3 Best Home Equity Sharing Companies for 2024

A home equity shared agreement is an agreement between you and an investment company in which you receive a lump-sum cash payment in exchange for a portion of your equity. It isn’t a form of debt, so there are no monthly payments, and the eligibility requirements are more lenient.

We’ll guide you through the nuances of how a home equity sharing agreement works, which companies are the best, the benefits and downsides, and more.

Best overall

4.7

Free Quote

Best for a long term length

4.7

Free Quote

Best for flexible qualification

4.6

Free Quote

Reviews of the best equity sharing agreements

We believe the best home equity sharing companies have excellent terms, reliable financial support, and a consistent experience for all customers. Here are our choices.

Best overall: Unlock
Best for a long term length: Point
Best for flexible qualification: Hometap

Check your state’s eligibility

State	Unlock	Point	Hometap
Alabama	❌	❌	❌
Alaska	❌	❌	❌
Arizona	✅	✅	✅
Arkansas	❌	❌	❌
California	✅	✅	✅
Colorado	✅	✅	❌
Connecticut	❌	❌	❌
Delaware	❌	❌	❌
Florida	✅	✅	✅
Georgia	❌	❌	❌
Hawaii	❌	✅	❌
Idaho	❌	❌	❌
Illinois	❌	✅	❌
Indiana	❌	✅	❌
Iowa	❌	❌	❌
Kansas	❌	❌	❌
Kentucky	❌	❌	❌
Louisiana	❌	❌	❌
Maine	❌	❌	❌
Maryland	❌	✅	❌
Massachusetts	❌	✅	❌
Michigan	✅	✅	✅
Minnesota	❌	✅	✅
Mississippi	❌	❌	❌
Missouri	❌	✅	❌
Montana	❌	❌	❌
Nebraska	❌	❌	❌
Nevada	❌	❌	✅
New Hampshire	❌	❌	❌
New Jersey	✅	✅	✅
New Mexico	❌	❌	❌
New York	❌	✅	✅
North Carolina	✅	❌	✅
North Dakota	❌	❌	❌
Ohio	❌	✅	✅
Oklahoma	❌	❌	❌
Oregon	✅	✅	✅
Pennsylvania	✅	✅	✅
Rhode Island	❌	❌	❌
South Carolina	✅	✅	✅
South Dakota	❌	❌	❌
Tennessee	✅	✅	❌
Texas	❌	❌	❌
Utah	✅	✅	✅
Vermont	❌	❌	❌
Virginia	✅	✅	✅
Washington	✅	✅	✅
West Virginia	❌	❌	❌
Wisconsin	❌	❌	❌
Wyoming	❌	❌	❌
Washington, D.C.	❌	✅	❌

Best overall – Unlock

Best Overall

4.7 _/5

LendEDU Rating

Free Quote

Why Unlock is one of the best

Founded in 2020, Unlock employs a team of experienced home equity agreement professionals who strive to help homeowners utilize the equity in their homes to get the cash they need.

It accepts partial buyout payments, a feature other equity-sharing companies don’t offer. You won’t incur interest charges because you have no debt to repay. Unlock makes money if your home appreciates during the equity sharing term; should the home depreciate instead, Unlock shares in the loss.

No monthly payments. There are no interest charges. You can buy out Unlock’s position any time before the end of the term.
Funds can be used on anything. There are no restrictions on how you use the cash you receive.
Partial buy-out payments. Unlock is the only company that lets you buy out its position with partial payments throughout the term.
Shares in future depreciation. If your home value decreases, Unlock will share that loss.
Lenient financial requirements. No income requirement for credit scores above 550, and poor credit is accepted.

Cash value is lower than exchanged equity. Unlock receives a percentage of your home’s equity valued higher than the cash you receive.
Only available in 14 states. Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

Funding	$30,000 – $500,000
Term length	10 years
Credit score	550+
Prequalify	Get an estimate in just 60 seconds

What to keep in mind

Unlock looks for a minimum FICO credit score of 550. Income verification may be required if your score is below 550. Its investments are available for most residential real estate (single-family, condominiums, 2- to 4-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 any 90-day mortgage delinquencies within the prior 24 months.

