Reverse mortgages are designed to be paid back with the sale of your house at the end of the loan, usually, after you pass away. When you use a reverse mortgage, you are enjoying the equity that you built up through your payments over the years. You will still need to pay property taxes to avoid foreclosure. It’s also important to note that reverse mortgages should not be used if you are planning to pass the home on to a spouse or other relative when you are gone, as the house will need to be sold to pay back the loan.