Debt consolidation

Refinance home loan or credit card debt 

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No Monthly Repayments

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Retain Home Ownership

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Use a Reverse Mortgage to pay out debt & loans

Are you over the age of 55 and worried about credit card, home loan or personal loan debt? Feeling stressed and anxious about paying bills and loan repayments?

You’re not alone. Reports from the ABC confirm that more older Australians are experiencing distress and a deterioration of mental health issues as a result of high levels of debt. These days, it is now much more common for people to retire without having paid off the mortgage.

If you’re over 55 years of age and own your own home, it’s possible to pay out your debts with a Reverse Mortgage loan. If you have amassed debt that you can non longer afford to service, a home senior’s home equity loan may be the answer to improve your financial situation.

Alternatively, if you already have a Reverse Mortgage with another lender and you are seeking a lower interest rate, Seniors First can help you refinance a Reverse Mortgage refinance to a cheaper rate may help preserve more home equity for spouses, children or other beneficiaries.
 

Over 55's Debt Consolidation Case Studies

Heidi

  • Income: Disability Pension
  • Marital status: Divorced
  • Property Value: $1,300,000
  • Home Loan debt: $125,000
  • Consumer Debt: $10,000 (Credit Card, Zip Pay, Afterpay)

Heidi, 64 years old

Background

Like so many other women of her age, a divorce had left Heidi somewhat financially vulnerable. She had approached her current mortgage lender to let them know that she could no longer afford repayments.

They agreed to pause her loan repayments for a period of 3 months, to give her time to organise a refinance.

Borrowers’ Concern

Heidi knew she could not afford to resume repayments and would be forced to sell the home in order to pay out the home loan if she could not organise a solution.

She did not want to sell and relocate due to downsizing costs. She was also happy and settled in her community and did not want to leave. She was also worried that her disability pension would not cover all her lifestyle costs, going forward. 

Loan Purpose & Structure

Total Reverse Mortgage loan facility of $247,000, comprising:

  • a lump sum of $141,000 to refinance all home loan and consumer debts
  • an additional ‘cash reserve’ of $106,000 (available, but undrawn funds) for future use

Outcome

Heidi was able to stay in her cherished home for the long term. Seniors First refinanced her home loan and consumer debts, alleviating the financial pressure of monthly repayments. With the cash reserve she was able to supplement her income for the next 8-10 years, and fund other projects she wanted to do such as minor home renovations, a new car, and dental work.

The Reverse Mortgage loan solved her immediate financial problems, but also improved her quality of life by reducing the stress and worry she was experiencing .

Joan

  • Income: Age Pension
  • Marital status: Recently widowed
  • Property Value: $1,100,000
  • Home Loan debt: $300,000
  • Consumer Debts: Car Loan ($26,000), Credit Card ($7,000) and Rates in Arrears ($500)

Joan, 73 years old

Background

Joan, together with her late husband, were once at the helm of a thriving restaurant. The abrupt disruptions caused by COVID-19, however, shattered their business dreams. The grief was compounded when, a year after her husband's passing, Joan discovered a debt of $80,000 to their suppliers, which prompted a caveat on their property.

Borrower's Concern

Now solely reliant on her Age Pension, Joan faced financial encumbrances that seemed insurmountable. Seeking solutions, she approached her lender and, in a gesture of understanding, was granted a 1-year reprieve on her repayments. But parting with her home, a sanctuary of memories, was inconceivable to Joan. She was resolute in her decision to retain it for at least another 3-5 years.

Reverse Mortgage Loan Purpose & Structure

Day 1 Requirements: $355,000

  • Determined to regain her financial stability, Joan's goal was to refinance her home loan, car loan, and credit card, while also ensuring all outstanding dues were cleared.
  • Although her credit card was refinanced, she kept the facility active for unforeseen needs.
  • A segment of the loan was earmarked for home improvements, allowing her to invigorate her dwelling with a new coat of paint and other minor enhancements.

Cash Reserve: $0

  • Prioritising immediate financial alleviation, Joan chose to draw all her funds upfront.

Outcome

Post-refinancing, Joan experienced profound relief. With her financial concerns adeptly managed, she found her Age Pension adequately covered her daily living costs. Beyond the tangible benefits, this fiscal transition granted Joan immense emotional solace. She now looked ahead with fewer financial concerns, taking comfort in the walls of her cherished home.

Vince

  • Income: Part Age Pension & Part-Time Job
  • Marital status: Divorced
  • Property Value: $1,500,000
  • Home Loan debt: $290,000 (Westpac)

Vince, 68 years old

Background

Vince had been navigating a dual income source, drawing from both his Age Pension and earnings from a part-time job. This income balance was already delicate, with a significant portion of his pension funnelled into servicing his existing mortgage. When interest rates climbed, the financial strain intensified, rendering his mortgage repayments unaffordable. Vince, unfortunately, fell a few months behind, and the bank began sending ominous foreclosure warnings.

