortgage and Lending with PS Mortgage Lending 305-791-4874 or 888-845-6630 365768

Remove the Cap on Reverse Mortgage Programs

Congress could potentially be doing that.

At least for the time being.

In an article that appeared on Reverse Mortgage Daily, Congress has decided to extend the bill suspending the cap placed on Reverse Mortgage Programs that was set to expire on September 30th of this year.

The last time cap on Reverse Mortgage Programs came into question was last year, when Congress decided once again to extend the suspension of the cap on the amount of Reverse Mortgage Programs that can be originated and completed.

The initial Reverse Mortgage cap at 2,500 began in 1987 under the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage statue but was raised from 1990 to end of 1995 to 25,000 loans. Recent raises have set the current cap at 275,000 since 2006.

The current decision come at the heels of the debate that began in March concerning the potential extension of the suspension on reverse mortgage program caps. One of consequences of the reverse mortgage cap was the fact that it could deter some professionals from proposing a reverse mortgage program if the cap should be reinstated once again, potentially killing any momentum in the business. 

The decision to continue the suspension is a sign of faith in the Reverse Mortgage Program, however, motivating industry professionals to continue to offer reverse mortgages. 

At PS Financial Services, a reverse mortgage company in Florida, we continue to work with our clients to find the Reverse Mortgage Program that best works for our clients' situation, not the other way around. Contact us here or give us a call at (888) 845-6630 to see if a reverse mortgage program is right for you. There is no pressure for those who inquire.

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Information and content in this blog is original to Phil Stevenson

Please click the "SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG" button on the right, and receive more Traditional and Reverse Mortgage information in Florida and other parts of the US & Puerto Rico.

 

Phil Stevenson

PS Financial Services

Owner and Principal Mortgage Originator

Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional (CRMP)

LO #365768

NMLS #968090

Cell: 888.845.6630

Miami Mortgages & Florida Mortgages

Copyright © 2013 by Phil Stevenson & PS Financial Services, LLC

Comments (13)

Jimmy Faulkner
Florida. Homes Realty & Mortgage - Wantagh, NY
The Best Of St. Augustine

Congress is always playing with the small things all the time just to look busy. They should just do it without every year looking at it.  They are supposed to have more important things to do.

Jul 08, 2013 06:32 AM
Phil Stevenson, CRMP
PS Mortgage Lending 305-791-4874 or 888-845-6630 - Miami, FL
"Mortgage Nerd" in Miami, Florida and Texas

Haha, very true Jimmy.  This shouldn't even be an issue, I agree.

Jul 08, 2013 06:36 AM
Jay & Michelle Lieberman
Keller Williams World Class - Agoura Hills, CA
Creating Calm in the Buying and Selling Chaos

Usually these annual looks by Congress are merely leverage by certain groups to gain another approval over another law or bill.

Jul 08, 2013 08:15 AM
Tanya Van Blake-Coleman
Van Blake-Coleman Realty, St. Thomas/www.talk-to-Tanya.com - St Thomas, VI
Improving the Quality of Your Life

Congress need not interfere with anything that stimulates the sales of real estate since it is so closely tied to the recovery of our economy.

Jul 08, 2013 11:55 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I am a huge fan of Reverse Mortgages for certain seniors.  I've seen many folks have the quality of their retirement improved significantly by them.

Jul 08, 2013 12:40 PM
David Shamansky
US Mortgages - David Shamansky - Highlands Ranch, CO
Creative, Aggressive & 560 FICO - OK, Colorado Mtg

Reverse mortgages can be great tools when used properly and when given with all proper facts to the buyer. It can also be a very problematic loan when originated poorly or not disclosed properly and when not in the best interest of the buyer lawsuits tend to arise!

Do the right thing the product is great but definitely not for everyone!

Good post

Jul 08, 2013 12:51 PM
Jordon Wheeler
The Jordon Wheeler Group - Fairburn, GA
J W Group Real Estate Sales and Service

Hey Phil,

Congrats on the feature!  I am not a huge fan of reverse mortgages.  Just too many things that our seniors don't understand about the process and the responsibilities.  Best of GREAT success to you this year!

Jul 08, 2013 01:08 PM
Phil Stevenson, CRMP
PS Mortgage Lending 305-791-4874 or 888-845-6630 - Miami, FL
"Mortgage Nerd" in Miami, Florida and Texas

Thank you all for your comments.  Yes, the reverse mortgage is a great tool when properly used, and true that its not for everyone.  Its not unlike putting someone into a home they cant afford, or someone who has never had a good credit history into a home they will undoubtedly default on paying.  We must act appropriately and with ethics. 

As a member of NRMLA (National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association), we abide by a strict code of conduct and ethics.  Its mortgage originators who don't act ethically that give ALL members of our Real Estate/Mortgage industry a bad name.

Jul 08, 2013 01:15 PM
Phil Stevenson, CRMP
PS Mortgage Lending 305-791-4874 or 888-845-6630 - Miami, FL
"Mortgage Nerd" in Miami, Florida and Texas

Jordon, unfortunately, the program is largely misunderstood.  All the negative things we hear about come from the time before FHA came in and insured and regulated the program.  Or from law suits involving unscrupulous brokers.

Today, there are various studies being performed by renowned Financial Planners who believe the Reverse Mortgage is essential, even for the affluent.  Take a look at this article in the Journal of Financial Planning:

http://www.fpanet.org/journal/StandbyReverseMortgages/

Either way, I respect your opinions and appreciate the comments!

Jul 08, 2013 01:21 PM
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

For many seniors, the reverse mortgage is an option that allows them the comfort of remaining in their same safe and known environment, close to family, friends and medical professionals who know them. It's not for everyone, but is a godsend for some.

Jul 08, 2013 05:11 PM
Tracy Oliva
West USA Realty - Arizona - Fountain Hills, AZ
The Oliva Team Arizona Agents

Good Morning and great post!!  keep up the good work and good luck with your business,  E

Jul 08, 2013 08:36 PM
Lloyd Binen
Certified Realty Services - Saratoga, CA
Silicon Valley Realtor since 1976; 408-373-4411

Phil-by "CAP" do you mean the maximum loan amount?  Without a maximum loan amount or maximum LVT how does the property not become over encumbered?

Jul 09, 2013 07:44 AM
Phil Stevenson, CRMP
PS Mortgage Lending 305-791-4874 or 888-845-6630 - Miami, FL
"Mortgage Nerd" in Miami, Florida and Texas

Good question Lloyd,

The max value limit is currently at $625,500, and was $417,000 in 2008.  I has been extended every year since 2008, and might expire this year unless extended again.  We all hope this limit stays in plays and isn't reduced because there are many borrowers with homes well over the 417k.

This article is talking about the total number of reverse mortgages nationwide, independent of value or loan amount.  Its units.  Why would you limit that number?  Its archaic and should be taken away.  Baby Boomers are the biggest portion of our population, and most do not have enough retirement savings.  This will help them live better through retirement.

Thanks!

Jul 09, 2013 07:59 AM