If you are planning to apply for a reverse mortgage, here are some steps you will need to follow:

1. Do your research and work with a company experienced in reverse mortgages, like Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. Our Reverse Mortgage Planners will review your individual financial situation to help determine which reverse mortgage product is right for you.

2. Every person that applies for a reverse mortgage must receive independent third-party counseling from a HUD-approved counselor. The counseling session will cover the basics of reverse mortgages and help you determine if this is the right financing option for you.

3. The next step in the process is signing your reverse mortgage application and providing your Reverse Mortgage Planner with the supporting documents needed to start the file. Your Reverse Mortgage Planner will pull your credit report, have your application prepared and then meet with you to go over and answer any questions you may have. They will also supply you with a list of additional items needed to qualify your loan.

4. After you sign the application and provide supporting documentation, the processing of the loan will get started. At this time, we will order an appraisal, title report, tax history and flood certification. The processing department will review all documentation as it comes in and prepare the file for underwriting. Your Reverse Mortgage Planner or a member of their production team will keep you informed of the status and reach out to you if they see any delays in your loan.

5. Once processing receives all the required documentation on your file, it will be sent to an underwriter, who will issue loan decision. We will communicate if any conditional items are needed for loan approval at this time.

6. When the underwriter has approved the loan for closing you and your Reverse Mortgage Planner will need to determine how you would like your loan proceeds dispersed based on these below options:

  • Lump sum payment
  • Monthly cash flow payments
  • Line of credit
  • Combination of the above options

 

7. An appointment time and date will then be set up for you to meet with the title company and sign your closing docs.

8. Three business days after closing your loan will fund based on the payment plan you selected.

9. Your reverse mortgage will not have any required monthly payments, you must still pay taxes and insurance and maintain the home. The reverse mortgage will only become due for the following reasons:

  • The home is no longer your primary residence
  • The home has sold
  • The borrower passes away

 

10. If death does occur, the loan can be repaid from the sale of the home or refinancing the existing reverse mortgage. Equity in the home will belong to the heirs or the estate. The heirs need to contact the servicer after the passing to make arrangements with servicer on settling the reverse mortgage.