Borrower's Concern

Despite these financial adversities, Vince remained deeply attached to his home. It represented more than just bricks and mortar; it was his sanctuary, filled with memories and personal history. The looming threat of losing it added emotional weight to his already challenging financial circumstances.

Reverse Mortgage Loan Purpose & Structure

Day 1 Requirements: $290,000

  • Vince chose to refinance his home loan.
  • His goal: prevent foreclosure and establish a sustainable financial structure.

Cash Reserve: $35,000

  • Vince set up an additional line of credit.
  • Purpose: a cushion for unexpected expenses and future needs, providing a financial safety net.

Outcome

With the successful refinance, Vince averted the bank's foreclosure and streamlined his finances through debt consolidation. By making steady repayments, he curbed the compounding interest. This financial restructuring allowed Vince to work by choice, not out of necessity. The refinance not only solidified his financial position but also granted him autonomy to live on his terms.

Bob & Sandra

  • Income: Joint Age Pension
  • Marital status: Married
  • Property Value: $900,000
  • Home Loan debt: $85,000

Bob & Sandra, 69 and 72 years old

Background

Bob and Sandra, a resilient couple in their golden years, had relied on their joint Age Pension for sustenance. Just a year prior, they had confidently managed their finances, servicing their debt through their pension and occasionally dipping into their savings.

Borrowers’ Concern

The changing financial climates introduced unforeseen challenges. The combination of rising interest rates and an escalating cost of living began to eat away at their savings at an alarming rate. What was once a financial cushion started to feel like a fast-depleting resource.

Reverse Mortgage Loan Purpose & Structure

Day 1 Requirements: $110,000

  • The couple aimed to refinance their home loan.
  • They also wanted to replace their 15-year-old car for dependable transportation.

Cash Reserve: $90,000

  • Bob and Sandra set up an extra line of credit.
  • Purpose: supplement their Age Pension and provide a continuous income source for the coming years.

Outcome

Thanks to the refinancing, Bob and Sandra found themselves on steadier financial ground. The refinance not only addressed their immediate financial concerns but also set them up with a sustainable plan for the foreseeable future. With a newer car, their mobility was ensured, and the supplementary line of credit acted as a much-needed safety net against any potential financial shortfalls. The strategic financial restructuring granted the couple peace of mind, allowing them to enjoy their retirement years with reduced financial anxieties.

Benefits of using Reverse Mortgage for debt consolidation

The reality is that many people continue to worry about their debt repayments throughout their retirement. The good news is that it’s possible to streamline your debts and simplify your financial obligations by refinancing with a Reverse Mortgage. Relieve your stress by accessing the equity of your house without the emotional burden of having to move or sell. You will remain the full legal owner of your home and benefit from any increases in its value.

Imagine how much better your cash-flow could be without the need to pay off credit cards or loans each month? Free up your cash-flow and access additional funds which can be used for a vacation, the purchase of a new car, medical cost or even home improvements. Treat yourself or your grandkids! No regular repayments are required (although voluntary payments can be made if you wish). You may receive a lump sum, regular income payments, a cash reserve or a combination of all three.

Reverse Mortgage interest rates are typically lower than that of high-interest personal loans or credit cards. If you are an individual who is asset rich and cash poor with a limited income, consolidating your debt and refinancing with a Reverse Mortgage may substantially improve your quality of life. The accrued interest is ‘capitalised’ and charged back to the loan account each month.

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Rated 4.9 stars on

“Sincere thanks to Andrew and Seniors First .. the loan has been life changing.”

