The New Reverse Mortgage Formula: How to Convert Home Equity into Tax-Free Income [Paperback]

Tom Kelly (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2005

The New Reverse Mortgage Formula explains reverse mortgages in easy language so seniors and their family members can fully understand and benefit from these useful loan products. Reverse loans allow seniors to convert part of their home equity into tax-free income, letting seniors easily borrow against the value of their home without selling it. Safer than ever, today’s reverse mortgages are non-recourse loans and lenders do not share in any appreciation or accrued equity. Safe and simple, reverse mortgages are a valuable option for senior homeowners having trouble living on a fixed income or in need of extra cash for any unforeseen expense.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Live on your equity—without selling or refinancing your home!

Many seniors have trouble making ends meet after retirement. Often their homes are their most valuable assets, but they can't access the equity they've accrued unless they sell. If you find yourself in this position, you might face the dilemma of having to sell your home. Thankfully, the reverse mortgage offers seniors the option of remaining in their homes with no mortgage payments.

Reverse mortgages permit seniors to convert part of their home equity into tax-free income—even if they're still paying on the mortgage. Designed specifically for seniors, these specialized loans let you tap into your equity and use the money for any purpose. Safe and legal, these loans can never cost more than the value of the home, and the loan doesn't have to be repaid until you, or an heir, sell the home.

This straightforward, simple guide helps seniors and their loved ones understand every aspect of the reverse mortgage, including:

• Tax ramifications of reverse mortgages
• Fees and costs associated with reverse mortgages
• Great things you can do with your reverse mortgage payout
• Calculating a reverse mortgage based on the owner's age, and the home's location and value
• How to structure your payout as a lump sum, monthly payments, or credit
• How much you can borrow and at what rate

"As our population ages, it is critical that senior citizens are made aware of the various options available to them that will enable them to lead more fulfilling, comfortable lives. In this book, Tom Kelly clearly and concisely explains the inner workings of reverse mortgages—a viable financial option for senior homeowners."
—Sarah Hulbert, National Director, Reverse Mortgage of America

"Tom Kelly breaks down a misunderstood, complex topic into a very readable, valuable work for seniors and adult children. This book not only provides one of the key tools to aging in place, but it also clearly and accurately explains the next big financial vehicle in the United States."
—Dr. Richard Garrigan, author and Emeritus Professor of Finance, DePaul University

About the Author

TOM KELLY is a former real estate editor for the Seattle Times. He currently writes a nationally syndicated column and hosts a nationally syndicated radio program. He is recognized by the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association as a leader in explaining and detailing reverse mortgage products to consumers. With The New Reverse Mortgage Formula, he provides an innovative, commonsense guide for unlocking critical cash for seniors, creating a financial strategy for baby boomers, or building a pool of funds to pay for future healthcare.

Product Details

• Paperback: 266 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (March 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471679569
• ISBN-13: 978-0471679561
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,392,527 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "MUST READ" for Anyone Considering a REVERSE MORTGAGE!, March 5, 2005

By 

K. Hawkins "Mortgageman" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The New Reverse Mortgage Formula: How to Convert Home Equity into Tax-Free Income (Paperback)

Think about it: tens of thousands of seniors are house rich and cash poor: they have all this equity locked up in their homes. Most people don't realize that they can't even qualify for a home equity loan -- not enough income or assets. TOM KELLY's new book HAS THE ANSWER FOR THE PARENTS OF BABY BOOMERS WITH THIS NEW BOOK! The dangers of the first REVERSE MORTGAGES ARE GONE: no one will EVER lose their home because of a reverse mortgage. THIS IS THE SOLUTION to allow MOM OR DAD to stay in the homes they love until their final days. They can cash in on the equity in their home and either have it available in a lump sum to draw down or get a steady stream of monthly income -- TAX FREE! Where I live many seniors are giving up their waterfront homes that they have lived in for 30 years or more because they can't afford the real estate taxes. THIS IS A GREAT BOOK, EASY TO READ AND TO UNDERSTAND - IT IS TODAY'S REVERSE MORTGAGE MADE EASY. Mr. Kelly lays it out honestly and directly and pulls no punches. Sure Reverse Mortgages can cost $10,000-$15,000 in closing costs -- but what would it cost your Mom or Dad to sell the home they love, move and buy a new one? A heck of a lot more! KUDOS FOR TOM KELLY on an ABSOLUTE MUST READ for anyone who is considering or helping someone consider a REVERSE MORTGAGE.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you're a senior or know a senior you should read this book!, June 5, 2006

By 

Curtis Dady "LaVitaE'Bella" (Seattle WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The New Reverse Mortgage Formula: How to Convert Home Equity into Tax-Free Income (Paperback)

Putting the emphasis on "THE NEW" REVERSE MORTGAGE Mr. Kelly provides a comprehensive review of this valuable financial tool available to seniors. He lays out the cost and compares the options, dispelling the fears and myths that it is "too expensive". While pointing out that it may not be the best option for some, there are many seniors and mortgage professionals who can benefit from this information. There is a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding in the press and in the marketplace about this program. This book will help to set the record straight. With this good information seniors and their adult children can discover that they have more options and can make better choices. The New Reverse Mortgage programs now make it possible for seniors to stay in their homes long term while enjoying tax free income with no fear of foreclosure. If you are a senior or have parents who are seniors you should get this book and read it carefully to explore your options.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars not a quality reference on the topic, December 3, 2006

By 

Tom Metro "entrepreneur" (Newton, MA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The New Reverse Mortgage Formula: How to Convert Home Equity into Tax-Free Income (Paperback)

The only thing good about this book is that at one time it was the only book available on reverse mortgages. That is no longer the case. While I haven't sampled the other titles to say how they compare, I can say that you'll find better quality information freely available on the net.

Among the flaws of this book:

It dedicates about 3 chapters (see the table of contents) to discussing what you can do with your money after you've obtained a reverse mortgage. As there are no real restrictions on how that money can be spent, these are useless, arbitrary chapters that would be far better covered in a book on how to spend your retirement.

The few interesting facts the book does introduce (such as the possibility of reducing fees if the mortgage proceeds are applied to long-term care insurance) are not backed up with references, or - as it turns out - explained as being proposed legislation that may never become reality.