A reverse mortgage allows homeowners to convert part of their home equity into cash without having to sell their home or make regular monthly payments. Instead, the loan is typically repaid when the borrower moves out of the home permanently, sells the home, or passes away. However, there are specific circumstances under which the loan may become due earlier than expected.
Most reverse mortgages fall under the category of Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs), which are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). With HECMs, repayment is typically required when the last surviving borrower no longer lives in the home as their primary residence. This could occur if the borrower moves to a different location, such as to be closer to family or into an assisted living facility.