By myron kukla September 14, 2008
I couldn't find a simple site to find properties for sale in Ottawa County from you except for lakefront. If that's all you are selling, say so. M ...read more
By Massage by Desiree' August 22, 2008
This is the place you want to go when looking for your home! They have great customer service and have great knowledge of the Holland and surrounding areas. ...read more
Here's a great article I found in the Wall Street Journal that talks about paying off your current mortgage at retirement age. In many cases we have seniors here inHollandwho are usingReverse Mortgagesto pay off current loans. If you would like more information on how to pay off your current mortgage at retirement age be sure to visit our website atwww.reversemortgageprograms.netorgive us a call at800 861 6732. CLICK HEREto read the Wall Street Journal Article: "Retiring? Pay Off Your Mortgage" ...read more
By Reverse Mortgages (NGFS) December 17, 2009
The National Council on Aging Reminds Us: Reverse Mortgages can be used by over 13 million Americans to Remain Independent and in Their Homes Longer WASHINGTON --Astudy releasedby The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) shows that reverse mortgages can be used by over 13 million Americans to pay for long-term care expenses at home, allowing many to remain independent and in their homes longer. "The study shows thatreverse mortgageshave significant potential to help many seniors pay for help at home or to make home modifications. It also points to the need for strong consumer safeguards and lower transaction costs if these loans are to appeal to the millions of older Americans who could potentially benefit," said NCOA president and CEO JamesFirman. According to the study, there are some 9.8 million elder households (aged 62 and older) that are dealing with an impairment that can make it hard to live at home. In total, these households could access as much as $695 billion through reverse mortgages. For individuals, the extra cash could go a long way to help with familycaregivingand other long-term care expenses. For example, a borrower aged 75 years old with a home worth $100,000 could receive a reverse mortgage loan that could pay them $500 a month for almost 12 years. "This is an important study that, for the first time, shows that elderly homeowners, many with chronic conditions, can use reverse mortgages to pay for care at home," said JimKnickman, vice president for Research at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. "We hope that these findings will prompt new thinking into how the nation addresses the challenge of financing long-term care." Reverse mortgages are loans that allow homeowners aged 62 and over to convert home equity into cash while living at home for as long as they want. Borrowers continue to own their homes, and do not need to make any monthly payments. Instead, they can choose to receive the funds as a lump sum, line of credit, or as monthly payments (for up to life). The loan comes due only when the last borrower moves out, dies or sells the home. The "Use Your Home to Stay at Home: Expanding the Use of Reverse Mortgages to Pay for Long Term Care" report, funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, also shows how reverse mortgages can alleviate financial pressure not only for individuals and families, but also for state Medicaid programs and the federal government. Increasing the market for reverse mortgages could save Medicaid $3.3 billion (with a four percent take up rate) annually by 2010. "Many seniors and their families can benefit from effective ways to pay for the long term care services they need, in the setting they prefer," said Dr. Mark McClellan, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. "NCOA's report shows that reverse mortgages can provide real help in financing long term care needs." However, there are several obstacles to their growth for this purpose. For example, the NCOA study shows that while two-thirds (67 percent) of older homeowners today have heard of a reverse mortgage, only 9 percentindicate that they are likely to use this financing option to pay for assistance at home. Many worry that they risk impoverishment, or won't be able to leave a legacy to their children if they tap home equity. The cost of these loans, and current Medicaid policies on how reverse mortgages affect eligibility for long-term care benefits, also appear to be barriers. "We need expanded public education, and additional work to explore how to reduce the cost of tapping home equity, to strengthen consumer protections, and promote innovation," said BarbaraStucki, PhD, project manager for NCOA's Use Your Home toStayat Home project. "Overcoming these obstacles will mean that reverse mortgages can play an important role in helping many older Americans pay for the supportive services they need to continue to live at home safely and comfortably." According toFirman, NCOA will continue to play a leadership role in promoting the appropriate use ofreverse mortgagesto help pay for long term care at home. Founded in 1950, The National Council on the Aging is a national network of organizations and individuals dedicated to improving the health and independence of older persons; and increasing their continuing contributions to communities, society, and futuregenerations.;For more information on NCOA, visitwww.ncoa.org. A PowerPoint presentationfurther explains findings from the report. The reportis also available online. Background Reverse Mortgages for Long-Term Care"Use Your Home to Stay at Home"™ Started in September 2003 by The National Council on the Aging (NCOA), the "Use Your Home toStayat Home" project has developed a national blueprint for encouraging the use of reverse mortgages to help older Americans pay for long-term care services at home. Reverse mortgages are a special type of loan that allows people age 62 and older to convert equity in their home into cash while they continue to live at home for as long as they want. Long-Term Care Costs and Home Equity Currently, the costs of long-term care are primarily paid out of pocket by consumers or by Medicaid, the federal/state program designed to pay costs of health care for low-income individuals. In 2000, our nation spent $135 billion a year on long-term care forthose age65 and older, with the amount likely to double in next 30 years. Most of those dollars pay