House hunting can take a toll on you, especially if your are new to the city and the neighborhood for that matter. You don’t just go and move in the first place you see, that is not how it works. There are a number of factors to consider and options to weigh in even before you can think of moving in.
Here are a few factors to consider before signing in that lease deed.
Legal system: There are specific tenant laws which govern the agreement, which will also differ according to location. You may find homes which are available for rent directly by the owner, but this is where those owner tenant laws come into play. Understand the laws which govern that particular are in order to make sure the owner is not taking you for a ride and that everything he says pertains to the generally accepted norms.
Property inspection: Whether you go through an agent or find listings for homes for rent by owners directly, you still have to ensure that a thorough inception is conducted by an expert. If you do find anything that needs repairing or needs replacement in the apartment, do not hesitate to contact the owner. Generally, your landlord will be responsible for home maintenance and must ensure that periodic renovations are carried out.
Lease terms and agreement: After everything is said and done, comes the lease agreement. This is a binding contract between you and the owner, so read the terms and conditions very carefully before committing. Have an attorney or a legal expert go through the lease once, the lease should be such that it benefits both parties and not just the owner.
Types of homes available for rent:
Single family homes: These are ideal for families giving you all the privacy you will ever need, with your own parking and garden. But such homes are a little high on the maintenance and ha to be taken care by the owner.
Condominiums: These are mostly single units which are designed to accommodate a number of occupants in the same building unlike single family homes. The privacy is not compromised much, but you will still feel the changes I occupancy every time someone changes or moves. However, in case of condos, the maintenance and upkeep is taken care of by the home owners association which is formed for that particular building.
There are many others like townhouses, multifamily rentals and more, information about which can be found online on major real estate websites and through known agents and brokers. You can also find listing directly by owners for rent, cheap homes for rent online and more.
A reverse mortgage is a type of loan that allows homeowners to receive payments on their house as opposed to them making payments to the lender. At first glance, this option seems too good to be true. But, before committing to it, there are some nitty-gritty details that people must consider when opting for this type of financing. So, here is some information regarding the pros and cons to consider when getting a reverse mortgage.
Advantages
Disadvantages
A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows individuals older than 62 to improve their financial well-being. They can convert part of their home equity into lump sum cash, fixed monthly payments, or line of credit, according to their preference. The money can be used to pay for medical bills, in emergencies, or to pay off a mortgage. Here’s what you should know about reverse mortgages in case you’re looking for one.
How much can you borrow?
For reverse mortgages, the loan amount can’t exceed the value of the property against which it is borrowed. Federal regulations require lenders to ensure that the loan amount doesn’t exceed the value of the house by structuring the transactions accordingly. Additionally, these regulations state that the owner/borrower is not liable to pay off the balance amount in case it exceeds the property value.
How are reverse mortgages paid for?
A reverse mortgage is payable when the borrower sells the house, relocates permanently, or dies. Unlike forward mortgages, reverse mortgages don’t need the borrower to make any monthly payments. They are only liable to pay interest on the money received, which is rolled back into the loan balance. While the owner gets to keep the title to the home, their home equity reduces over the loan tenure.
Who can take a reverse mortgage?
This type of loan is ideal for seniors and retirees whose net worth comes mostly from the value of their home. Seniors who don’t qualify for a home equity loan or can’t refinance due to limited cash flow or poor credit can opt for reverse mortgages. Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for purchase is a reverse mortgage that allows seniors to buy another property. That said, it is complex, and you should study the risk factors before getting one.
What are the risks associated with reverse mortgages?
Reverse mortgage scams are not unheard of. Unreputable vendors could offer to help seniors secure reverse mortgages by undertaking house repairs. They don’t provide quality results and get away with the homeowner’s money instead. For spouses living together in a home with only one spouse named as a borrower on a reverse mortgage, the other spouse can lose the home if the borrowing spouse dies first. Besides, reverse mortgage lenders charge fees and closing costs and may also charge mortgage insurance premiums for federally-insured HECMs.