Insulating Retirement Portfolios: How Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Loans Protect Homeowners in Volatile Markets

Securing a comfortable retirement should be a top priority for homeowners 62 and above. Even in the best of economies, a financial cushion is crucial for people in their golden years to protect their retirement portfolios. It’s even more critical in a volatile economy. Otherwise, retirees may be forced to sell at an unfavorable position or sacrifice their quality of life.

Despite recent economic fluctuations and downturns, the housing market's strength and home equity growth offer a solution to many. In this article, we’ll explore how the economy has affected the retirement assets of millions of senior Americans. We’ll also show how the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage loan (or HECM) can effectively insulate retirement portfolios while improving retirement life.

The Impact of Market Downturns on Retirees

Over the past 18 months, the U.S. economy has experienced market downturns that significantly impact everyday people. Some effects felt by retirees include:

• Decreased Portfolio Value: Retirees often rely on their investment portfolios for income during retirement. Market downturns can lead to a decline in the value of stocks, bonds and other investments, resulting in reduced retirement savings. 
• Reduced Retirement Income: Retirees who depend on income from dividends, interest or capital gains may experience a decrease in their cash flow during market downturns, which can result in a lower overall income, making it more challenging to maintain a desired lifestyle and cover essential expenses such as housing, healthcare and daily living costs.
• Increased Uncertainty and Anxiety: The “golden years” are supposed to be among the most relaxing of one’s life, but market downturns can take an extreme emotional toll on retirees. Without a stable, predictable income stream, retirement can become a period of fear about the future.

Housing Wealth in the U.S.

As the U.S. contends with these economic challenges, the housing sector has provided a financial silver lining to many homeowners. Home equity has surged to unprecedented levels. Younger homeowners have been able to tap into this wealth by refinancing their mortgages or securing home equity loans. However, beginning a new cycle of monthly mortgage payments on a fixed income makes these traditional options a poor fit for many retirees. 

Fortunately, the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) allows homeowners 62 or older to tap into their home equity and help protect their equity investments during broader market uncertainties.*

What Is a HECM?

The HECM, also known as the reverse mortgage, is a FHA-insured loan that enables 62+ homeowners to convert a portion of their home’s equity into tax-free cash.* The loan payment is due when the borrower leaves the home, sells the home or passes away. 

HECMs are non-recourse loans, meaning the borrower or their heirs will never have to repay the loan out of pocket. The proceeds from the sale of the home will cover their obligation, and if there is any shortage, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will cover the difference.**

How Can HECMs Help Insulate Retirement Portfolios?

Eliminating Monthly Mortgage Payments

One of the potent HECM benefits is the elimination of required monthly mortgage payments. If they so choose, the borrower can make payments for tax purposes, but they’re only obligated to pay property charges that they already have to pay, such as taxes, insurance and upkeep.

Many retirees find the extra monthly cash flow a useful financial cushion for their retirement assets. Others find that it’s the last piece of the puzzle they need to retire with financial security officially. In either case, it’s a significant reduction of financial stress that goes a long way toward a comfortable, secure retirement.

Flexible Payout Choices

HECMs offer borrowers a range of payout choices, enabling retirees to align their cash flow strategy with their retirement goals and changing circumstances so they have the necessary funds available when they need them most. Below are two payout options that are particularly useful for protecting retirement assets.*

Modified Term Payment Plan

Opting to receive HECM proceeds as modified term payments offers a unique opportunity for portfolio insulation. The Modified Term Payment plan provides fixed monthly payments to the borrower for a predetermined period (i.e., 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, etc.). 

During the payment plan period, eligible homeowners can receive a fixed monthly payment, ensuring a steady source of income and shielding their portfolios from market fluctuations. By preserving their investment assets and avoiding selling them at unfavorable prices, retirees give their portfolios the potential to recover and grow over time.

Depending on how much the borrower wants to access monthly, the term payments can be flexible and then will change to a line of credit.

Flexible Credit Line

Following the initial modified term payment plan, homeowners choose a flexible credit line. The credit line acts as a safety net, allowing retirees to access their home equity as needed. What sets the HECM credit line apart from traditional loans is that the unused portion of the credit line can grow over time.

This growth potential provides homeowners additional financial security, ensuring they can access funds to weather future market fluctuations or cover unexpected expenses, such as healthcare costs, home improvements or emergencies.

How Are You Protecting Your Portfolio?

In an uncertain economy, homeowners aged 62 and above must protect their retirement assets. Market downturns can significantly impact their financial stability, leading to decreased portfolio values, reduced cash flow and increased anxiety. 

However, the strength of the housing market and the HECM loan offer a solution. Retirees can eliminate monthly mortgage payments by tapping into home equity through a HECM and only have to cover property charges like taxes, insurance and home maintenance.

Flexible HECM payment choices, such as the modified term payment plan and the flexible credit line, further insulate retirement portfolios from market fluctuations.* HECMs allow retirees to maintain a steady source of cash flow, preserve investment assets and access their home equity as needed. With the potential for growth in the unused credit line, retirees gain additional financial security to help protect their assets in the future.  

*This article does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a financial advisor regarding your specific situation.

**There are some circumstances that will cause the loan to mature and the balance to become due and payable. Borrower is still responsible for paying property taxes and insurance and maintaining the home. Credit subject to age, property and some limited debt qualifications. Program rates, fees, terms and conditions are not available in all states and subject to change.