Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for Purchase
You’ve worked hard to get to this point. Now you’d like to live in a “right-sized” home that fits your needs today, and get comfort and financial peace of mind for the future. Perhaps you want to move to a home that’s closer to family, more maintenance-free, or in a more social neighborhood. But maybe you don’t think you can afford to move because of your financial obligations, income, or other issues. Fortunately, there’s an established financing option for homebuyers who are age 62 and older that can help you get the funds you need to buy the home you want.
What is H4P?
HECM for Purchase (H4P) is a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) – insured home financing program designed specifically for homebuyers who are age 62 or older. It’s specifically designed to help you get the funds you need to buy the home you want at this point in your life – with fewer financial worries and limitations.
How does it work?
With H4P, you can purchase a home by combining a one-time investment of your own funds (down payment) with loan proceeds from a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) to complete the transaction. As with traditional “forward” mortgage, the home you are purchasing secures the loan. However, unlike a traditional mortgage, there are no monthly mortgage payments, which can help boost your cash flow. You own the home as long as you live in it. The loan does not have to be repaid until you sell the home or no longer live there as your primary residence. In order for the loan to remain in good standing, you must meet certain home ownership obligations – which include maintaining the property, and keeping current with property – related taxes and insurance payments.
What kind of home can you buy?
Single-family homes, townhouse, and FHA-approved condominiums are eligible as long as you use the home as a primary residence.
What do you need in order to qualify?
You need to meet the down payment requirement – which typically ranged from 45% to 55% of the purchase price – and prove adequate income to assure the lender that you can meet your obligations to pay for property taxes, maintenance and homeowners insurance. For the down payment, the money must come from assets you already own, and not from another loan. Typically, people use funds from the sale of their current home; money from a checking or deposit account; or another investment.
Otherwise, requirements are simple and straightforward. You must be age 62 or older and the home you buy must be your primary residence. To learn more and find out if you may qualify, contact us today.