However, regulatory authorities, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, argue that reverse mortgages are "complex products and difficult for consumers to understand", especially in light of "misleading advertising", low-quality counseling, and "risk of fraud and other scams". Some economists argue that reverse mortgages may benefit the elderly by smoothing out their income and consumption patterns over time. Regulators and academics have given mixed commentary on the reverse mortgage market. For example, in Canada, the loan balance cannot exceed the fair market value of the home by law. Specific rules for reverse mortgage transactions vary depending on the laws of the jurisdiction. However, the borrower (or the borrower's estate) is generally not required to repay any additional loan balance in excess of the value of the home. The rising loan balance can eventually grow to exceed the value of the home, particularly in times of declining home values or if the borrower continues to live in the home for many years. Because there are no required mortgage payments on a reverse mortgage, the interest is added to the loan balance each month. Reverse mortgages allow elders to access the home equity they have built up in their homes now, and defer payment of the loan until they die, sell, or move out of the home. Borrowers are still responsible for property taxes or homeowner's insurance. The loans are typically promoted to older homeowners and typically do not require monthly mortgage payments. Loan to homeowners age 62+ not requiring ongoing cash repayment besides property chargesĪ reverse mortgage is a mortgage loan, usually secured by a residential property, that enables the borrower to access the unencumbered value of the property.