You’ll need to maintain hazard insurance equal to the replacement cost of your home during the 10-year term. Unlock must be named on all property insurance policies as a “mortgagee” or “additional interest.” If approved, you will receive funding within 30 to 60 days.

Application process

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

If the terms are accepted, 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 for a long term length – Point

Best for a Long Term Length

4.7 _/5

LendEDU Rating

Free Quote

Why Point is one of the best

Founded in 2015, Point was built after its team members experienced firsthand the frustrations of homeownership and debt financing. It’s one of the best because it is available in more states than our other picks, and it is the only one that made our list with a 30-year term.

The benefit of a longer term is that homeowners can spend more time stabilizing their financial situation to pay off existing debts before refocusing their efforts on setting aside the necessary funds to buy out Points position in the home.

No monthly payments. Since Point invests in your home, you owe nothing until the end of your term or when you decide to exit the contract.
Funds can be used on anything. There are no restrictions on how you use the cash you receive.
Shares in future depreciation: If your home depreciates, Point may share in that loss.
Lenient financial requirements: There are no income requirements, and bad credit, 500 and up, is accepted.

Cash value is lower than exchanged equity: Point receives a percentage of your home’s equity valued higher than the cash you receive.
Only available in 23 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and D.C.

Funding	$25,000 – $350,000
Term length	30 years
Credit score	500+
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 more than $155,000, and you must retain at least 30% of the equity after the investment.

Investments are not offered on commercial properties, manufactured homes, modular homes, mobile homes, properties with five or more acres, properties with an LLC ownership, or co-ops. Its investment must be in at least the second lien position.

Application process

The application process can be completed 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 be instructed to fill out an online application for Point to review. After Point reviews the application, a third-party appraiser will be selected to determine the value of your home for the final offer.

You’ll be asked to sign the closing documents if you agree to the terms in the final offer. Once the documents are signed, your funds will be transferred to your bank account.

Best for flexible qualification – Hometap

Best for Flexible Qualification

4.6 _/5

LendEDU Rating

Free Quote

Why Hometap is one of the best

Founded in 2017, Hometap wants to make homeownership less stressful and more accessible. It’s our choice as the best for flexible qualification because it can provide a financing solution to homeowners with credit scores as low as 500 in as little as three weeks.

Excellent customer reviews. Hometap has an excellent rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot from 3,255 customers as of April 25, 2024.
No monthly payments. Since Hometap invests in your home, there are no monthly interest or principal payments.
Funds can be used on anything. There are no restrictions on how you use the cash you receive.
Widest funding range. Hometap offers the smallest investment amount ($15,000) and the largest ($600,000).
Shares in future depreciation: Hometap will make money if your home appreciates during the term. If your home depreciates, Hometap will share in that loss.
Lenient financial requirements: There are no income requirements and it accepts poor credit scores.

Cash value is lower than exchanged equity: Hometap receives a percentage of your home’s equity valued higher than the cash you receive.
Only available in 16 states: Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Utah, and Washington.

Funding	$15,000 – $600,000
Term length	10 years
Credit score	500+
Prequalify	Get an estimate in just 60 seconds

What to keep in mind

Hometap accepts homeowners with a minimum credit score of 500. No income requirements 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 equity sharing agreement.

Application process

You can receive funds in just four steps:

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

How does a shared equity agreement work?

A shared equity agreement allows you, the homeowner, to pull equity from the home in cash without taking out a loan. In return, the investing company gets a percentage of the future value of your home. The company collects its equity share when you buy out the agreement or sell the property.

There are two repayment models that most equity sharing companies follow:

You pay back the initial amount borrowed plus a predetermined percentage of any appreciation
You pay back a predetermined percentage of the new appraised value of the home

Contract terms may last 10 to 30 years. Should your home lose value during the contract term, the investing company shares in the loss. The amount you repay will be less than what you’d owe had the home maintained the same value throughout the term.

