Admin

Seniors in Kansas City: Is Paying Off Your Home Still a Sign of Success?

By
Mortgage and Lending with KJ Financial

Ever since the Great Depression the goal of just about every homeowner was to pay off their house as fast as possible. It was thought to be a sign of success because it kept the house safe from foreclosure, having no payment is really the only way to live in retirement and the goal of leaving something to the kids.

All are fine goals, but why then do so many seniors in Kansas City with paid off houses struggle monthly to pay their bills, eat and buy their prescription drugs?  You see it all the time and thanks to the recent spikes in food costs, fuel costs, electricity costs, property taxes, and skyrocketing drug prices it has become even more prevalent.

Research shows that so many that focused on paying off their homes early failed to implement a clearly defined savings plan.  It also appears that many felt between pensions and social security they could make it easily in retirement.  The problem there is that pensions are dwindling quickly, healthcare coverage even faster and social security which was designed for a third of one's retirement is now the ONLY retirement for many.

To recap, many seniors struggled for years putting any extra money they had towards paying off their house. So much so, they didn't have much if any other money saved and now what they thought the government and their employers would provide in retirement haven't come to fruition. Therefore, they are living their "Golden Years" struggling to survive having to decide between eating and buying their prescription drugs.  All the while they are sitting on their largest asset and not utilizing its power.

If you had a $100,000 in a mutual fund and you couldn't afford groceries and your prescription drugs each month would you just leave that money in the account? Or would you tap into it to get by each month?

Why should your house be any different?  I mean if there was a way to access a majority of that money WITHOUT the fear of losing your home or ever having to make a mortgage payment why wouldn't you? 

Is having a paid off house while you are struggling every month to eat and pay bills, much less do anything enjoyable your definition of "Success?"

If you would like to explore a different way that could help you pay your bills, eat, get your prescription drugs AND do some of the things that you enjoy then you should look into the merits of a Reverse Mortgage.

If you would like more information about Reverse Mortgages contact Kurt Jackson he is a Certified Mortgage Planner with more than 17 years of industry experience and would be happy to answer your questions about Reverse Mortgages. He even conducts a Free Seminar "Insider Secrets Revealed! The Truth about Reverse Mortgages: Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?" They are held every Thursday at 1:30PM at 12 Westwoods Drive in Liberty.  Seating is Limited. Call for reservations at 816-415-1737 or email kurt@stayinyourhomekc.com.