FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :    Tuesday, August 14, 2012 
CONTACT:    Sara Rabern,  (605) 773-3215

Attorney General Marty Jackley’s Consumer Advisory on Reverse Mortgage Offers


PIERRE, S.D  - Attorney General Marty Jackley is reminding South Dakota seniors to be cautious if considering reverse mortgage options. Reverse mortgages from legitimate sources may serve to supplement retirement income. A reverse mortgage is a loan for homeowners 62 years or older that uses a portion of the home’s equity as collateral.  Under these arrangements, eligible homeowners are typically promised an upfront cash payout with no obligation to repay the loan. Once they pass away or permanently leave their home, that property then belongs to the lender. Under a typical arrangement, the lender places a lien on the property in exchange for the cash it provides to the borrower. This allows the lender to reclaim the loan, fees and interest, by selling the home after it is vacated.

“In the event a senior is considering a reverse mortgage, I am encouraging seniors to closely examine all requirements and to seek further assistance in making such a significant decision,” said Jackley. “Before entering into a reverse mortgage seniors should understand the types of reverse mortgages that are available, know the costs and fees associated with reverse mortgages, and understand any additional obligations for these mortgages.”

Seniors need to proceed with caution when dealing with their largest asset and avoid losing hard earned equity. The following are some tips to protect seniors:

• Consult with an independent financial adviser to find out what reverse mortgage package best suits your financial situation and needs.

• If you do not have a financial advisor, discuss your situation with a counselor approved by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD); HUD-approved counseling agencies are available to assist you with your reverse mortgage questions. You can call 1-800-569-4287 to find a counselor in your area.

• Make sure you understand all the costs and fees associated with the reverse mortgage.
      
• Find out whether the reverse mortgage you are considering is federally-insured.  This will protect you when the loan comes due.

• Find out whether your repayment obligation is limited to the value of your home at the time the loan becomes due.

• Be wary of anyone who tries to pressure you into a decision that you are not completely comfortable with, such as investing the payments from your reverse mortgage into an annuity, insurance policy, or other investment product, or pressuring you into receiving a lump-sum payment over monthly payments.

• Obtain several offers from different reverse mortgage lenders in order to compare different options.  

If you would like additional information about these types of offers, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or by email at comsumerhelp@state.sd.us.

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