Are co-op apartments eligible for reverse mortgages in new york state?

Answer 1

In July of 2008, Congress passed and then President George W. Bush signed into law, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA). There were many provisions of that law which impacted reverse mortgages. Among them was a section of HERA which provided Reverse Mortgages for Co-ops. Since most private reverse mortgage bankers effectively stopped their reverse mortgages for co-ops, there are seniors who were anxious to see how this would come out and what the restrictions would be. Unfortunately, their anxiety continues.

Despite the mandate of HERA and the continuing weak economy, over two years later, HUD has still failed to promulgate rules which would allow the banks to offer reverse mortgages to co-op owners here in New York and elsewhere in the country. HUD has not issued the required Mortgagee Letter that would permit reverse mortgages (HECMs) on co-ops.

HUD has indicated many times that it would make reverse mortgages available to co-ops, but it has not done so. As recently as this past March, HUD said it would issue such a Mortgagee Letter, but nothing has been done. Approximately three months ago, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan has said he would look into the situation. Again, nothing has been done.

The problem is more acute in New York and in particular, downstate and the New York Metro area with large numbers of seniors owning and residing in co-op apartments. As seniors on fixed incomes, struggle to survive with rising taxes, medical and energy costs, I wrote to both of NY's Senators and my own congressman. Yet, over two years since HERA became law, co-ops are still not eligible properties because HUD has taken no action.

The latest I've been told is that the new guidelines should be out by September, but I have been told deadlines before and they have come and gone over the last two years.

While reverse mortgages are not for every senior, they do afford seniors the opportunity to work their way through their financial issues. It is imperative that HUD act now and issue the appropriate Mortgagee Letter, so the banks will resume reverse mortgages for co-ops. The best thing for you to do now is contact your US Senators and your local congressperson and let them know you are angry that for over two years nothing has been done to allow seniors to obtain reverse mortgages on their co-op apartments and demand that they contact HUD about it.

For further information, contact reversemortgage@optonline.net.