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

Asked by: Natalia Pfeffer  |  Last update: March 10, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (48 votes)

When you have a reverse mortgage, you retain title to the property and are free to sell it anytime you see fit. However, the reverse mortgage loan becomes due if you decide to sell, so be sure your home's current value (or your savings account balance) is high enough to pay off the loan and cover the closing costs.

What happens if you sell a house that has a reverse mortgage?

If you decide to sell your home while you have a reverse mortgage loan, you will have to pay back the money you borrowed plus interest and fees. If your loan balance is less than the amount you sell your home for, then you keep the difference.

Can I move out of my house if I have a reverse mortgage?

What happens if I have a reverse mortgage and I have to move out of my home, such as moving into a nursing home or to live with family? Reverse mortgage loans typically must be repaid either when you move out of the home or when you die.

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 a bank take your home with a reverse mortgage?

Under reverse mortgages and traditional home mortgages, a property will serve as collateral when a borrower violates their end of the loan agreement. Only in this situation can a reverse mortgage company or bank take your home.

Is It Hard to Sell a House That Has a Reverse Mortgage

42 related questions found

What is the 95% rule on a reverse mortgage?

This means your heirs can pay off the loan by selling the home for at least 95 percent of the home's appraised value. The rest of the loan is covered by the mortgage insurance that the reverse mortgage borrower paid during the duration of the loan.

What happens if you walk away from a house with a reverse mortgage?

Walk Away. You can walk away from a reverse mortgage as a last resort. Handing over the deed to the lender will release you from your loan, but you will also lose your house.

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.

Can I inherit a house with a 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.

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.

What is the 6 month rule for reverse mortgage?

A borrower can only take out a reverse mortgage on a home they own and live in for the majority of the year. If the borrower leaves the home for more than six consecutive months for a non-medical issue or 12 consecutive months for a medical issue, the loan will become due.

Can you lose your house with a reverse mortgage?

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

How hard is it to get out of a reverse mortgage?

Reverse mortgages have a 3-day period directly after you close on your loan in which you can cancel the transaction with no penalty. This is known as the right of rescission and it allows you to change your mind should you have buyer's remorse right after you sign the closing documents.

Can a reverse mortgage company take your house?

+ Can a reverse mortgage lender take my home away if I outlive the loan? No, they cannot. And the loan is not due at that time either. In fact, you don't need to repay the loan as long as you or another borrower continues to live in the house, keep the taxes paid and insurance in force.

Can a seller pay closing costs on a reverse mortgage?

Costs associated with the HECM loan must be paid by the buyer. Seller cannot pay pre-paid costs. Taxes and HOA fees must be prorated. Seller can only pay the transaction costs (transfer tax, real estate commissions, title search, etc.)

Can you go into foreclosure with a reverse mortgage?

Yes. If the borrower does not comply with the loan requirements, such as paying property taxes on time, then a reverse mortgage could enter foreclosure.

Can you still sell your house if you have a reverse mortgage?

Some homeowners assume that they can't sell their home with a reverse mortgage, but that's not true. Although the lender may be paying you instead of the other way around, they can't force you to keep the house if you don't want to. The house is still yours and you can decide to sell it at any time.

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 is the 60% rule in reverse mortgage?

The 60% Utilization Rule

Home equity conversion mortgage HECM borrowers may only take the greater of 60% of their total available equity or the total amount of their mandatory obligations plus 10% in the first payout.

Can you get kicked out of your house if you have a reverse mortgage?

Can you be kicked out of your house with a reverse mortgage? Yes, it is possible that you can get kicked out of your house with a reverse mortgage taken out against it. This primarily happens when you violate one of your lender's reverse mortgage rules.

How many years does a reverse mortgage last?

Technically speaking a Reverse Mortgage is guaranteed by HUD/FHA until age 150 of the youngest Borrower. But because that number is still so far above current life expectancy the real answer is that a Reverse Mortgage will last as long as you need it to.

Can you lose your home on a reverse mortgage?

Yes. If you do not physically live in your home for more than 12 consecutive months, even if it is involuntary on your part, your reverse mortgage will become due, and you could lose your home to foreclosure if you can't afford to pay it off.

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.

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.