One of the downsides of a reverse mortgage is that it limits a borrower’s ability to move — given that permanently moving out of a home which has a reverse mortgage generally triggers repayment of the loan.

For borrowers considering such a move, they should start the process by contacting their reverse mortgage servicer, suggests USA Today in a recent Q&A.

“Explain your situation and what you’d like to do. With hope, the company will provide you with proper guidance,” writes Robert Powell, the editor of Retirement Weekly.

If a permanent move is in the distant future, consider selling the home and paying back the lender.

“Or, if this is a temporary move, perhaps you want to visit family or you need medical care, then you can be out of your home for up to 12 months before repayment is triggered,” said Darryl Hicks, vice president of communications at the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA). “However, you should still contact the servicer and let them know that you will be returning.”

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Written by Emily Study