More senior homeowners with mortgages: Older consumers are carrying more mortgage debt into their retirement years than in previous decades. For homeowners age 65 and older, the percentage carrying mortgage debt increased from 22 percent to 30 percent from 2001 to 2011. Among those aged 75 and older, the rate more than doubled during that same time period, from 8.4 percent to 21.2 percent.

Median mortgage debt for seniors increased by 82 percent: From 2001 to 2011, the median amount older homeowners owed on mortgages increased 82 percent from about $43,300 to $79,000. In addition to carrying increased mortgage debt, many older Americans have also accrued less home equity than their age group did a decade ago. This decline in home equity may have an outsize impact on older Americans, for whom home equity is frequently their primary or even only asset. The result is less financial security and greater financial risk. Those considering taking out a home equity loan will want to know about the home equity loan interest rates before committing to anything. Some might find that looking mortgage notes might be a way to get a handle on their mortgage debt. If you want to know what is a mortgage note you can do research online to find out more.

Senior delinquency and foreclosure rates increased five-fold after the financial crisis: From 2007 to 2011, the percentage of homeowners age 65 to 74 who were seriously delinquent in paying their mortgage, meaning they were more than 90 days late or in foreclosure, increased from 0.85 percent to 4.96 percent. For those over 75, it increased from 1.01 percent to 5.87 percent. While delinquency and foreclosure rates have decreased since 2012, foreclosure among older homeowners is still a significant problem. Among other things, older consumers have greater difficulty recovering from foreclosure than their younger counterparts due to their increased incidences of health problems, cognitive impairment, and difficulties returning to the workforce.

http://www.consumerfinance.gov/reports/snapshot-of-older-consumers-and-mortgage-debt/

If you find yourself in this situation a loan modification may be available. Contact our office for a free consultation today!

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761 Phone: (727) 410-2705; email: calh@gate.net

consumer financial protection, CFPB, foreclosure rates, mortgage debt