CHIP Reverse Mortgage: Empowering Your Retirement with Home Equity
The Reverse Mortgage for Canadians 55 and over
Thousands of 55+ Canadians are beginning to realize just how wealthy they are, when they consider the equity they’ve built in their homes
- Access up to 55% of your home value in tax-free cash!
- Keep the home you love
- No monthly mortgage payments
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What is an CHIP Reverse Mortgage?
A CHIP Reverse Mortgage is a loan that allows you to convert a portion of your home equity into tax-free cash. Unlike traditional mortgages, you are not required to make monthly payments. Instead, the loan is repaid when you sell your home, move into long-term care, or pass away. This product is ideal for retirees looking to improve their financial security without having to leave their home or make regular mortgage payments.
With the CHIP Reverse Mortgage, the amount you can borrow is based on factors such as your age, home value, and location. The older you are, the more of your home’s equity you can access.. For more details, visit the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
Benefits of an CHIP Reverse Mortgage
- Access Up to 55% of Your Home’s Value: Depending on your age, home value, and location, you can unlock up to 55% of your home’s appraised value in tax-free cash.
- No Monthly Payments: There are no monthly mortgage payments with a CHIP Reverse Mortgage. The loan is only repaid when your home is sold.
- Tax-Free Cash: The funds you receive from a CHIP Reverse Mortgage are tax-free, allowing you to use the money for any purpose, whether it’s paying off debts, funding home improvements, or helping family members.
- Stay in Your Home: You remain the homeowner and continue living in your home for as long as you wish, provided you keep up with property taxes, insurance, and home maintenance.
- Flexible Payment Options: You can choose to receive the money as a lump sum, through scheduled payments, or a combination of both, depending on your financial needs.
CHIP Reverse Mortgage provides flexible reverse mortgage solutions that allow retirees to access their home’s value while staying in their home.
Why Consider a CHIP Reverse Mortgage?
A CHIP Reverse Mortgage offers numerous benefits for Canadian homeowners who are 55 and older. Here are the key reasons to consider choosing this financial solution:
1. No Monthly Payments
With an HomeEquity Bank Reverse Mortgage, you are not required to make monthly mortgage payments. This provides relief from the financial strain of regular payments, allowing you to maintain cash flow throughout your retirement.
2. Tax-Free Cash
The funds you receive from a reverse mortgage are entirely tax-free. This means you can use the money without affecting your taxable income, government benefits such as Old Age Security (OAS), or Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
3. Unlock Up to 55% of Your Home’s Value
HomeEquity Bank allows you to access up to 55% of your home’s appraised value. This gives you access to a significant amount of capital without the need to sell or downsize your property.
4. Stay in Your Home
You remain the owner of your home, with the ability to continue living in it for as long as you choose. There is no requirement to sell your property, ensuring you can age in place comfortably.
5. Flexible Payout Options
HomeEquity Bank offers flexible options for receiving your funds. You can choose a lump sum payment, schedule periodic advances, or a combination of both, depending on your financial needs and goals.
6. No Impact on Government Benefits
Since reverse mortgage proceeds are tax-free, your OAS, GIS, and other government benefits will remain unaffected. This allows you to boost your retirement income without jeopardizing any other sources of support.
7. Protected by a No-Negative-Equity Guarantee
HomeEquity Bank ensures that you will never owe more than the value of your home at the time of sale. Even if your home’s market value decreases, the amount you owe will not exceed the sale price.
8. Competitive Interest Rates
While reverse mortgage rates are generally higher than traditional mortgages, CHIP Reverse Mortgage offers competitive rates within the industry, and you can choose between fixed and variable interest options to suit your financial situation.
How Does an CHIP Reverse Mortgage Work?
The CHIP Reverse Mortgage allows Canadian homeowners aged 55+ to access a portion of their home’s equity while staying in their home. Here’s how it works:
- Eligibility: You must be at least 55 years old, and the home must be your primary residence.
- Home Appraisal: Your home’s value will be appraised to determine how much you can borrow, with a maximum of 55% of the home’s appraised value.
- Receive Funds: Once approved, you can receive the funds in a lump sum, through periodic advances, or a combination of both.
- No Monthly Payments: You do not need to make any mortgage payments during the life of the loan.
- Loan Repayment: The loan is repaid when you sell your home or pass away, using the proceeds from the home’s sale.
The amount of money you can borrow depends on several factors, including your age, the value of your home, and where your home is located. Homeowners in larger urban centers may qualify for larger loan amounts.
For detailed information, consult the Government of Canada’s reverse mortgage guide.
CHIP Reverse Mortgage Eligibility
To qualify for a CHIP Reverse Mortgage, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: You must be 55 years of age or older. If you have a spouse, both of you must meet this age requirement.
- Primary Residence: The home must be your primary residence, meaning you live in it for at least six months of the year.
- Home Condition: Your home must be in good condition, with all property taxes and home insurance up to date.
The amount you can borrow is based on your age, the value of your home, and its location. Typically, older homeowners can borrow a higher percentage of their home’s value.
CHIP Reverse Mortgage vs Other Reverse Mortgage Providers
Equitable Bank Reverse Mortgage | CHIP Reverse Mortgage |
---|---|
Up to 59% of home’s value available | Up to 55% of home’s value |
No monthly payments required | No monthly payments required |
Interest rates between 6% - 8% | Similar interest rates |
CHIP Reverse Mortgage Interest Rates 2024
The interest rates for a CHIP Reverse Mortgage are higher than traditional mortgage rates due to the deferred payment structure, but they are competitive within the reverse mortgage market. Rates can vary depending on whether you choose a fixed or variable rate.
