Best Home Equity Agreement (HEA) Companies: Compare Top HEA Loans in 2026

A home equity agreement (HEA)—sometimes called a home equity investment (HEI) or home equity sharing agreement (HESA)—allows homeowners to access a portion of their equity in exchange for a share of their home’s future value.

In this guide, we’ll break down what a home equity agreement is, how HEA loans work, how home equity agreement companies structure repayment, and how leading home equity investment companies compare—so you can decide whether this type of arrangement makes sense for your situation.

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Table of Contents

1. What is a home equity agreement (HEA loan)?
2. Reviews of the best home equity investment companies
3. How a home equity agreement works
4. How much can you get from an HEA loan?
5. HEA costs and fees
6. Home equity agreement pros and cons
7. HEA vs. HELOC or home equity loan
8. Is a home equity agreement right for you?
9. How to choose the best HEA company
10. FAQ
11. How we selected the best home equity investment companies
12. Recap of the best home equity agreements

What is a home equity agreement (HEA loan)?

A home equity agreement (HEA or HEA loan) lets you convert a portion of your home’s equity into cash. Instead of making monthly payments, you agree to share a percentage of your home’s value or appreciation with the investment company when you sell, refinance, or buy out the agreement.

The biggest benefit of an HEA is that you don’t have ongoing payment obligations, unlike traditional home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOC). It’s also accessible to lower credit scores than HELOCs or home equity loans typically are. However, your total repayment on an HEA can be substantial if your home’s value rises.

Here’s a quick comparison of HEAs, HELOCs, and home equity loans.

Feature	HEA	HELOC / Home equity loan
Monthly payments	None	Required
Credit score	500+ often accepted	720+ typical
Ownership	You keep title; provider records a lien or contract interest	You keep title; lender records a lien
Repayment	When you sell or buy back	Monthly + interest
Repayment amount	Varies but typically % of home’s value at end of term	Total borrowed + interest

Reviews of the best home equity investment 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 overall: Hometap
• Best for partial payments: Unlock
• Best for longer terms: Point

Hometap

Best Overall

4.8 _/5

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Why a Hometap HEI is one of the best

Hometap stands out for its high funding limit of up to $600,000, structured 10-year term, 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 are structured around a share-of-value model, meaning repayment is based on a percentage of your home’s value when you settle the agreement.

The company typically receives between 15% and 30% of your home’s value, depending on how much equity you access and when the agreement is terminated. Hometap also includes a built-in “Hometap Cap,” which limits its annualized return to 20%. This cap can help protect homeowners if their property appreciates dramatically during the term.

Hometap is currently available in only 16 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 annualized return to 20%
• 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: 4.8/5 on Trustpilot

• Upfront fees deducted from funding: Includes a 4.5% processing fee plus closing costs
• Share percentage increases over time: The portion owed can rise the longer you hold the agreement
• Limited availability: Currently offered in 16 states (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	600
Prequalify	Get an estimate in just 60 seconds

What to keep in mind

Hometap accepts homeowners with a minimum credit score of 600. 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.

Unlock

Best for Partial Payments

4.7 _/5

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Why an Unlock HEA is one of the best

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.

Unlock offers home equity agreements with funding of up to $500,000 and a standard 10-year term. 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 calculates its share using an exchange-rate model. Your investment amount is first expressed as a percentage of your home’s starting value, which is then multiplied by an exchange rate (often around 2.0) to determine Unlock’s share of the final home value.

The company also caps annualized costs at 19.9%, which helps limit how quickly repayment can grow if your home appreciates significantly.

• Partial buyout payments allowed: Repurchase portions of Unlock’s equity stake during the 10-year term instead of settling everything at once.
• Lower credit score requirement: Minimum credit score of 500 makes it accessible for homeowners who may not qualify for traditional home equity loans.
• Improvement adjustment: Approved renovations can be excluded from the final value calculation, 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%, helping control extreme repayment scenarios.

• Funding up to $500,000: Comparable investment limits to other major HEA providers.
• Higher origination fee: Processing fee of 4.9% plus closing costs deducted from the investment amount.
• Single-term option: Only a 10-year agreement is available.
• Limited availability: Currently offered in 13 states: 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+
Prequalify	Get an estimate in just 60 seconds

What to keep in mind

Unlock looks for a minimum FICO credit score of 500. Income verification may be required if your score is below 550. 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 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, 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.

