Best Home Equity Agreement (HEA) Companies of November 2026

Our picks for the best home equity agreement (HEA) companies are Hometap, Unlock and Point. Each company offers a lump sum of cash today in exchange for a share of your home’s future value, with no monthly payments.

We compared multiple HEA providers on fees, term length, credit requirements, buyout options, and more to find the best fit for different needs.

See which of our top 3 picks are available in your state:

Additional picks

Splitero and Nada are additional HEA companies, but they operate in fewer states.

Compare the best HEA companies

If an HEA loan sounds like it could fit your situation, the next step is choosing the right provider. Not all providers structure their terms the same way. We believe the best home equity investment companies offer competitive structures, transparent agreements, strong financial backing, and a consistent customer experience. Here’s why we selected the companies below.

• Best for partial buyouts: Unlock
• Best overall: Hometap
• Best for long terms: Point
• Best for matching your mortgage term: Splitero

Best HEA for partial buyouts: Unlock

Best for Partial Payments

4.9 _/5

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Why we picked Unlock

Unlock stands out for its partial buyout option, which allows homeowners to gradually repurchase their equity instead of waiting until the end of the agreement to settle in one lump sum payment.

Unlock offers home equity agreements with funding of up to $500,000 and a standard term of 10 years. Like other home equity investment companies, it provides cash upfront in exchange for a share of your home’s value when the agreement ends.

Unlock’s share is set by a Pricing Factor, a multiplier that determines Unlock’s percentage of your home’s value at settlement. That percentage can’t exceed 49.99%.

The company also caps its annualized return, typically at 19.9% (subject to state limits), which helps limit how quickly repayment can grow if your home appreciates significantly.

• Partial buyouts allowed: Reduce Unlock’s share in one or more transactions during the term of 10 years instead of settling everything at once. Each partial buyout needs Unlock’s approval and a new valuation.
• Lower credit score requirement: Minimum credit score of 500 makes it accessible for homeowners who may not qualify for traditional home equity loans (550 for condos, two- to four-unit properties, second homes, and investment properties).
• Improvement adjustment: If improvements add at least $10,000 in value by settlement, that added value is excluded from Unlock’s share, so you’re not sharing the appreciation created by your own upgrades.
• Annualized cost cap: Limits yearly growth of Unlock’s return to 19.9% typically, non-compounding, helping control extreme repayment scenarios.

• Funding up to $500,000: Comparable investment limits to other major HEA providers.
• Higher origination fee: Origination fee of up to 4.9% plus closing costs deducted from the investment amount.
• Single-term option: Only an agreement term of 10 years is available.
• Limited availability: Currently offered in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

Funding	$15,000 – $500,000
Term length	10 years
Credit score	500+
Processing fee	Origination fee of up to 4.9%, plus third-party closing costs; administrative fee (typically $500) at settlement
Repayment method	Unlock’s percentage of your home’s value at settlement, capped at 49.99% and subject to the Annual Cost Limit
Cost cap	Annual Cost Limit, typically 19.9% (non-compounding)
Early and partial buyouts	Full buyout anytime with no prepayment penalty; partial buyouts allowed with approval
Time to funding	Typically 30 to 60 days from application to closing
Prequalify	Get an estimate in just 60 seconds

What to keep in mind

Unlock looks for a minimum FICO credit score of 500. Scores from 500 to 549 qualify only for single-family homes and townhomes used as a primary residence. Its investments are available for most residential real estate (single-family, condominiums, two- to four-unit properties, and townhomes), including owner- and non-owner properties.

You won’t be eligible if you have a bankruptcy, foreclosure action, short sale, or deed in lieu within the previous five years or have more than one 90-day late mortgage payment in the last two years.

You’ll need to maintain homeowners insurance that covers the full replacement cost of your home during the term of 10 years, with Unlock listed as an additional interested party. The full process typically takes 30 to 60 days from application to closing.

Application process

You can get an initial cash estimate in just 60 seconds by completing an online form. If you like the terms outlined, complete an application and schedule a call with a representative who will walk you through your Investment Estimate.

If you accept the terms, an appraisal will be done to determine the value of your home for the Investment Closing Statement. Once the final documents are signed, the funds will be wired to your account.

