Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Home Equity Home Equity Investments Hometap Competitors and Alternatives: Top Picks for Equity Access Updated Nov 28, 2024 8-min read Written by Aly Yale Written by Aly Yale Expertise: Home equity, mortgages, real estate Aly Yale is a freelance writer with more than a decade of experience covering real estate and personal finance topics. Learn more about Aly Yale Hometap is our top-rated home equity investment provider, earning a 4.8/5 for its low credit score requirement and debt-free funding of up to $600,000. As a home equity agreement (HEA) provider, Hometap allows homeowners to access cash upfront in exchange for a share of their home’s future value—offering a unique alternative to traditional home equity loans or HELOCs. With no monthly payments or income requirements, it’s an excellent choice for many homeowners. However, Hometap isn’t perfect—it’s limited to 16 states, has a rigid 10-year term, and charges upfront fees. This guide compares Hometap to top competitors like Unlock, Point, and Figure, breaking down their unique features and eligibility. We’ll also explore traditional options like HELOCs and home equity loans, helping you find the best solution to access your home’s equity. CompanyBest for…Rating (0-5) Best HELOC 4.9 View Rates Best for Longer Terms 4.6 Free Quote Best for Partial Payments 4.5 Free Quote Best Marketplace 4.5 View Rates Hometap competitors As a relatively new product, home equity sharing agreements are only offered by a few companies. Aside from Hometap, three other companies seem to get the most attention. These include Unlock, Unison, and Point. You can read more about Hometap’s offerings in our complete review. In the following table, we’ll see how these two Hometap competitors compare. Keep reading for more detailed comparisons below. HometapUnlockPointRating4.8/54.5/54.6/5Credit score500+550+500+Min. amount$15K$30K$25KMax. amount$600K$500K$500KTerm (years)1010 30 Hometap vs. Unlock Best for Partial Payments 4.5 /5 Free Quote What makes it a good alternative to Hometap? Unlock offers a compelling alternative to Hometap with its partial buyout option, allowing homeowners to repay their investment gradually over time rather than in a single lump sum. This flexibility can ease financial pressure, especially if cash flow is tight. Additionally, Unlock supports a higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, enabling you to tap more of your home’s equity. With availability in states like Tennessee and Utah, where Hometap isn’t offered, it’s an excellent choice for homeowners outside Hometap’s service area. Key differences FeatureHometapUnlockPartial repaymentsNot availableAvailableMaximum LTV ratio75%80%State availability16 states13 states, including TN and UTFees3.5% transaction fee4.9% origination fee Who should choose Hometap? Homeowners seeking larger funding amounts (up to $600,000). Those who want to minimize upfront costs, as Hometap charges a lower transaction fee. Residents of states like New York or Oregon, where Unlock isn’t available. Homeowners looking for a straightforward investment term without partial buyout options. Who should choose Unlock? Homeowners who value partial repayment flexibility, allowing them to buy back equity gradually over the 10-year term. Those looking for a higher LTV ratio to tap more of their home’s equity. Residents in states like Tennessee and Utah, where Hometap is unavailable. Borrowers comfortable with slightly higher upfront fees in exchange for more flexibility. Read More Hometap vs. Unlock Hometap vs. Point Best for Longer Terms 4.6 /5 Free Quote What makes it a good alternative to Hometap? Point stands out as a good alternative to Hometap for its longer term length of up to 30 years, which provides flexibility for homeowners who prefer more time before settling the investment. Additionally, Point is available in 24 states, including locations like Colorado, Connecticut, and Georgia, where Hometap isn’t offered. While Hometap charges a lower transaction fee, Point offers promotional pricing for eligible home improvements, potentially lowering costs for those looking to renovate. Key differences FeatureHometapPointTerm length10 years30 yearsState availability16 states24 states, including CO and CTRenovation adjustmentsExcludes homeowner-paid improvementsDoes not exclude homeowner-paid improvementsFees3.5% transaction feeUp to 3.9% processing fee + risk adjustment Who should choose Hometap? Homeowners who prefer lower fees (3.5% transaction fee versus Point’s 3.9%). Those who want to maximize their funding potential, as Hometap offers up to $600,000 compared to Point’s $500,000. Residents in states like New York, Oregon, and Virginia where Point isn’t available. Homeowners who want to ensure home improvements won’t increase the amount owed at the time of repayment. Who should choose Point? Homeowners who need a longer repayment term, with up to 30 years to settle the investment. Those planning to use the funds for renovations, as Point offers promotional pricing for eligible improvements. Residents in states like Colorado, Georgia, or Connecticut where Hometap isn’t offered. Borrowers willing to accept slightly higher fees and risk adjustments in exchange for longer-term flexibility. Read More Hometap vs. Point Alternatives to Hometap’s home equity financing solution Hometaps HEAs provide debt-free funding by giving you cash now in exchange for a share of your home’s future value. In