Finding an Alternative to Reverse Mortgages

Through a reverse mortgage senior citizens are ableprogram gives you the ability to receive income today,
to free up the equity they have built up in their home.and in return EquityKey has the right to participate in
But there are certain features about a reversethe future appreciation of the home. The current equity
mortgage that do not make them the best option foris retained by the owner. The money received from
everyone. As a borrower you may wish to seek anEquityKey is based on the current value of the home.
alternative to a reverse mortgage. There are a fewThe money paid to the owner does not accrue
other options that will allow you to have extra incomeinterest or have to be repaid as long as the lender's
from the equity of your home. Here is an explanationagreement is followed, unlike that of a reverse
of some of the available alternatives to a reversemortgage or a traditional loan.
mortgage.*REX Agreement-this type of financing is an
*Family Advantage-Family Advantage is a line of creditagreement and not a mortgage. It is not a loan either.
funded by relatives or friends of a homeowner andThis is a purchase option that is a real estate
secured by real estate. Family Advantage is a lessinvestment agreement. It enables you to convert a
expensive option to the reverse mortgage for mostportion of your homes equity into cash. In exchange,
home owners. This type of financing does not requirethe agreement gives REX & Co. the option to
mortgage insurance, origination fees, closing costs orshare in a specified percentage of the future increase
set asides. The costs of setting up a Familyor decrease in the home's value. They share in a loss
Advantage loan are 1/3 the cost of a traditionalor gain in the value of the home.
reverse mortgage. The biggest benefit to a FamilyReverse mortgages are a good option for most
Advantage loan is the home will remain in the family.seniors of at least 62 years of age, but they are not
There is no age requirement for this type of loan andfor everybody. While a reverse mortgage may not be
any home can be used, not just a primary residence.in your best interest, there is an alternative to reverse
*EquityKey Program-this is an alternative that availablemortgages that can also give you the financial security
for individuals 65-85 that is debt-free. EquityKey is anyou may need. You just have to find out which
alternative method of financing that does not risk thefinancial vehicle will work best for you.
equity that the owner has built up in the home. This