: As the buyer, your purchase price must be high enough to cover the full reverse mortgage balance plus any other liens, unless the lender agrees to a short sale.
: Be aware that lenders typically give heirs 30 days to decide on a course of action once the loan is called due, though extensions up to 6 months (and sometimes 12) may be possible if the home is actively being sold. Financial Checklist for Buyers Reverse Mortgages - FTC Consumer Advice
: The lender will typically order an appraisal to determine the current market value, which is vital if the loan is "underwater" (balance is higher than value). buying a home that has a reverse mortgage
: If the loan balance exceeds the home's value, the seller (or their heirs) may need to pursue a Short Sale with the lender’s servicing department to facilitate the transaction. The Purchase Process
: If you are an heir buying the home, HUD rules allow you to purchase it for 95% of its appraised value , even if the loan balance is higher. : As the buyer, your purchase price must
: Request a formal payoff statement in writing, including the FHA case number and property address, to know the exact amount needed to clear the lien.
Buying a home that has an existing reverse mortgage is a unique real estate transaction that requires careful attention to the payoff amount and specific lender timelines. Unlike a standard sale, the loan balance on a reverse mortgage often increases over time, and the seller may have limited equity. : If the loan balance exceeds the home's
: If the original borrower is deceased, you must work with the authorized heir or executor to communicate with the lender's servicing department.