Can you inherit a house that has a reverse mortgage?

Asked by: Mr. Murl Macejkovic I  |  Last update: September 19, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (6 votes)

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.

What happens if I inherit a house with a reverse mortgage?

``When someone inherits a home with a reverse mortgage, they inherit both the property and the responsibility of paying off the loan. The loan becomes due when the homeowner dies, moves out, or moves into assisted living or a nursing home.

Can you transfer ownership of a house with a reverse mortgage?

A reverse mortgage can't be transferred to another borrower. However, co-borrowers on the mortgage can keep it and remain in the home. Certain non-borrowing spouses are also eligible to remain in the home, although they won't receive further payments from the reverse mortgage.

Can you lose your house with a reverse mortgage?

The lender cannot foreclose on an HECM and the borrower cannot lose the home.

Does a reverse mortgage go through probate?

If there is a reverse mortgage on the property and the house is held in the individual's name (no trust), then probate is required.

What Happens if You Inherit a House With a Reverse Mortgage? (Everything You Need To Know)

28 related questions found

What to do if someone dies with a reverse mortgage?

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).

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.

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.

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.

Who owns the house after a reverse mortgage?

With a reverse mortgage, the title of the home remains in the borrower's name. Proceeds from a reverse mortgage can be used as a down payment on a second home in some cases , or help supplement retirement income to cover monthly expenses.

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.

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.

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.

Can you transfer a reverse mortgage to a family member?

It isn't possible to add another person to an existing reverse mortgage. To add someone to your mortgage, you would need to refinance or get a new loan. Making an important decision that impacts your financial situation should not be taken lightly.

What happens to mortgage when house is inherited?

If you inherit a house with a mortgage, you can sell the house or assume the mortgage yourself. You should determine the equity and costs before making any final decisions. You might also consider refinancing to lower the interest rate or monthly mortgage payments.

What is the beneficiary deed for a reverse mortgage?

Typically used in transactions like reverse mortgages, the beneficiary deed grants an interest in real property to a beneficiary at the time of the grantor's death. As a revocable instrument, the grantor can make changes to the beneficiary deed throughout their lifetime.

Who is responsible for reverse mortgage after death?

A reverse mortgage loan becomes due and payable after your death and after the death of any coborrowers or of an eligible nonborrowing spouse. Once your heirs receive a due and payable notice from the lender, they have 30 days to buy, sell, or turn the home over to the lender to satisfy the debt.

How long do you have to clear a house after someone dies?

There is no set time for when a house needs to be cleared. It is the responsibility of the deceased's family to ensure all items are removed from the property. Once this is done, the house can be sold, with the proceeds then being distributed to all designated heirs.

Can a family member take over a 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.

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.

Can someone sell their house with a reverse mortgage?

You must repay your reverse mortgage loan when you sell the home, after which your lender will close the account. Here's a rundown of the basic steps: Contact your lender. Request a payoff quote (the loan balance), including any money you have received, accrued interest, and other fees.

How do you lose your house in a reverse mortgage?

Summary – you can lose your home in a reverse mortgage if:
  1. For six months or more out of a year for a non-medical reason.
  2. For 12 consecutive months.
  3. You pass away, and your remaining spouse is not listed as a borrower or non-borrowing spouse.

Does a reverse mortgage put a lien on your house?

A reverse mortgage shall constitute a lien against the subject property to the extent of all advances made pursuant to the reverse mortgage and all interest accrued on these advances, and that lien shall have priority over any lien filed or recorded after recordation of a reverse mortgage loan.

How long can you live in a house with a reverse mortgage?

Reverse mortgages require the borrower to use the property as the primary residence for the lifetime of the loan.

Can a house with a reverse mortgage go into foreclosure?

With a reverse mortgage, an older homeowner can use the equity in their home to get cash. But taking out this type of loan is often a bad idea. Reverse mortgages are complicated, come with extensive restrictions and requirements, and under many different circumstances, can be foreclosed.