City Council Explores Hidden Hazards Behind Reverse Mortgages
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Reverse mortgages came under scrutiny this week in Philadelphia city council.
Ruth Guerriero and her husband decided to downsize, several years ago. They were able to pay cash for their South Philadelphia ranch house. So Guerriero was blind-sided, after he died, when she received foreclosure notices.
"I find out that he took this reverse mortgage and they're trying to throw me out," Guerriero said. "They're trying to foreclose on the house because things weren't paid that were supposed to be, I guess? I really don't know. I'm just stuck wondering if I'm getting thrown out."
Guerriero is not alone, the Consumer Financial Protection bureau estimates one in ten reverse mortgage holders are in default or foreclosure. The loans are meant to let people over 62 use the equity in their home but the terms are complex. Credit counselor Anita Brown told the committee more protections are needed.
"If they've fallen off track, there's not a lot of programs available to right the ship."