Here’s an example of how it works using the first repayment model. It shows how much a homeowner who received $25,000 in exchange for 20% of their equity would owe at the end of their term.

	Appreciated home	Depreciated home
Starting home value	$500,000	$500,000
Valuation adjustment*	5%	5%
Adjusted home value	$475,000	$475,000
Home value at repayment	$575,000	$375,000
Equity being shared	20%	20%
Principal funding amount	$25,000	$25,000
Amount you owe	$45,000	$5,000

*Most companies add a valuation adjustment to the appraisal of your home for risk purposes. The amount your home appreciated or depreciated is based upon the adjusted home value.

Who is a home equity sharing agreement best for?

This agreement might make sense for seniors and retirees, homeowners in high-value markets, and those facing financial hardship. Here’s why.

Senior and retirees

Home equity sharing is particularly advantageous for individuals aged 65 and older. This group often benefits because they may have substantial equity in their homes and a fixed income post-retirement.

Accessing home equity through sharing agreements can provide a vital source of funds to cover living expenses, medical bills, or even leisure activities without the burden of monthly repayments that come with traditional home equity loans or reverse mortgages.

Homeowners in high-value markets

Individuals residing in asset-rich but cash-poor, high-value real estate markets could see a significant benefit from equity sharing. This arrangement gives them liquidity without selling their beloved homes in a market where buying back similar property might be financially prohibitive.

Those facing financial hardships

Homeowners experiencing temporary financial hardships such as job loss, unexpected medical expenses, or urgent major home repairs may find equity sharing a feasible alternative to more drastic measures, such as selling their home.

Benefits and downsides of a shared equity agreement

Pros

Liquidity without debt

One of the most appealing aspects of home equity sharing is the ability to liquidate part of an asset without accruing debt. This can especially benefit retirees who might have difficulty qualifying for traditional loans due to fixed or limited income.
No monthly payments

Unlike home equity loans or lines of credit, equity sharing does not require monthly payments. This can relieve financial pressure on individuals who are managing tight budgets, especially in retirement.
The investment company shares in the risk.

If the value of your home depreciates, the company co-investing will share in that loss, meaning you may owe less than the original investment.
Perfect credit is not a requirement.

Unlike many traditional loans, bad-credit borrowers are often eligible for this arrangement.
No minimum income requirements.

Because monthly payments aren’t required, companies might offer low-income borrowers an option they don’t have with other loan types.

Cons

You could miss out on growth.

You won’t fully benefit if your home appreciates significantly because the investment company owns some of the equity.
You need sufficient equity in your home to qualify.

The company might deny you if you have a large amount of debt on the property.
Equity may be undervalued.

Many home equity investment companies apply a risk adjustment to the value of your home to protect their investment.
An appraisal is often required.

You’ll need to pay for it.

Equity sharing offers numerous benefits, but consider the potential drawbacks, including the long-term implications and costs associated with these agreements. Younger homeowners, in particular, should consider the potential future appreciation of their property and how sharing that appreciation might affect their financial goals.

Before making this—or any—financial decision, we think it’s crucial to consult with a financial professional to understand the terms and assess how an equity sharing agreement fits into your broader financial plan.

How to choose the best home equity agreement company for you

If you’re comfortable with equity sharing and understand its pros and cons, the next step is finding the right company to work with. We’ve given you several companies to choose from.

Asking yourself these questions can help you narrow down which one is best.

Based on each company’s minimum and maximum funding amounts, which ones match my goals?
Does the investment contract term fit my plans?
Can I meet the company’s minimum credit score requirements or income requirements, if it has any?
Do I have a sufficient loan-to-value ratio to qualify?
Can I get an estimate without affecting my credit scores?
Does the company operate in my state or region?
Does the company restrict or limit how the funds can be used in a way that would prevent my intended use?
If the company restricts equity sharing agreements to certain types of property, does mine meet the requirements?
What are my responsibilities as the homeowner? (e.g., paying property taxes and maintaining homeowners insurance)
Does the company put a cap on buyback costs?
Will I pay a prepayment penalty to buy out the agreement early?
Does the company charge any other fees? If so, will I need to pay them out of pocket?
Does the company impose any restriction periods that might affect buyout costs?