for care in skilled nursing facilities. Recent studies show that older Americans, including those who have serious health problems and need long-term care, want to live at home rather than in an institution. Most elders (82 percentof those age 62 and older) own their homes and 74 percentof those own them free and clear. With over $2 trillion tied up in home equity, this financial resource has the potential to dramatically increase the ability of seniors to pay for long-term care at home. Reverse mortgages can free up needed cash while enabling seniors to continue to own their home. Of the nearly 28 million American households age 62 and older, NCOA has found that almost half (48 percent), or about 13.2 million, are good candidates for a reverse mortgage. The amount that these older households could receive from a reverse mortgage is substantial–on average $72,128. These funds can go a long way to pay for help at home and for retrofitting the home to make it safer and more comfortable. For some, they could be used to purchase long-term care insurance if they qualify. In total, an estimated $953 billion could be available from reverse mortgages for immediate long-term care needs and to promote aging in place. For many older families, home equity is their single, biggest financial asset. Unlocking these substantial resources can help empower "house rich, cash poor" seniors by giving them additional resources to purchase the services they feel best suit their needs. The use of private funds from reverse mortgages can also strengthen community long-term care programs and reduce the burden on state Medicaid budgets. Funders The "Use Your Home to Stay at Home"™ project is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that operates Medicare and Medicaid, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Program Management James P.Firman, Ed. D., NCOA president and CEOJay Greenberg,Sc.D, executive vice presidentBarbaraStucki, Ph.D., project manager Headquarters The National Council on the Aging300 D Street SW Suite 801Washington, DC20024(202) 479-1200(202) 479-0735 About NCOA Founded in 1950, The National Council on the Aging is a national voluntary network of organizations and individuals dedicated to improving the health and independence of older persons; increasing their continuing contributions to communities, society, and future generations. NCOA is a national voice and powerful advocate for public policies, societal attitudes, and business practices that promote vital aging.NCOA is an innovator, developing new knowledge, testing creative ideas, and translating research into effective programs and services that help community service organizations serve seniors in hundreds of communities. And, NCOA is an activator, turning creative ideas into programs and services that help community services organizations serve seniors in hundreds of communities. For more information on NCOA, visitwww.ncoa.org. Visit us atwww.reversemortgageprograms.netfor more information from a Reverse Mortgage Specialist! ...read more
By Reverse Mortgages (NGFS) December 10, 2009
Monthly Loan Advances on Reverse Mortgages for Seniors in Holland, MI The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program can send you areverse mortgage loanadvance every month. But the amount of this cash payment to you doesn't change over time, so it buys less in the future as prices increase with inflation. You can choose to have monthly HECM advances paid to you: • for a specific number of years that you select (a "term" plan); or • for as long as you live in your home (a "tenure" plan). A term plan gives you more money each month than a tenure plan does. The shorter the term, the bigger the advances can be. But the advances only run for the amount of time you choose. While you don't have to repay the loan when the term ends, you don't receive monthly checks past the end of the time you select. Monthly Advance Examples The HECM program lets you combine a monthly advance with creditline, a lump sum of cash at closing, or some of each. This table shows some of the combinations that could be selected by a 75-year-old Jane Simler living in a $250,000 home with a loan at 7% expected interest, a $35 monthly servicing fee, closing costs of $2,500, and the maximum origination fee allowed by HUD. For example, if Jane selects a $25,000 lump sum and a $50,000 creditline, she also could get any one of the following: a monthly advance of $440 for as long as she lives in her home, $557 each month for 15 years, $713 each month for 10 years, or $1,204 monthly for 5 years. This table shows: • if you take more money as a lump sum or creditline, the monthly advances are smaller; and • if you select a shorter term of monthly advances, the amount of each advance is bigger. Monthly Advances Only The problem? Putting all of your loan funds into a monthly advance reduces your financial flexibility, especially if you don't have much in savings. Remember, monthly advances are fixed. So their purchasing power decreases with inflation. Adding a growing creditline to your monthly advance gives you a hedge against rising prices and gives you ready cash for unexpected expenses. If you are interested in a monthly advance, it's usually a good idea to add a creditline as well. On the other hand, for a $20 fee, you can change your payment plan at any time. For example, you could add a creditline to a monthly advance, although this would reduce the amount of the monthly advance. You could also convert part or all of a creditline into a monthly advance. AARP does not endorse any reverse mortgage lender or product. For questions or more information from a Reverse Mortgage Specialist in your area, please click here ...read more
By Reverse Mortgages (NGFS) December 04, 2009
Are you looking to buy a house? When you go to look at houses, you will quickly see that realtors do not use street addresses as a method of identifying houses. They use an MLS number which allows them to quickly access information about a property for sale. Using a street address gives you some infor... ...read more
Finding the perfect place for your business can take a great deal of time and research. You may want to lease a building rather than rent it. Leasing a building helps you build equity in the building. Depending on your location, commercial property may be listed for lease differently than traditional ... ...read more