For up-to-date interest rate information, it is best to consult with a mortgage broker or visit the HomeEquity Bank website.
To stay informed on mortgage rate trends, visit the Bank of Canada’s website.
You can also check the latest reverse mortgage rates by visiting one of Canada’s top rate comparison sites, Rates4u.
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CHIP Reverse Mortgage Reverse Mortgage FAQs
You can access up to 55% of your home’s appraised value, depending on your age, home value, and location.
No, the money you receive is tax-free and does not affect your Old Age Security (OAS) or Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
No, you keep ownership as long as property taxes, home maintenance, and insurance are kept up to date.
You can access up to 55% of your home’s value, depending on factors like your age and home value.
No, reverse mortgage payments are tax-free, and they won’t impact your Old Age Security (OAS) or Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
Expect costs like appraisal fees, legal fees, and administrative charges, which vary by lender.
Yes, you can sell your home at any time, but the reverse mortgage balance must be repaid from the proceeds.
Yes, most lenders allow early repayment, though penalties may apply depending on the contract terms.
CHIP Reverse Mortgage Rates
Success Stories from CHIP Reverse Mortgage Clients
Case Study: Barbara, Age 75
Barbara wanted to stay in her home but needed funds to cover medical expenses and renovations. She opted for a CHIP Reverse Mortgage and unlocked 50% of her home’s equity in tax-free cash. This allowed her to fund her medical needs while making the necessary upgrades to her home so she could age in place comfortably, all without worrying about monthly mortgage payments.
Understanding Reverse Mortgage Costs With CHIP Reverse Mortgage
Reverse mortgages include several costs beyond the interest rate:
- Processing Fees: Charges for setting up the mortgage, which may be a flat fee or based on the loan amount.
- Closing Costs: Fees associated with finalizing the mortgage, such as legal and administrative fees.
- Independent Legal Advice (ILA): Some lenders require you to obtain legal advice, which can cost between $350 to $500.
Why Are Interest Rates Higher for Reverse Mortgages with CHIP Reverse Mortgage?
Reverse mortgages pose more risk to lenders since repayment isn’t required until the future, and borrowers make no monthly payments. To offset this risk, lenders charge higher interest rates compared to traditional mortgages.
How Is Interest Calculated on a Reverse Mortgage with CHIP Reverse Mortgage?
Interest is only charged on the amount you borrow, not the maximum amount available. It accrues daily and is compounded semi-annually for fixed rates or monthly for variable rates.
Example Calculation
- Home Value: $500,000
- Borrowed Amount: $100,000
- Interest Rate: 4.89% annually
Steps:
- Daily Interest Rate: 4.89% ÷ 365 = 0.0134% per day
- Daily Interest Charge: $100,000 × 0.0134% = $13.40
- Interest Over Six Months: $13.40 × 180 days = $2,412
- New Balance After Six Months: $100,000 + $2,412 = $102,412
- Compound Interest: Interest now calculated on $102,412
After one year, the total interest accrued would be approximately $4,900, and the loan balance would be around $104,900.
How is compound interest applied on Reverse Mortgages?
After six months, compound interest takes effect, meaning the interest is charged not just on the principal loan but on the accumulated interest. For example:
- Second six-month daily interest: $102,444 x 0.01358% = $13.91/day.
- Interest for another six months: $13.91/day x 180 days = $2,504.
Adding this to the outstanding balance of $102,444 gives a new loan balance of $104,948.
Thus, after one year, the total interest would amount to $4,948 on a $100,000 reverse mortgage with a 4.89% interest rate.
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Protections for Borrowers Of CHIP Reverse Mortgage
Both HomeEquity Bank CHIP and Equitable Bank Flex guarantee that borrowers won’t owe more than the value of their home when it’s sold. This means that even if the home’s value decreases, you will never have to make up the difference if the mortgage balance exceeds the home’s sale value. For instance, if you borrow $275,000 against a home worth $500,000 and the home’s value drops, you are still protected by the “no negative equity” guarantee.
These terms and the method of compounding interest highlight the importance of understanding how interest and fees accumulate over time in reverse mortgages.
Contact Us for More Information on CHIP Reverse Mortgage
Looking to learn more about how an CHIP Reverse Mortgagee can help you? Our team of experts is here to provide a free consultation and help you make the right decision for your retirement.
Citadel Mortgages is one of Canada’s leading brokerages specializing in reverse mortgages. Visit Citadel Mortgages to learn more today.
Reverse Mortgage Rates CHIP Reverse Mortgage
Reverse Mortgage Explainer Video
Unlock the value in your home and turn it to cash to help you enjoy life on your terms. Inquire about your reverse mortgage today.
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Reverse Mortgage Calculator: Estimate How Much You Can Borrow
Are you curious about how much you could access from your home equity with a reverse mortgage? Use our simple and intuitive Reverse Mortgage Calculator to get an estimate of how much you could borrow based on your home’s current value, your age, and other factors. This tool can help you better understand your financial options and decide whether a reverse mortgage is right for you.
How the Reverse Mortgage Calculator Works:
- Enter Your Home’s Current Value: The estimated market value of your property.
- Select Your Age: The older you are, the more you can borrow. If you have a spouse, include both ages.
- Choose Your Location: Property location affects your borrowing power, as home values vary by region.
- See Your Estimated Loan Amount: The calculator will provide a projection of the maximum amount you may qualify for.