Mortgages are a way to cover the shortage of funds when the requirement inevitably occurs. The simple fact is that a mortgage loan is an easy loan to get. As long as the curation and inspection of the asset pass a standard mark, any financial institution is happy to lend out the money, because there is always collateral to go with the deal. The best way to deal with a sudden shortage of cash, however, is not always met by financial institutions because of an occasional delay.

Reverse mortgages allow the borrower to give up equity in their property, especially landed property, in exchange for annuities. It is so named because the concept of a reverse mortgage is the polar opposite of a regular mortgage. In a regular mortgage, the borrower has to pay annuities. In a reverse mortgage, the borrower gets paid annuities instead.

Biggest benefits of reverse mortgages
Reverse mortgages have been in practice for a long time and there are several benefits to get a reverse mortgage. The only responsibility is an absolute obligation on the part of the borrower to pay the taxes regularly and diligently.

Here are some of the biggest benefits of a reverse mortgage scheme.

• Convenience: Reverse mortgages are extremely convenient to the borrower as the entire process of getting the money is expedited by a great margin. At the same time, it is a fixed source of income for the borrower instead of being a liability that needs to be paid off.
• Alternate income source: Primarily designed to benefit those with limited earning options, a reverse mortgage can be a great source of secondary income or a supplement to the primary source. Since there are fixed recurring annuities, the flow of income stays up.
• No pressure: Unlike traditional mortgages, there is zero pressure on the borrower to pay anything back. In fact, the borrower needs to pay a share of the equity only on the sale of the mortgaged property. There is no other obligation for the borrower at all.

Reverse mortgage trends
One of the biggest trends in reverse mortgage is the idea that the elderly and retired can live on their property without having to sell it off or rent it out. Renting out a landed property is a feasible idea, but it comes with its own share of hassles. The reverse mortgage situation is quite easy to deal with and can be availed of at any point in time. All the owner needs to do is part with the equivalent amount of equity in the property. It can be the roof, a floor, or even a single room. The mortgaged property can be as small as the front yard. As long as the equity is met, the taxes are paid on time, and the money is shared in the event of a sale, there is no flip side to a reverse mortgage.