Homeowners/Charleston, SC/Reverse Mortgage
Reverse Mortgage Issues in Charleston, SC
Reverse mortgage issues in Charleston, SC require understanding heir timelines, non-recourse protections, and HECM counseling requirements. Find local elder law attorneys and HUD counselors.
✓Local Charleston resources✓Verified contacts✓5 HUD-approved counselors✓Updated regularly
Situation overview
Reverse mortgage issues in Charleston, SC often arise when the borrower dies or enters long-term care. Under SC law (SC Code Title 29, Chapter 4), reverse mortgage applicants must receive independent counseling through the SC Housing Finance Authority. Heirs have 6-12 months to act, and HECM loans are non-recourse.
What to do first
Reverse mortgages become urgent when the borrower dies, moves to long-term care, or falls behind on taxes and insurance. Heirs have 6-12 months to act, and understanding the non-recourse protection prevents overpaying.
Start with
- Notify the loan servicer within 30 days of the borrower's death and request extension deadlines in writing.
- Get a current appraisal — heirs can pay off the loan at 95% of appraised value if it is less than the balance.
- Consult an elder law attorney about Medicaid lookback rules if the borrower is entering a nursing facility.
Avoid
- Assume heirs are personally liable for the reverse mortgage balance — HECM loans are non-recourse.
- Wait beyond 30 days to contact the servicer — delays can trigger accelerated foreclosure timelines.
- Make decisions without understanding the 12-month occupancy rule for borrowers in care facilities.
SC law reference
Key legal facts for reverse mortgage situations in South Carolina.
- Foreclosure type
- Judicial foreclosure via Court of Common Pleas unless non-judicial power of sale is expressly authorized.
Step-by-step action plan
A starting path you can follow before committing to any contract or agreement.
- Contact a HUD-approved HECM counselor to understand your options — required for any reverse mortgage action.
- If you are an heir, notify the loan servicer within 30 days and request the full payoff amount.
- Consult an elder law attorney before making decisions about the property, especially regarding Medicaid implications.
Who to contact in Charleston
Reverse Mortgage and Estate Planning Attorneys
Rosen Hagood
Charleston probate and fiduciary-litigation attorneys handling estate disputes and estate-administration conflicts.
Rosen Hagood probate litigationSeibert Law Firm
Estate-planning and probate counsel for Charleston families navigating wills, trusts, and estate administration.
Seibert probate servicesEvan Guthrie Law Firm
Charleston estate-planning and probate representation with will, trust, and administration support.
Evan Guthrie probate servicesHUD and Homeownership Counseling
Charleston Area Urban League Housing Counseling
HUD-approved housing counseling for foreclosure prevention, financial education, and housing stability in Charleston County.
Charleston Area Urban League housing counselingHUD Housing Counselor Hotline
National HUD referral line for approved counseling services.
Find a HUD counselorSouth Carolina Housing
Statewide programs supporting homeowners and prevention resources.
SC Housing programsCommunity Support for Hardship
Charleston County Government Housing Assistance
Local emergency, rental, food, and utility assistance referrals, with links to county hardship resources.
Charleston County supportCFPB Mortgage Help
Federal consumer assistance for mortgage servicing, forbearance disputes, and complaint filing.
CFPB homeowner resourcesCall 211
General hardship referral line for utilities, food, and immediate needs.
Call 211Free Legal Aid
South Carolina Legal Services - Charleston Office
Free civil legal services for qualifying low-income residents in Charleston County, including housing and debt matters.
SC Legal Services CharlestonSC Legal Services Intake
Phone intake and screening for foreclosure, family law, VA, and domestic violence-related civil matters.
SC Legal Services intakeSouth Carolina Bar Lawyer Referral
Private attorney referrals and civil-law consultation options when legal aid is unavailable.
SC Bar referralReverse Mortgage Real Estate Agents in Charleston
Chamiese Evans — Licensed Realtor
Specializing in helping Charleston homeowners navigate reverse mortgage situations — whether that means selling, negotiating, or exploring every option before making a decision. NorthGroup Real Estate.
Visit listrobin.comAdditional verified resources
The following resources are pulled from federal government databases and updated automatically.
HUD-Approved Housing Counselors Near CharlestonSource: HUD
ORIGIN SC
HUD-approved counselor offering: DFC, DFW, FBC and 8 more services.
843-628-30008084 Rivers Ave, Suite 100, North Charleston, SC 29406-9235
Visit websiteNSC (NACA COUNSELING SUBSIDIARY) - CHARLESTON, SC
HUD-approved counselor offering: DFC, FBC, FHW and 4 more services. Languages: ENG, SPA.
843-556-04977301 Rivers Ave, Suite 140, North Charleston, SC 29406-4650
Visit websiteINCREASING H.O.P.E. FINANCIAL TRAINING CENTER
HUD-approved counselor offering: DFC, FBC, FBW and 3 more services. Languages: ENG, SPA.
843-225-43438570 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29406-9892
Visit websiteCREDIT.ORG - NORTH CHARLESTON, SC BRANCH
HUD-approved counselor offering: RMC. Languages: ENG, OTH, SPA.
843-574-86685935 Rivers Ave, Suite 101B, North Charleston, SC 29406-6071
Visit websiteCHARLESTON TRIDENT URBAN LEAGUE, INC.
HUD-approved counselor offering: FBC, FBW, FHW and 5 more services.
Visit websiteCommon questions
What happens to a reverse mortgage when the borrower dies in Charleston?
Heirs have 6 months (with up to two 90-day extensions) to pay off the loan — by selling the home, refinancing, or paying the balance. Under federal non-recourse rules, heirs never owe more than 95% of the home's appraised value, even if the loan balance is higher.
Can I sell a home with a reverse mortgage in Charleston?
Yes. The reverse mortgage is paid off from the sale proceeds at closing, just like any other mortgage. If the home value exceeds the loan balance, the remaining equity goes to the borrower or heirs.
What if the reverse mortgage borrower moves to a nursing home?
If the borrower is absent from the home for more than 12 consecutive months and no co-borrower lives there, the loan becomes due and payable. Document intent to return and communicate with the servicer to explore deferral options.
Related situations in Charleston
Homeowners dealing with reverse mortgage often face overlapping issues. These resources may also help.
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View resourcesResearched by CC Evans, Marketing Analyst — RobinOffer
Licensed Real Estate Broker · NC License #332092
NorthGroup Real Estate · Charlotte, NC
Last reviewed: February 2026
This directory is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Confirm all options with licensed counsel or a qualified financial professional before signing any agreement.
Sources: SC Code of Laws · HUD.gov · CFPB.gov
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