Are children responsible for parents' reverse mortgage?

Asked by: Emmanuel Rodriguez Jr.  |  Last update: August 16, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (47 votes)

An adult child who inherits a home that has a reverse mortgage would need to pay off the balance to keep the home, though they're not legally obligated to do so. If your parents have a reverse mortgage, it's important to be prepared for any financial obligations that they may leave behind once they pass away.

Are heirs responsible for reverse mortgage debt?

Are heirs personally responsible for reverse mortgage debt? Heirs are not personally responsible for any reverse mortgage loan debt. However, the estate must continue paying property charges like taxes and insurance until the loan is paid.

Do I have to pay my parents a reverse mortgage?

Nope! Reverse mortgages are non-recourse loans. This means that neither you nor your parents will have to pay more than the loan balance or the appraised value of the home at the time the home is sold and the loan is repaid, whichever is less.

Who is responsible for a reverse mortgage?

Because a reverse mortgage is a loan, it must also be repaid like any other loan. The loan is due when the borrower sells the home, passes away, or fails to comply with the terms of the reverse mortgage. If the home is sold, the loan is repaid, with the owner or the estate receiving any excess.

Who owns the house after a reverse mortgage?

And since a reverse mortgage is just a loan, you maintain full title and ownership of your home. A reverse mortgage simply requires that you meet the following loan terms: Live in the home as your primary residence. Continue to pay required property taxes and homeowners insurance.

Are children responsible for parent's reverse mortgage?

28 related questions found

Can you lose your home in a reverse mortgage?

These loans are complex, expensive, and drain equity from the property, leaving seniors with very few options later in life. One out of every ten reverse mortgage is in default and could face foreclosure.

What is the 95% rule on a reverse mortgage?

If your reverse mortgage loan is in default and you've received a notice that the loan is “due and payable,” you may sell your home for 95 percent of its appraised value.

What happens to my reverse mortgage if I go into a nursing home?

A reverse mortgage usually must be repaid when the borrower moves out for 12 consecutive months or more, such as into a nursing home or other care facility. If the borrower is married, their spouse can remain in the home under certain conditions.

Can the bank take your house if you have a reverse mortgage?

Just like a traditional mortgage, with a HECM you are borrowing money and using your home as security for the loan. You must continue to pay for property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and make repairs needed to maintain your home or the lender can foreclose on the home.

What is the negative side of a reverse mortgage?

You're still responsible for paying property taxes and insurance, and if you default on your property taxes, you could lose your home to tax foreclosure. A reverse mortgage lender can foreclose on the home if you're not living in it for more than 12 consecutive months due to health care issues.

Is it hard to sell a house that has a reverse mortgage?

Selling a house with a reverse mortgage isn't as simple as selling a home with a traditional mortgage — but it can be done with a little planning. With a reverse mortgage, you borrow against the equity in your property to receive cash upfront or a stream of monthly payments.

Am I responsible for my parents mortgage?

Are You Responsible for Your Parent's Mortgage? The answer to this question depends on whether you want to keep your parent's property. If you do, then the mortgage must be paid by someone. Otherwise, the bank or lender will foreclose on the property and repossess it.

What happens if you live too long on a reverse mortgage?

If the end of your term is up before you pass away, then you have outlived your reverse mortgage proceeds. With a term payment plan, you reach your loan's principal limit—the maximum you can borrow—at the end of the term. After that, you won't be able to receive additional proceeds from your reverse mortgage.

Am I responsible for my parents' reverse mortgage?

Heirs can inherit a home with a reverse mortgage but will be responsible for settling the debt, either by paying it off, selling the home, or turning it over to the bank.

Can I take over my parents' mortgage after death?

The right to potentially assume (take over) the mortgage.

All successors in California have a right to apply for an assumption of the loan, as long as the loan is assumable. The servicer may evaluate your creditworthiness, including your credit scores, when considering you for an assumption.

Can a family member take over a reverse mortgage?

Can a family member take over a reverse mortgage? Unfortunately, no. You cannot add a family member to an existing reverse mortgage. However, the surviving spouse may be eligible to continue receiving benefits by applying for a deferral through the HUD, even if they were not originally on the loan as a co-borrower.

What happens in a reverse mortgage when the owner dies?

Reverse mortgage loans typically must be repaid, usually by selling the home, when the last borrower dies. However, non-borrowing spouses may be able to stay in the home if they meet certain criteria. Most reverse mortgages today are Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs).

Do you pay property taxes on a reverse mortgage?

In a reverse mortgage, you keep the title to your home. That means you are responsible for property taxes, insurance, utilities, fuel, maintenance, and other expenses. And, if you don't pay your property taxes, keep homeowner's insurance, or maintain your home, the lender might require you to repay your loan.

What is the 60% rule for reverse mortgage?

Called the initial principal limit, you can only withdraw 60 percent of your available equity during the first 12 months, with the remaining equity becoming available after the first 12 months.

How to avoid nursing home taking your house?

7 Ways to Protect Your Home From Being Taken
  1. Purchase Long-Term Care Insurance. ...
  2. Sell or Transfer Assets. ...
  3. Create a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust. ...
  4. Choose Home Health Instead. ...
  5. Form a Life Estate. ...
  6. Purchase a Medicaid-Compliant Annuity. ...
  7. Pay With Your Life Insurance Policy.

Who benefits most from a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage may be a good idea if:

You and your spouse/partner are both 62 or older. You are in a strong financial position. You are able to physically maintain your home.

How long can a mortgage stay in a deceased person's name?

No, a mortgage can't remain under a deceased person's name. When the borrower passes away, the loan won't disappear. Instead, it needs to be paid. After the borrower passes, the responsibility for the mortgage payments immediately falls on the borrower's estate or heirs.

Do you give up your house in a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage agreement does not require a homeowner to give up the title to borrow money. If you currently own your home and set up a reverse mortgage, you or an heir will only give up ownership of the property if the terms of the agreement are breached.

How can I get my parents out of a reverse mortgage?

It's possible to get out of a reverse mortgage if you use the right of recission, pay off the loan by selling it, or refinance your loan entirely. If all else fails, you can sign the deed over to the lender.