Point

Best for Longer Terms

4.6 _/5

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Why a Point HEI is one of the best

Point stands out for offering the longest repayment timeline among home equity agreement companies, with terms that can extend up to 30 years.

Point offers investments ranging from $30,000 to $600,000 and calculates repayment using a share-of-value model tied to your home’s value at settlement. 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 most competitors, which typically require settlement within 10 years.

• Longest 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.
• Lower processing fee: Processing fee up to 3.9% 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 30-year term can significantly increase the total repayment if your home’s value rises.
• Limited availability: Currently offered in 27 states and Washington, D.C. (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 – $500,000
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 LLC ownership, or co-ops. Its investment must be in at least the second 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.

How a home equity agreement works

A typical home equity agreement follows a step-by-step process:

1. Apply and receive an offer

You submit basic information about your home, mortgage balance, income, and credit profile. The company evaluates your available equity and may require an appraisal or home valuation before presenting an offer.

2. Review and sign the agreement

If you accept the terms, you sign a contract outlining the company’s percentage stake, the term length, and how repayment will be calculated. The company records its interest against your property, similar to a lien.

3. Receive your funds

After closing, you receive a lump sum based on the agreed-upon terms, typically delivered via wire transfer or direct deposit to your bank account.

4. Settle the agreement later

Repayment typically happens when you sell, refinance, reach the end of the term, or choose to buy out the agreement. The amount you owe depends on your home’s value at that time and how your agreement is structured. Here are some examples to illustrate.

Example 1: Percentage of final home value

Some home equity agreement companies calculate repayment based on a percentage of your home’s value when you settle.

• Let’s say your home is worth $500,000 and you receive $50,000 in exchange for a 10% equity stake.
• If you sell your home later for $600,000, you would repay 10% of the sale price. In this case, that equals $60,000.
• If your home sells for $450,000 instead, 10% would equal $45,000. The repayment adjusts with your home’s value.

Example 2: Original investment plus a share of appreciation

Other companies structure repayment slightly differently.

• Using the same starting point, imagine you receive $50,000 when your home is worth $500,000. If your agreement requires repayment of the original investment plus 20% of any appreciation, and your home later sells for $600,000, the $100,000 gain would be shared.
• In that case, you would repay $70,000— our original $50,000 plus 20% of the $100,000 increase.
• If your home’s value declines, some agreements reduce the repayment amount accordingly.

How much can you get from an HEA loan?

Home equity agreement providers determine your offer based on your property details, available equity, and financial profile. While some programs advertise funding up to $600,000, the actual amount varies from one homeowner to another.

Typical funding ranges

Most homeowners qualify for $30,000 to $300,000 through a home equity agreement, depending on property value, state availability, and the provider’s internal limits. High-value homes or low existing mortgage balances may unlock higher offers.

What influences your offer

Providers consider several factors when determining your maximum eligible funding amount:

• Your home’s current value and remaining mortgage balance: The more equity you have, the more funding you can access.
• Provider CLTV (combined loan-to-value) policies: Each company sets its own maximum CLTV limit, and eligibility varies by state.
• Term length: Longer terms (10 to 30 years) may allow for higher funding amounts.
• Credit profile: Many programs accept scores around 500 to 550+, but stronger credit can increase your available amount.
• Property use and type: Most providers invest in primary residences, though some may accept second homes or rentals.

HEA costs and fees

You’ll pay some upfront costs when entering a home equity agreement. These may include:

• Closing and origination fees: Around 3% to 5% of the investment amount
• Appraisal fees: $300 – $1,000, depending on your property and state
• Title and settlement costs: $800 – $1,200 typical
• Filing and recording fees: $300 – $1,000 depending on county regulations

Each company sets its own maximum loan-to-value ratio and may adjust your home’s appraised value to reduce risk.

Home equity agreement pros and cons

Pros

• Access cash without monthly debt payments

  Unlike a traditional home equity loan or HELOC, equity sharing agreements don’t require monthly principal and interest payments. That can be helpful if your cash flow is tight or you don’t want to take on another bill.

• Available to borrowers with fair or poor credit

  Because approval is based more on your home’s equity than your credit profile, borrowers who may not qualify for traditional financing could still be eligible.

• No income requirement

  Many providers don’t require proof of income or employment. This can benefit retirees, self-employed borrowers, or homeowners with nontraditional income.