Best HEA overall: Hometap

Best Overall

5.0 _/5

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Why we picked Hometap

Hometap stands out for its high funding limit of up to $600,000, structured in terms of 10 years, and built-in protections like the Hometap Cap and renovation adjustment.

Hometap offers one of the largest funding ranges among home equity investment companies, with amounts from $15,000 to $600,000. Its investments run for 10 years, and repayment is based on a percentage of your home’s value when you settle the agreement.

You can access up to 27% of your home’s current value. When you settle, you pay the lesser of the agreed-upon Hometap Percentage of your home’s value or the Hometap Cap, plus fees.

The Hometap Cap limits Hometap’s return to an 18.5% annual rate, compounded monthly (or lower if state law requires). This cap can help protect homeowners if their property appreciates dramatically during the term.

Hometap is currently available in only select states, and repayment is generally made in a lump sum when the agreement ends or the home is sold.

• High funding ceiling: $15,000 to $600,000.
• Structured 10-year term: Clear timeline compared with longer HEA agreements.
• Hometap Cap: Limits Hometap’s return to an 18.5% annual rate, compounded monthly.
• Renovation adjustment: Large renovations of $25,000+ may be excluded from value calculations.
• Virtual appraisal option: Some homes qualify for a faster remote appraisal.
• Strong customer reviews: 4.9/5 on Trustpilot

• Upfront fees deducted from funding: Includes a 4.5% processing fee (up to $20,000) plus closing costs.
• Share percentage increases over time: The portion owed can rise the longer you hold the agreement
• Limited availability: Currently offered in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, South Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Utah, and Washington

Funding	$15,000 – $600,000
Term length	10 years
Credit score	575
Processing fee	4.5% of the investment (up to $20,000), plus third-party closing costs
Repayment  method	The lesser of the Hometap Percentage of your home’s value or the Hometap Cap, plus fees; Hometap applies a 1.65x multiplier if you settle within five years and 1.8x after year five
Cost cap	18.5% annual rate, compounded monthly
Early and partial buyouts	Buy out anytime during the 10 years of your term with no prepayment penalty
Time to funding	As little as 30 to 45 days; funds arrive four to seven business days after signing
Prequalify	Get an estimate in just 60 seconds

What to keep in mind

Hometap accepts homeowners with a minimum credit score of 575 and at least 25% equity in their home. No income requirements or debt-to-income restrictions apply, and you can get an estimate without a hard credit check.

Stipulations may apply if you live in a flood zone. Hometap offers equity-sharing agreements to homeowners who live in floodplains, but only if they have appropriate flood insurance. Manufactured homes in flood zones are ineligible for a Hometap investments. 

Application process

You could receive funds in just four steps:

1. Fill out a quick online form that will prequalify you and provide an estimate of how much money you’re eligible for.
2. A dedicated Investment Manager is assigned to your account to answer any questions you may have. 
3. If you agree to the terms in the estimate, a home appraisal is scheduled to determine the final terms of the agreement. 
4. You’ll sign the final offer and get your funds within a few days of closing.

Best HEA for long terms: Point

Best Overall

4.9 _/5

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Why we picked Point

Point stands out for one of the longest terms among home equity agreement companies: up to 30 years.

Point offers investments ranging from $30,000 to $600,000 and bases repayment on a share of your home’s appreciation, measured from an appreciation starting value. Homeowners can also buy back the investment at any time without a penalty, which adds flexibility if their financial situation changes.

Because Point agreements can last up to 30 years, borrowers have far more time to sell, refinance, or repurchase the investment than with many competitors, including Hometap and Unlock, which require settlement within 10 years.

• Long repayment window: Agreements can last up to 30 years, far longer than most HEA providers.
• Anytime buyback option: Repurchase Point’s investment whenever you choose without an early repayment penalty.
• Large funding potential: Investments range from $30,000 to $600,000, depending on your available equity.
• No income requirement: Approval focuses primarily on home equity rather than income verification.
• Protection Cap: Point’s share of appreciation is capped, which limits what you owe if your home’s value rises sharply.

