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Retirement means you get to relax and enjoy, but debt can cast a shadow over your golden years. For homeowners aged 62 and older, there’s a smart solution that can help consolidate debt while improving monthly cash flow: the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). This reverse mortgage guide will walk you through how a HECM loan works and how it can benefit you.
Reverse Mortgage Tips: What Exactly is a HECM?
HECM stands for Home Equity Conversion Mortgage. It’s the most popular type of reverse mortgage and the only one insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Essentially, it allows homeowners to convert a portion of their home’s equity into cash.
In addition, this money can be accessed in several ways: a line of credit, fixed monthly payments, a lump sum, or a combination of these options. Importantly, the funds are loan proceeds and not income, so they are generally tax-free.
Also, one key advantage is that homeowners continue to own their home and they do not have to make monthly payments for their reverse mortgage in Columbia SC. Instead, they must maintain the property and cover taxes and insurance.
Read More Reverse Mortgage Tips: Discovering Debt Relief with HECM Loans