It seems that HUD is finally ready to authorize HECM reverse mortgage for Co-Ops. According to one source, “it has redrafted a mortgagee letter that would permit HECMs on co-ops and is awaiting final approval.”

It was initially expected that HECM reverse mortgages would be available to co-op owners by the end of 2008, but delays have begotten more delays, and here we are well into 2010. [Admittedly, HUD has had its hands full managing the housing crisis, but even so!]. In the meantime, angry homeowners have been writing to Congress and to newspaper columnists, trying to get the timetable pushed forward: “Can you believe…Washington’s ridiculous delay in officially authorizing reverse mortgages for co-ops? So many senior citizens have been misled and hurt by this.”

Currently, owners of condominiums and other forms of cooperative housing that otherwise would qualify for reverse mortgages have very few options. They can go through private lenders, but these mortgages are not insured by the FHA and tend to be more expensive and carry higher interest rates. Reputedly, there is at least one reverse mortgage lender that offers HECM reverse mortgages on coops, but its terms and loan limits are more restrictive than with HECMs on conventional properties.

With full FHA approval, lenders could presumably be more aggressive in offering reverse mortgages on coops. Previously, lenders were put off from doing so because of uncertainty over the implications over a co-owner defaulting on a primary mortgage as well as difficulty in appraising the properties (which is required to calculate the maximum loan amount). As one columnist explained to an exasperated homeowner: “lenders are reluctant to allow you to take equity out of your place through a reverse mortgage when your neighbor — who, like you, contributes to the upkeep of the overall building — might default on his mortgage at any time?”

Even if the FHA gives the go-ahead, co-op owners must first solicit the approval of the building administrator. According to an insider, such requests will be rebuffed “maybe 20 percent of the time.” Still, this would represent an improvement over the current situation.

13 Responses to “Reverse Mortgages for Co-Ops”

  1. Shelly Ellman Says:

    When will the letter be issued so we can finally get the HECM for co-ops which so many seniors here in Laguna Woods, CA need so desperately? It is almost 2 years since the law was passed.

  2. B. Smith Says:

    The building is maintained by a maintenance staff hired by the residents, Maint. payments are monthly and appropriate. The system works fine. Not sure what you are saying. It’s been fine for at least 16 years, since it became co-op.

  3. stan Says:

    Our government continues to amaze me. You would think this would be something that is pretty simple to implement but instead of trying to help people the law makers are concerned with the things that benefit them most. Im hoping seniors who are effected by this as well as everyone else will let them know who they work for come November.

  4. frank russo Says:

    I would like to know if reverse mortgages are offered to coops.

    Thank You

  5. frank russo Says:

    are reverse mortgages offered to co-ops in new york city?

  6. Lynn Fiskco Says:

    I have the same question are reverse mortages offered to co-ops in New York City? If so what bank will do this?

  7. barry peretz Says:

    reverse mortgage on coops ?
    NYC

  8. joanna schwartz Says:

    I live in a Co-Op in New Jersey and would like to know the status of reverse mortgages for Co-Ops.

  9. joanna schwartz Says:

    Are there any banks in New Jersey that offer reverse mortgages?

  10. helen wintrob Says:

    are reverse mortgages offered for co-0ps in new York city

  11. Al Says:

    Is there anything current (7-23-14) re reverse mortgages for co ops in NYS?

  12. Nancy Godwin Says:

    Well, it is 4-1-2016 and nothing has changed. Still no reverse mortgages. I think co-ops should be done away with. There is no advantage to owning a co-op. If you own your home outright you cannot even get a line of credit on it.

  13. Jacquelne cohen Says:

    It is 2019 are there any reverse mortgage on coops in brooklyn. I did not realize that coops are inferior to condos or a small house.my area is very expensive. I suppose selling is my best option.

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