• Investor shares in potential loss if home depreciates

  If your home’s value declines, the investor typically shares in the loss. That means you’re not solely responsible for repaying a fixed loan amount plus interest, regardless of market conditions.

• Flexible use of funds

  There are generally no restrictions on how you use the money. Homeowners commonly use funds for renovations, debt payoff, business expenses, or other large financial goals.

Cons

• You give up a share of your future appreciation

  In exchange for upfront cash, you agree to share a percentage of your home’s future value. If your property appreciates significantly, the amount you repay could be much higher than what you originally received.

• Requires significant equity (often 20% – 25%)

  Most companies require homeowners to already have substantial equity before qualifying. If you’ve recently purchased or refinanced, you may not be eligible.

• Home appraisal required

  You’ll typically need a professional appraisal to determine your home’s current value. This adds time and may involve upfront or third-party costs.

• Future costs can be unpredictable if home values rise

  Because repayment is tied to your home’s appreciation, it’s difficult to know exactly what the agreement will cost in the long run. In strong housing markets, the effective cost can exceed what you’d pay with a traditional loan.

HEA vs. HELOC or home equity loan

Equity sharing agreements work very differently from traditional home equity loans and HELOCs. With a loan, you borrow money and repay it with interest through monthly payments. With an HEA, you receive cash upfront in exchange for a share of your home’s future value.

That means the trade-off isn’t just about monthly payments—it’s about what you’re agreeing to share down the road. Traditional loans have predictable repayment terms. HEAs shift some of the upside (and downside) of your home’s value to the investor.

Here’s a more thorough look at how the options compare side by side.

A HELOC or home equity loan may be the better choice if you qualify for competitive rates and want to keep full ownership of your home’s future value. While they require monthly payments, they’re often more cost-effective over time—especially if your home appreciates.

A home equity agreement may make more sense if you can’t qualify for traditional financing or want to avoid monthly payments, even if it means giving up a portion of your home’s future value.

Is a home equity agreement right for you?

Once you understand how HEAs compare to traditional options, the next step is figuring out whether this structure actually fits your situation.

A home equity agreement can make sense in certain situations, especially if traditional home equity financing is difficult to qualify for or doesn’t align with your financial goals.

It may be a strong fit for:

• Retirees who need cash flow but can’t take on monthly debt
• Homeowners with limited income or credit who still have strong equity
• High-value market homeowners seeking liquidity without selling

However, this structure isn’t ideal for everyone. If you plan to sell your home soon or expect significant appreciation, a traditional loan may help you retain more equity.

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

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? Timelines typically range from a few weeks to a month, 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

Is an HEA a loan?

A home equity agreement is a type of investment contract. You receive cash upfront in exchange for giving the provider a share of your home’s future value. There are no monthly payments, and you repay the provider’s share when you sell your home or buy it back.

How long does it take to receive funds from an HEA loan?

Typically, three to six weeks, depending on appraisal speed and state processing time.

Do home equity investments affect taxes?

HEA proceeds are typically not taxed as income, but consult a tax advisor for personalized advice.

What happens at the end of a home equity agreement?

At the end of the term—or when you sell or refinance—you repay the provider based on your home’s current value, including their agreed-upon share of appreciation.

Can I pay off a home equity agreement early?

Yes, most providers allow early buyouts, but the payoff amount is typically based on your home’s current value at that time, not just what you originally received.

Can you lose your home with a home equity agreement?

You won’t lose your home just for having an HEA, but you could be at risk if you fail to meet the agreement’s terms, such as keeping up with property taxes, insurance, or maintenance.

If you can’t buy out the agreement at the end of the term, you’ll typically need to sell your home or refinance.

How we selected the best home equity investment companies

Since 2020, LendEDU has evaluated home equity companies to help readers find the best home equity agreements. Our latest analysis reviewed 208 data points from 11 companies, with 30 data points collected from each. This information is gathered from company websites, online applications, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives.

These data points are organized into broader categories, which our editorial team weights and scores based on their relative importance to readers. These star ratings help us determine which companies are best for different situations. We don’t believe two companies can be the best for the same purpose, so we only show each best-for designation once.

Higher star ratings are ultimately awarded to companies that create an excellent experience for homeowners and provide transparent financing solutions. This includes offering online eligibility checks, cost transparency, and unique benefits that support homeowners throughout the term.

Recap of the best home equity agreements