The issue of the surviving spouse's housing is an urgent one and ultimately depends upon her goals and financial resources. Obviously a roof over her head is a necessity. However, a number of factors need to be considered to determine the best course of action. Questions that need answering include: Can she afford to live in this particular home? What types of loans are on the home? What are the interest rates? What are her sources of income and her other expenses? Were the existing loans used to meet necessities or fulfill wants? How old is she? Does the current house meet her needs, or is it more house than she needs at this point in her life? Could she have a higher quality of life and money available for other necessities by moving to a different location or residence? All of these above questions need to be answered before a decision about staying in the home can be made. It is possible that a reverse mortgage or other measures can be used but not without a thorough exploration of her financial situation. We would like your feedback on this Personal Finance Frequently Asked Question.

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