Point
point.comBest Overall
4.8
Widely available, competitive pricing, strong track record.
- Max amount
- $500,000
- Term
- Up to 30 yrs
- Min credit
- 500
- States
- 24
- Available in 24+ states
- No income requirement
- Flexible exit options
- Established since 2015
Updated for 2026 · 6 providers compared
Tap your home equity without monthly payments
Home Equity Agreements let you unlock up to $600,000 in cash from your home in exchange for a share of its future value — no debt, no interest, no monthly bill. We compare the top providers so you don't have to.
Unbiased reviews No lead-selling Independently rated
What is an HEA?
Cash today for a share of tomorrow's value
A Home Equity Agreement (also called a Home Equity Investment) is a contract with an investor. They give you a lump sum today. In return, they receive a percentage of your home's value when you sell, refinance, or reach the end of the term — typically 10 to 30 years.
You keep the deed. You keep living in the home. You never owe a monthly payment. Instead of paying interest, you share appreciation.
How it works
Four simple steps
Step 1
Apply & appraise
Prequalify online in minutes; the provider orders an appraisal to set your home's starting value.
Step 2
Receive cash
Close in 3–4 weeks and receive a lump sum — typically 5–25% of your home's value.
Step 3
Live your life
You keep title, live in the home, and make no monthly payments to the investor.
Step 4
Settle up
Sell, refinance, or buy out any time before the term ends. Investor gets a share of the value.
Benefits
No monthly payments
Cash flow stays untouched — no bill added to your budget.
Access without new debt
Not a loan. No interest. Doesn't count against DTI in most cases.
Flexible use of funds
Consolidate debt, renovate, invest, retire on your terms.
Shared downside
If your home loses value, most providers share the loss with you.
Risks
Lost appreciation
If your home appreciates strongly, you'll owe the investor a meaningful share.
Complex contracts
Terms vary widely — starting value discounts, caps, and multipliers matter.
Limited availability
Not offered in every state. Property type and equity requirements apply.
Settlement pressure
You must be prepared to sell, refi, or buy out within the term.
HEA vs. HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan
Same goal — access your equity. Very different mechanics.
| Feature | HEA / HEI | HELOC | Home Equity Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly payments | None | Yes (variable) | Yes (fixed) |
| Interest | None — share appreciation | Variable rate | Fixed rate |
| Credit needed | 500+ | 680+ | 680+ |
| Income requirement | Minimal / none | Yes | Yes |
| Impact on DTI | Usually none | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Cash flow relief, tight DTI | Ongoing access | One-time lump sum |
Top companies
The best HEA companies of 2026
Side-by-side on the numbers that matter.
| Company | Best for | Min credit | Max amount | Term | Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Point point.com | Best Overall | 500 | $500,000 | Up to 30 yrs | 3–5% | Visit |
Hometap hometap.com | Best for Large Amounts | 500 | $600,000 | 10 years | 3% | Visit |
Unison unison.com | Best for Good Credit | 620 | $500,000 | 30 years | 3.9% | Visit |
Unlock unlock.com | Best for Investors | 500 | $500,000 | 10 years | 3% | Visit |
Splitero splitero.com | Best Perks | 500 | $500,000 | 30 years | 3–5% | Visit |
EquityChoice equitychoice.com | Best Alternative | 600 | $400,000 | 10 years | 3–4% | Visit |
Detailed reviews
Each provider, in depth
Hometap
hometap.comBest for Large Amounts
4.7
High funding caps for owners with significant equity.
- Max amount
- $600,000
- Term
- 10 years
- Min credit
- 500
- States
- 18
- Up to $600K in cash
- 10-year effective term
- Fast underwriting (~3 wks)
- No monthly payments
Unison
unison.comBest for Good Credit
4.5
Long 30-year term and mature program for qualified owners.
- Max amount
- $500,000
- Term
- 30 years
- Min credit
- 620
- States
- 29
- 30-year term flexibility
- Largest state footprint
- Down-payment products too
- Pioneer in the category
Unlock
unlock.comBest for Investors
4.5
Partial buy-backs and investment-property friendly.
- Max amount
- $500,000
- Term
- 10 years
- Min credit
- 500
- States
- 15
- Allows investment properties
- Partial buy-outs supported
- Lower credit floor
- Transparent pricing
Splitero
splitero.comBest Perks
4.4
Homeowner-friendly perks and modern digital experience.
- Max amount
- $500,000
- Term
- 30 years
- Min credit
- 500
- States
- 9
- Homeowner protection perks
- 30-year term
- Fast digital process
- Dedicated advisor
EquityChoice
equitychoice.comBest Alternative
4.2
A worthwhile option for owners outside larger providers' footprints.
- Max amount
- $400,000
- Term
- 10 years
- Min credit
- 600
- States
- 12
- Niche state coverage
- Competitive terms
- Personalized service
- No income requirement
Is an HEA right for you?
1
You have significant home equity
Most providers want you to keep at least 20–25% equity after their investment.
2
Your monthly cash flow is tight
An HEA gives you cash without adding a payment. Great when income is inconsistent or DTI is high.
3
You're comfortable sharing appreciation
If you expect huge appreciation and can service a loan, a HELOC will likely be cheaper long-term.
4
You have a clear exit plan
Know how you'll settle — future sale, refinance, buy-out — before you sign.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to unlock your home's value?
Compare the top HEA providers side-by-side and pick the one that fits your goals.
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