Deborah Collett

Glenn R. profile picture
Glenn R.
2 days ago
Andrew has been outstanding. He has assisted us in a professional manner and was always across our needs. We are very impressed and would recommend him to anyone seeking a capable broker.
Dana H. profile picture
Dana H.
3 days ago
Palka Kumar has made the process of applying for a reverse mortgage very easy. She has been extremely helpful, patient and was available at all times to explaining the whole process to us. I highly recommend Palka to anyone who is interested in applying for a reverse mortgage.
Lisa H. profile picture
Lisa H.
3 days ago
Greg was excellent and guided me through the process which can be long and complex
paul B. profile picture
paul B.
3 days ago
Having selected Seniors First as our broker, Seema took on our case and we are glad she did, Guiding us through the process, with person to person communication together with the Serah portal. Tks Seema.
Stephen L. profile picture
Stephen L.
4 days ago
Palka Kumar brokered with us for the best options to take out a Reverse mortgage loan. We found her to be fully conversed with the process and able to answer every question we had about concerns. Always very pleasant and helpful, taking the stress out of what is a very big decision to make. Thank you Palka for your assistance and we would recommend you to anyone wanting to talk on this subject and financing in general.
Ian B. profile picture
Ian B.
5 days ago
At age 86 I was surprised to find that the bank I relied on for eighty years no longer provided reverse mortgages. Although very wary of the web I searched and found Seniors First which appeared well respected. My journey through the application process and the complications presented by an existing Government HEAS loan has been guided every step of the way to completion by their R. M. Specialist Cheryl Maclean. Thank you Cheryl and Seniors First – 100%.
Ramsay S. profile picture
Ramsay S.
1 week ago
Professional, caring, and very pleasant indeed! I don’t think there are many people out there who work with such dedication, and this is my second reverse mortgage signed successfully with Palka.
Mario B. profile picture
Mario B.
1 week ago
from the time we started to the time everything was done,Cheryl Maclean has been so helpful to us she has been there for us anytime we needed her.She is a huge credit to the company and it has been a pleasure knowing her .
Dina B. profile picture
Dina B.
1 week ago
Our experience with Cheryl has been nothing but amazing. She has helped along this process with much thought and dedication, she has been so patient and supportive throughout the whole experience. We definitely recommend Cheryl. Even when things were getting a bit complicated for us she was always patient. So many phone calls that we made to her she never made us feel like we were a nuisance. A very high praise to her. I’m sure as she went home at night she will feel she’s doing a great days work, for us and anyone else she’s helping. Thank you so much Cheryl for your help at this time of this experience we went through together. We are very grateful that you have been there for us. A very special thanks from Mario and Dina.
Peter W. profile picture
Peter W.
2 weeks ago
Thanks Angela Giokaris at Seniors First. Your help and guidance made it much easier to successfully apply for a Reverse Mortgage Loan.
Patricia A. profile picture
Patricia A.
2 weeks ago
Thank you for all your help... Very good too deal with
Richard H. profile picture
Richard H.
2 weeks ago
Angela Giokaris was our Reverse Mortgage Consultant at Seniors First to assist my wife and I to obtain a Reverse Mortgage. Angela's service was exceptional. She provided comprehensive information in a very user-friendly format and was always available to answer questions and provide clarifications. Angela secured an excellent interest rate following a competitive tender of available providers of Reverse Mortgages. My wife and I are very happy with the outcome and recommend Seniors First, and particularly Angela Giokaris, to other people interested in this product. Richard Hughes
Mark W. profile picture
Mark W.
3 weeks ago
Palka Kumar from Seniors First was excellent at guiding me through my Reverse Mortgage process.
Lorette S. profile picture
Lorette S.
3 weeks ago
I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with Cheryl Maclean her patience and guidance from my tentative inquiries to a result I am more than happy with. There was never a question I had that Cheryl couldn't answer confidently which in turn helped me make I believe the right decisions going forward. Thank you Cheryl
Sue H. profile picture
Sue H.
3 weeks ago
Cheryl has been an absolute godsend since day one. Nothing was too difficult. Always there to answer any questions or to give advice through this whole journey. I would recommend Cheryl to anyone contemplating a reverse mortgage Many thanks Sue
Jenni A. profile picture
Jenni A.
3 weeks ago
Our consultant Cheryl Maclean was at all times very professional. She answered all our questions and took us through the process smoothly and we felt very confident. We highly recommend her services.
Dorothy M. profile picture
Dorothy M.
3 weeks ago
I can not speak more highly about the way I was looked after and by Senior first / Reverse mortgage Broker I would and will recommend them to anyone else who needs help . Your's Faithfully Dorothy Mattsson .Thank you once again for their help.
Kathleen H. profile picture
Kathleen H.
4 weeks ago
My husband and I had a wonderful experience with Seniors First for our reverse mortgage especially the great help with our stock broker Cheryl Maclean from Seniors First she could not do enough for us in helping us get the best reverse mortgage loan for us in Inviva and making sure we understood the whole process Much appreciated Cheryl thank you 😊
lorraine G. profile picture
lorraine G.
1 month ago
.My first phone call to Seniors First was the wisest move in gaining financial security and confidence in my senior years. Due to the expertise and sound advice of my broker, Adam Oakley, the process was fast and efficient. His excellent communication skills and knowledge make me wish I had acted sooner. He was so patient and supportive throughout the process, especially when I was navigating the digital technology of my application. Thank you Adam
sandra T. profile picture
sandra T.
2 months ago
My reverse mortgage has just been settled and I am very grateful to my broker Richard Chapman for all his help and advice. Richard guided me through the process providing all information in a timely manner and was always available to clarify any questions which arose. His professional approach together with his warm and engaging manner made working with Richard a positive experience from start to finish. My heartfelt thanks to Seniors First and Richard for their valuable service.
Denise C. profile picture
Denise C.
3 months ago
My experience with my broker, Angela Giokaris, was excellent; she kept me fully informed about the process (providing clear instructions and a numbered checklist of the timeline) and the expected duration of the entire process, which in my case was 6 weeks. There was an issue with my own mortgagee which threatened to delay the settlement but in the end it was completed in time to suit my own needs. Throughout this relationship, Angela was always available and encouraging. We communicated and worked well together so I would recommend Angela to anyone seeking to engage Seniors First to provide a Reverse Mortgage.
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