H4P Loans Explained: A Smart Way to Buy a Home at 62+ (Video)
Many retirees think that their homebuying options are highly limited if they’re on a fixed income. But there’s an option specifically for 62 and over homebuyers called the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage for Purchase (H4P) loan.
The H4P can greatly increase homebuying power—and flexibility to move closer to friends and family—while preserving retirement savings.
If that sounds interesting to you, watch the quick video or read the transcript below.
Video Transcription of "H4P Loans: A Smart Way to Buy a Home at 62+"
H4P loans offer a smart way to buy a home at 62 plus. Buying the right home later in life and financing it wisely can make all the difference in your retirement.
Now, at 62 or older, a door opens to a powerful home financing option designed with you in mind. Meet the home equity conversion mortgage for purchase, or H4P loan, the home purchase version of the most popular reverse mortgage in the United States.
Unlike a traditional mortgage, an H4P requires no monthly mortgage payments as long as you meet loan obligations such as paying property taxes and insurance. The loan won't be due until the last borrower moves out, sells the home, or passes away. And unlike paying all cash, which ties up a large portion of your assets, an H4P requires only about 50 to 70% of the home's purchase price as a down payment with the remainder financed through the loan. The exact amount depends on your age and other factors.
With no required monthly mortgage payments, an H4P feels like a cash purchase, except you retain more of your savings for other priorities. That means more financial freedom. Whether you want to move closer to family, downsize, relocate to a sunnier climate, or find a home that better suits your needs, an H4P can help you buy smarter.
Interest and mortgage insurance premiums are added to the balance over time with your repayment deferred. Want to pay it down? You can make voluntary prepayments to help manage your balance.
An H4P loan becomes due when the last borrower moves out permanently, is unable to live in the home for 12 consecutive months due to illness, or passes away. The loan is then typically repaid by selling the home. Importantly, H4P loans are non-recourse. You or your heirs will never owe more than the home's value at the time of sale. FHA insurance covers any shortfall, ensuring financial protection for you and your loved ones.
Your heirs do have options when it comes to your home. If they would like to keep it, they can pay off the loan, usually by refinancing. If the loan balance is higher than 95% of the home's value, they may qualify for a short payoff at 95% of the home's value. If they don't want to keep the home, they can sell it and keep any leftover proceeds. If the loan balance is more than the home's value, they can walk away with no personal liability by signing a deed in lieu of foreclosure.
An H4P may not be for everyone, but for many, it's a smart way to increase buying power and secure the home they truly want. If you'd rather build memories than make mortgage payments, an H4P is worth considering.
Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?
At Fairway, we understand that each of our customers has unique needs, and sometimes a reverse mortgage loan is the best fit — and sometimes it is not. If you’re interested in learning more about reverse mortgages and whether one might be a good fit for your situation (or a loved one’s situation), Fairway can help.