It’s also helpful to consider how soon you can get the funds if approved. If time is of the essence, an equity sharing agreement may not be the best option. For example, a personal loan could deliver cash in a matter of days. The trade-off is that you’re taking on debt you’ll need to make monthly payments on.

Reading reviews or testimonials from past customers can give you a better idea of what people like or don’t like about a particular home equity sharing company. You may visit the company’s Trustpilot profile or check for Better Business Bureau accreditation as part of your research.

How we chose the best home equity sharing companies

We looked into eight home equity sharing companies to determine what each was the best for and how they compared.

Our evaluation focused on 11 categories: transparency, eligibility requirements, investment amount, fees, buy-out cost structure, terms, the application process, unique benefits, customer reviews, customer experience, and funding time.

Other home equity agreement reviews

Other well-rated companies offer home equity sharing agreements but didn’t make our best-for list. Depending on your needs, they might be worth a look.

Unison

Founded in 2004, Unison is a team of financial and real estate professionals committed to helping equity-rich homeowners finance their life needs without adding debt.

Important features

Unison offers up to $500,000 in equity funding with no upfront fees, monthly payments, or interest charges. Its best feature is its sizable geographic footprint, which extends to more than two dozen states. This could make it more accessible than other home equity sharing companies.

Investment contracts have a 30-year term instead of 10, and you can buy Unison out at any time. However, certain features are unavailable during a restriction period.

If you sell in the first five years and your home value has declined, Unison does not share in the decrease in value.
Unison doesn’t share in any added value that accrues from remodeling projects. However, you’re only eligible for a remodeling adjustment after the third anniversary of your agreement.

For those reasons, Unison may be best for homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for a minimum of five years.

FAQ

Are there monthly payments with an equity sharing agreement?

No, there are no monthly payments or interest charges with home equity share agreements. Instead, you receive cash today for a percentage of your home’s future value. The company gets its share back when you sell the home or buy out the agreement.

Does my credit score affect the amount of cash I get?

The short answer is yes.

Several factors determine the amount you receive. These factors include your home’s appraised value, housing debt, creditworthiness, and how you use the property.

Remember, most equity-sharing companies have low minimum credit score requirements, so homeowners with poor credit are eligible. Your credit can affect the cash you receive, but you might still be eligible for a large cash investment.

What’s the difference between a home equity investment and a home equity loan or line of credit?

A home equity investment is an agreement that allows you to receive some of your equity in cash, in exchange for a share of your home’s future value. A home equity loan is a lump sum you borrow against your equity, which you repay over a fixed term with interest.

A home equity line of credit, meanwhile, is a revolving credit line you can draw against as needed. You only pay interest on what you use, and your home secures the line of credit.

Check out this quick side-by-side comparison.

	Equity sharing agreement	Home equity loan or HELOC
Minimum credit score	Poor credit accepted	Typically fair credit
Income requirement?	None	Yes, varies
Monthly payments?	None	Yes
Interest rates?	None	Yes

Is a home equity sharing agreement right for me?

A home equity sharing agreement isn’t a form of debt, so it can be a decent option for homeowners who need cash but can’t take on new monthly payments or meet the eligibility requirements of a home equity loan or line of credit.

A lender tries to determine whether you can repay a loan, but an investment company tries to determine the likelihood of your home appreciating. This difference allows homeowners with a low credit score to be eligible for a cash investment.

If you don’t want to give up a portion of your home’s equity, can afford additional monthly payments, and can meet the eligibility requirements set by traditional lenders, a home equity loan may be a better choice.

Recap of the best home equity sharing companies

Best overall

4.7

Free Quote

Best for a long term length

4.7

Free Quote

Best for flexible qualification

4.6

Free Quote