• Processing fee: Up to 4.9% ($2,000 minimum) plus standard closing costs.
• Higher minimum investment amount: Funding starts at $30,000, which may be higher than some competitors.
• Longer exposure to home appreciation: A term of 30 years can significantly increase the total repayment if your home’s value rises.
• Limited availability: Currently offered in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington

Funding	$30,000 – $600,000
Term length	30 years
Credit score	500+
Processing fee	Up to 4.9% ($2,000 minimum), plus third-party closing costs
Repayment method	Point’s share of your home’s appreciation above an appreciation starting value
Cost cap	Homeowner Protection Cap, a maximum percentage calculated annually
Early and partial buyouts	Buy back anytime during the 30 years term with no prepayment penalty
Time to funding	As little as three weeks
Prequalify	Get an estimate in just 60 seconds

What to keep in mind

Point looks for a minimum FICO credit score of 500. Your home must be worth at least $155,000, and you usually need to retain at least 29% of your equity after the investment.

Investments are not offered on commercial properties, manufactured or mobile homes, properties with five or more units, lots larger than 10 acres, properties held in an LLC, or co-ops. Modular homes are eligible. Point’s investment must be in at least the third lien position.

Application process

You can apply in five steps. First, you’ll fill out a prequalification form to get a cash estimate. If you’re eligible, Point will have you schedule time to speak with a member of its team who can answer any questions.

Once all your questions are answered, you’ll fill out an online application for Point to review. After Point reviews the application, a third-party appraiser is selected to determine the value of your home for the final offer.

If you agree to the terms in the final offer, you will sign the closing documents. Once you have done so, your funds will be transferred to your bank account.

Best HEA for matching your mortgage term: Splitero

Best for Matching Your Mortgage Term

4.7 _/5

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Why we picked Splitero

Splitero stands out for its flexible term, which runs as long as your mortgage: at least 10 years and up to 30 years.

Splitero offers up to 25% of your home’s value, with a maximum of $600,000. Like other home equity agreement companies, it gives you cash upfront in exchange for a share of your home’s future value, and it shares in the appreciation or depreciation of your home.

When you repurchase, you pay the lesser of your agreed-upon Split Percentage of your home’s value or the Safety Cap, which limits Splitero’s return to a 17.99% annual rate, compounded monthly.

• Term that matches your mortgage: Runs as long as your senior mortgage, up to 30 years.
• Lowest cost cap among our top picks: The Safety Cap is a 17.99% annual rate, compounded monthly.
• Lower credit score requirement: Minimum credit score of 500, with no income or employment requirements.
• No early repurchase penalties: Buy back your investment anytime within your term.
• Flexible property eligibility: Rental and investment properties, and homes held in a trust or LLC, can qualify.

• Highest origination fee among our top picks: 4.99% of your investment, plus about $1,000 in third-party closing costs.
• Hard credit check to apply: Prequalifying uses a soft pull, but the full application includes a hard credit check.
• Higher minimum home value: Your home must be appraised at $200,000 to $5 million.

Funding	Up to $600,000 (maximum 25% of your home’s value)
Term length	From 10 years up to 30 years (matches your mortgage)
Credit score	500+
Processing fee	4.99% origination fee, plus about $1,000 in third-party closing costs
Repayment method	The lesser of the Split Percentage of your home’s value or the Safety Cap
Cost cap	Safety Cap of 17.99% annual rate, compounded monthly
Early and partial buyouts	Repurchase anytime within your term with no early repurchase penalty
Time to funding	As little as 20 days
Prequalify	Get an estimate in less than two minutes

What to keep in mind

Splitero requires a minimum credit score of 500 and doesn’t ask about income or employment. Eligible homes include single-family residences, condos, townhomes, and two- to four-unit properties.

You won’t be eligible with a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the last four years, any foreclosure in the last seven years, or a property on five or more acres. Modular and manufactured homes are also ineligible.

Application process

You can get funded in four steps:

1. Prequalify: Fill out a short online form to see if you’re eligible and get an estimate. Splitero says this takes less than two minutes, and it usually confirms your eligibility within one to two business days.
2. Complete the application: Answer a few questions about yourself, your home, and how you’ll use the funds. Splitero uses your answers to update your offer amount, and you’ll typically get a pre-approval and initial estimate within a few business days.
3. Finalize your offer: Splitero’s team helps you gather the required documents and orders an appraisal from a licensed third party. After a full review, it issues a final approval and schedules a time for you to sign the closing documents.
4. Receive your funds: After you sign, Splitero wires the money to you. You can use it however you want.