contrast, home equity loans provide a lump sum that’s repaid in fixed monthly installments with interest, while HELOCs act as a revolving credit line secured by your home. Here’s how Hometap compares to HELOC and home equity loan providers, which offer more traditional ways to access your home’s value. HometapFigureSpring EQProductHEAHELOCLoanCredit score500+640+620+Min. funding$15K$15K$25KMax. funding$600K$400K$500K Hometap vs. Figure Best HELOC 4.9 /5 View Rates What makes it a good alternative to Hometap? Figure is an excellent alternative to Hometap for homeowners who prefer a traditional home equity line of credit (HELOC) to access their home’s value. Unlike Hometap, which provides debt-free funding in exchange for a share of your home’s future value, Figure’s HELOC requires monthly payments on the borrowed amount. You pay interest at a fixed rate, with advertised APRs starting at 6.99% depending on your credit score and property location. This predictable payment structure can make it easier to manage your finances compared to Hometap’s lump-sum repayment tied to future home appreciation. Additionally, Figure offers flexible repayment terms of 5 to 30 years and fast funding—often within five days. Key differences FeatureHometapFigureProduct typeHEAHELOCFunding amount$15,000 – $600,000$15,000 – $400,000Repayment terms10 years5, 10, 15, or 30 yearsState availability16 states45 states (excludes NY, HI, WV, KY)Draw periodNot applicable2 – 5 years, with redraws allowed Who should choose Hometap? Homeowners looking for debt-free funding with no monthly payments or interest charges. Those who want larger funding amounts, as Hometap offers up to $600,000. Borrowers with lower credit scores (minimum 500 compared to Figure’s 640). Homeowners seeking a simpler, one-time funding structure rather than ongoing access to a line of credit. Who should choose Figure? Homeowners who need a flexible draw period to access funds multiple times during the initial 2 to 5 years. Those looking for faster funding, with disbursements often available within five days. Borrowers in states like Colorado, Illinois, or New Mexico, where Hometap isn’t offered. Homeowners seeking a fixed-rate HELOC, offering predictable monthly payments and longer repayment terms of up to 30 years. The advertised rate includes .75% discount for opting into a Quorum membership and enrolling in autopay. Terms and conditions apply. Visit Figure.com for further details. Figure Lending LLC is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS #1717824 Read More Figure vs. Hometap in-depth analysis Hometap vs. LendingTree Best Marketplace 4.5 /5 View Rates What makes it a good alternative to Hometap? LendingTree is an excellent alternative to Hometap for homeowners who want to compare home equity loans and HELOCs from multiple lenders. Unlike Hometap’s home equity investment model, which involves no monthly payments but shares future home appreciation, LendingTree connects you with traditional financing options. These products require monthly payments but let you retain full ownership of your home. With interest rates starting at 6.99% APR, LendingTree’s partners typically allow borrowing up to 85% of your home equity, offering a flexible way to tap your home’s value. LendingTree’s marketplace approach makes it easy to compare rates, terms, and fees side by side, helping you find the best deal. Key differences FeatureHometapLendingTreeProduct typeHEAHome equity loans & HELOCsFunding amount$15,000 – $600,000$10,000 – $2 millionInterest ratesNot applicableStarting at 6.99% APRRepayment terms10 years, no monthly payments5 – 30 years, with monthly paymentsState availability16 statesNationwideLoan ownershipPartial ownership (Hometap share)Full ownership (no equity sharing) Who should choose Hometap? Homeowners seeking debt-free funding without monthly payments or interest charges. Those who want access to larger funding amounts (up to $600,000). Borrowers in states where LendingTree’s partner lenders may not offer competitive options. Homeowners who are comfortable sharing future home appreciation instead of paying interest. Who should choose LendingTree? Homeowners who want to compare multiple loan or HELOC options to find the best interest rate and terms. Borrowers seeking nationwide availability and higher maximum loan amounts (up to $2 million). Those who prefer traditional monthly payments rather than sharing home equity. Homeowners who want the flexibility of a HELOC with a draw period to access funds as needed. How to know which Hometap competitor or alternative is best There are many Hometap competitors out there—both direct and indirect—which will allow you to turn your home equity into cash. Generally, traditional home equity financing through home equity loans and lines of credit should be your first consideration. These products have been around longer than home equity sharing agreements and are more widely available. However, if you need cash and can’t meet the eligibility requirements for a loan or you can’t afford an additional monthly payment, a home equity sharing agreement may be your best option. If you’re still unsure which option is the best for your goals, talk to a financial advisor or tax professional. They can point you toward the right solution for your household. Recap of Hometap competitors and alternatives CompanyBest for…Rating (0-5) Best HELOC 4.9 View Rates Best for long terms 4.6 Free Quote Best repayment structure 4.5 Free Quote Best marketplace 4.5 View Rates