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Can You Refinance a Reverse Mortgage?
Yes. A reverse mortgage can often be refinanced, and many homeowners choose to refinance when circumstances change. Just like a traditional mortgage, refinancing a reverse mortgage may provide new opportunities depending on home values, interest rates, and financial goals. However, refinancing does not automatically mean it is the right move for everyone. Why Would Someone Refinance a Reverse Mortgage? There are several reasons homeowners may consider refinancing: Increased H

Darlene Jones
Aug 52 min read
What Credit Score Is Needed for a Reverse Mortgage?
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “Do I need a certain credit score to qualify for a reverse mortgage?” The answer may surprise many people: there is generally no strict minimum credit score requirement for most federally insured reverse mortgages. Unlike many traditional loans that rely heavily on a specific score, reverse mortgages typically focus more on your ability to meet ongoing financial obligations. What Do Lenders Look At Instead? Rather than focus

Darlene Jones
Aug 52 min read
Can You Refinance a Reverse Mortgage?
Yes. A reverse mortgage can often be refinanced, and many homeowners choose to refinance when circumstances change. Just like a traditional mortgage, refinancing a reverse mortgage may provide new opportunities depending on home values, interest rates, and financial goals. However, refinancing does not automatically mean it is the right move for everyone. Why Would Someone Refinance a Reverse Mortgage? There are several reasons homeowners may consider refinancing: Increased H

Darlene Jones
Aug 52 min read
Why Does Credit Still Matter?
Why Does Credit Still Matter? Even though there may not be a hard minimum score, credit history can still affect the approval process. Lenders may review: Recent late payments Collections Foreclosures or bankruptcies Delinquent federal debt Patterns of financial hardship A lower credit score does not automatically mean denial, but it may lead to additional review. What If There Are Credit Challenges? Some borrowers with past credit issues still qualify. Depending on the situa

Darlene Jones
Aug 51 min read
5 Common Myths About Reverse Mortgages
Reverse mortgages are often misunderstood. Many homeowners have heard stories from friends, television advertisements, or outdated information that create confusion and unnecessary concern. While reverse mortgages are not the right fit for everyone, understanding the facts can help separate myth from reality. Here are five of the most common misconceptions about reverse mortgages. Myth #1: "The Bank Owns My House" This is probably the most common myth. Reality: You generally

Darlene Jones
Aug 52 min read
Can You Sell a House With a Reverse Mortgage?
Yes. You can absolutely sell a house with a reverse mortgage. One of the most common misconceptions is that homeowners are locked into the property once they obtain a reverse mortgage. That is generally not true. You still own the home and remain on title. A reverse mortgage is simply a loan secured against the property, similar to a traditional mortgage. How Does Selling a Home With a Reverse Mortgage Work? The process is similar to selling a home with a traditional mortgage

Darlene Jones
Aug 52 min read
Can I Sell My Home If I Have a Reverse Mortgage?
One of the most common misconceptions about reverse mortgages is that once you have one, you are locked into your home forever. The good news is that the answer is simple: yes, you can sell your home if you have a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage does not prevent you from selling your property. You still own the home and remain on title. The reverse mortgage is simply a loan secured against the property, much like a traditional mortgage. What Happens When You Sell? When t

Darlene Jones
Aug 52 min read
Can I Lose My House If I Have a Reverse Mortgage?
One of the biggest fears people have about reverse mortgages is, “Can the bank take my house?” This question creates a lot of confusion and concern, especially for homeowners who have spent years building equity. The short answer is: a reverse mortgage does not automatically mean you lose your home. However, there are situations where problems can arise if certain responsibilities are not met. You Still Own the Home A common misconception is that the lender becomes the owner

Darlene Jones
Aug 52 min read
Can a Reverse Mortgage Help Me Buy a New Home?
Many people think reverse mortgages are only used to pull money out of a home they already own. What many homeowners do not realize is that a reverse mortgage may also be used to purchase a new home. For eligible buyers, a reverse mortgage for purchase can allow you to buy a home while making a substantial down payment and potentially eliminating a traditional monthly mortgage payment. How Does It Work? Instead of buying a home with all cash or taking out a traditional mortga

Darlene Jones
Aug 52 min read
What Is a Reverse Mortgage and How Does It Work?
For many homeowners age 62 and older, a large portion of their wealth may be tied up in the equity of their home. A reverse mortgage can provide a way to access that equity without selling the property or taking on a traditional monthly mortgage payment. A reverse mortgage is a loan designed specifically for eligible homeowners that allows them to convert a portion of their home equity into cash. Unlike a traditional mortgage where the borrower makes payments to the lender, w

