When you die, your lender will attempt to recoup what you owe. Generally, your family or estate has about six months to repay the loan outright or sell the property to recoup the balance. If the house is sold for more than the loan balance, your family keeps the difference. Alternatively, if the home sells for less than is needed to repay the loan, your family isn’t held financially responsible — mortgage insurance covers the difference. If you’re married, your spouse can continue to live in the house under either of the following conditions: They are also a borrower on the loan. You were married before you took out the reverse mortgage and they were listed as a nonborrowing spouse on the application. Other criteria may also apply.