Splitero says many homeowners go from application to funding in as little as 20 days, though timelines vary by property. Splitero may run both a soft and a hard credit check during the application process.

How home equity agreements works

A home equity agreement (HEA), also called a home equity investment (HEI) or a home equity sharing agreement (HESA), gives you a lump sum of cash now in exchange for a share of your home’s future value. There are no monthly payments.

You settle the agreement when you sell, refinance, buy out the company, or reach the end of the term, which usually runs 10 to 30 years.

For example, say your home is worth $500,000 and you get $50,000 for a 10% share. If you sell for $600,000, you’d repay $60,000; if it sells for $450,000, you’d repay $45,000. All four of our top picks also cap the company’s return, which limits what you owe if your home’s value jumps.

New to HEAs? Our guide to how a home equity agreement works walks through more repayment examples and the fine print to check before you sign.

Who qualifies for an HEA?

Home equity agreements are generally easier to qualify for than loans or HELOCs, since companies care more about your home’s value and equity than your credit score or income. Most companies set their bar around a few key factors, though exact cutoffs vary by provider:

• Credit: Our top picks accept FICO scores starting at 500 to 575.
• Equity: Expect to need roughly 25% to 30% equity in your home, depending on the company.
• Home value: Minimums range from $155,000 to $200,000 for our top picks.
• Income: None of our top picks require income verification.

What does an HEA cost?

You’ll pay an upfront processing or origination fee — 4.50% to 4.99% among our top picks — plus third-party closing costs such as the appraisal. Processing fees are typically between 3% to 5%.

Your biggest cost is the settlement payment, which grows with your home’s value up to the company’s cost cap.

When an HEA could make sense

An HEA can make sense if you have plenty of home equity but can’t qualify for a home equity loan or HELOC, or can’t take on another monthly payment. It may not be the best fit if you plan to stay in your home long term and expect your home’s value to grow.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes that these products are often more expensive than traditional home-secured financing, even if your home loses value.

Home equity sharing agreements are a good option if you’re worried about qualifying for a loan and don’t want to take on monthly payments. If you are financially able to take on debt and cover the monthly payments, a home equity loan or HELOC may be better because you’re not giving up a portion of the future appreciation in your home. Either option is a major financial decision, so I recommend consulting with a financial professional to understand how this affects your personal finances. 

How to choose the best HEA company for you

Not all home equity agreement companies structure their contracts the same way. Even among the providers reviewed above, funding limits, repayment formulas, and buyout options vary.

Before committing, ask:

• How much funding can I realistically qualify for? Compare your available equity with each company’s funding limits and CLTV requirements.
• Does the term fit my timeline? Agreements often last 10 to 30 years. If you plan to sell or refinance sooner, make sure the structure aligns with your plans.
• How is repayment calculated? Some companies calculate repayment as a percentage of your home’s value at settlement, while others combine your initial investment with an appreciation share. Run the numbers in both strong and weak housing markets.
• Are early or partial buyouts allowed? Not all providers structure buyouts the same way. Flexibility here can matter if your financial situation changes.
• How long does funding take? Among our top picks, timelines range from about three weeks to two months, depending on underwriting and appraisal requirements.

Beyond contract terms, review customer feedback, BBB ratings, complaint history, and state availability. Even well-known home equity investment companies differ in how transparent and responsive they are throughout the process.

FAQ

How we chose the best HEA companies

Since 2020, LendEDU has evaluated home equity companies to guide readers toward the right HEA. Our latest analysis reviewed 208 data points across 11 companies, drawn from company websites, online applications, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct talks with company representatives.

Our editorial team sorts these into weighted categories and scores each company by what matters most to readers. The resulting star ratings flag who stands out for different needs, and since no two companies can top the same category, each designation appears only once.

Our highest ratings go to companies that pair a strong homeowner experience with transparent financing, from online eligibility checks to clear costs and unique benefits that support you through the term.

Recap of the best HEA companies

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