Darlene Jones
Aug 52 min read
What Do You Do With a Decedent’s Personal Belongings?
One of the most emotional parts of probate in Florida is deciding what to do with a loved one’s personal belongings. Furniture, photographs, jewelry, clothing, collectibles, and everyday household items often carry both sentimental and financial value, making the process difficult for families. The first step is to slow down and avoid rushing to throw things away before understanding what may be important legally, financially, or emotionally. Start With Important Documents an

Darlene Jones
Jun 302 min read
Should Probate Property Be Repaired Before Selling?
In many cases, yes — making repairs or improvements to a probate property in Florida can help increase the home’s value, attract more buyers, and reduce problems during the sale process. Properties that have gone through probate often suffer from deferred maintenance, outdated finishes, or vacant-home issues. Buyers today are heavily influenced by first impressions, condition, and insurance requirements. Even simple improvements can make a major difference, including: Fresh p

Darlene Jones
Jun 301 min read
Who Signs the Listing Agreement During Probate in Florida
In Florida, the listing agreement for a probate property is typically signed by the Personal Representative of the estate — not the heirs. Before the property can usually be listed for sale: The probate case must be opened The court appoints a Personal Representative The court issues Letters of Administration giving that person legal authority to act on behalf of the estate The Personal Representative signs the listing agreement in their official capacity representing the est

Darlene Jones
Jun 301 min read
Can Heirs Sell a Property Without Probate in Florida?
In most cases, no. In Florida, heirs generally cannot legally sell a property until probate has been opened and the proper legal authority has been established. When someone passes away owning real estate solely in their name, the property does not automatically transfer to the heirs. Probate is usually required to legally transfer ownership and give someone authority to act on behalf of the estate. Before a property can typically be sold: A probate case must be opened A Pers

Darlene Jones
Jun 301 min read
Can a House Be Sold Before Probate Is Finished in Florida?
Yes, in many cases a house in Florida can be sold before the probate process is fully completed — but the proper legal authority must first be established. Typically, the probate court appoints a Personal Representative (executor) and issues legal documents called Letters of Administration. These documents give the Personal Representative authority to act on behalf of the estate, including listing and selling real estate. Once that authority is granted: The property can often

Darlene Jones
Jun 301 min read
What Is a Personal Representative of an Estate?
In Florida, a Personal Representative is the person appointed by the probate court to handle and manage a deceased person’s estate. In some states, this role is called an “executor.” The Personal Representative is responsible for carrying out the legal and financial duties required during the probate process. Typical responsibilities include: Filing probate paperwork with the court Identifying and protecting estate assets Notifying beneficiaries and creditors Paying valid deb

Darlene Jones
Jun 301 min read
Can You Refinance a Reverse Mortgage?
Yes. A reverse mortgage can often be refinanced, and many homeowners choose to refinance when circumstances change. Just like a traditional mortgage, refinancing a reverse mortgage may provide new opportunities depending on home values, interest rates, and financial goals. However, refinancing does not automatically mean it is the right move for everyone. Why Would Someone Refinance a Reverse Mortgage? There are several reasons homeowners may consider refinancing: Increased H

Darlene Jones
Jun 302 min read
What Credit Score Is Needed for a Reverse Mortgage?
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “Do I need a certain credit score to qualify for a reverse mortgage?” The answer may surprise many people: there is generally no strict minimum credit score requirement for most federally insured reverse mortgages. Unlike many traditional loans that rely heavily on a specific score, reverse mortgages typically focus more on your ability to meet ongoing financial obligations. What Do Lenders Look At Instead? Rather than focus

Darlene Jones
Jun 302 min read
5 Common Myths About Reverse Mortgages
Reverse mortgages are often misunderstood. Many homeowners have heard stories from friends, television advertisements, or outdated information that create confusion and unnecessary concern. While reverse mortgages are not the right fit for everyone, understanding the facts can help separate myth from reality. Here are five of the most common misconceptions about reverse mortgages. Myth #1: "The Bank Owns My House" This is probably the most common myth. Reality: You generally

Darlene Jones
Jun 302 min read
Can I Lose My House If I Have a Reverse Mortgage?
One of the biggest fears people have about reverse mortgages is, “Can the bank take my house?” This question creates a lot of confusion and concern, especially for homeowners who have spent years building equity. The short answer is: a reverse mortgage does not automatically mean you lose your home. However, there are situations where problems can arise if certain responsibilities are not met. You Still Own the Home A common misconception is that the lender becomes the owner

Darlene Jones
Jun 302 min read
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