The reverse mortgage is getting a lot of play these days in the media, but what is it exactly? Let's take a closer look at it and some of the issues that arise.

As the name suggest, this is a loan wherein you receive payments from a lender instead of making them. The rest of the loan, however, is much different than your run of the mill mortgage.

As payments are made to you, more and more of the equity in your home is converted into debt. That debt grows at an interest rate that is typically one to two points higher than a normal mortgage or refinance.

A thought that may have popped into your mind is what ultimately happens when the equity in the home is used up? If there is no equity, do you still own the home? Are you expected to pay off the loan? Do you get evicted?

This is exactly what happened when these loans were first offered. This unsavory result did not stand. The federal government got involved. In most current situations, you are allowed to remain in the home, but payments to you stop.

If you are going to be giving away equity, what size of payments can you expect? There is no simple answer. Factors such as the amount of the reverse mortgage, your age, costs and so on all go into the calculation of the payment amount.

While you should be concerned about how the payment is calculated, it is important to understand there is an easier way to determine it. Just ask to see examples. Multiple programs are available and they should show you the estimated payment amounts.

At some point in time, you might realize a reverse mortgage is not for you. Can you get out of it? Generally, you can so long as you pay off the mortgage debt. Make sure to read the loan documents for language on this issue.

Many wonder if they can tap additional appreciation as time passes. If you home grows in value, the answer is you can. Frankly, this is an area that has not seen a lot of action given the relative newness of reverse mortgages.

If the program works well, you will pass away before the equity in your home runs out. Odd to say that, but it is true. At that time, your home will pass to your heirs who will either pay off the mortgage or sell the home.

In some cases, the reverse mortgage makes sense. In others, it does not. The only way to make a determination is to discuss the details with a financial professional.What is a reverse mortgage? Find out at UFCAmerica.com.

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