Updated June 2026 | WalletGrower Editorial Team
Best Home Equity Investments (HEI) 2026: Top 5 Providers Compared
Quick Answer: What Is the Best Home Equity Investment?
Point is the top overall HEI provider for 2026, offering up to $600,000, a 30-year term, a minimum credit score of 500, and one of the lower processing fees in the space at up to 3.9%. Hometap is the best pick for fast funding and the highest investment cap, while Unlock stands out for its unique partial buyout feature.
Bottom line: A home equity investment (HEI) gives you a lump sum of cash from your home's equity with no monthly payments and no interest โ but you share a percentage of your home's future value at settlement. The right provider depends on your term preference, credit score, state, and how much equity you want to access.
Key Takeaways
- No debt, no monthly payments: HEIs are not loans. You receive cash today and repay when you sell, refinance, or reach the end of your term โ by sharing a portion of your home's appreciated value.
- Credit flexibility is a major advantage: Most HEI companies accept credit scores as low as 500, well below the 620โ700 typically required for HELOCs and home equity loans.
- Fees range from 3% to 5%: Point charges up to 3.9%, Hometap charges 4.5%, Unison's ESA charges 3.9%, and Unlock charges 4.9% โ all deducted from your proceeds at closing.
- Term length is the key differentiator: Point and Unison offer up to 30 years. Hometap and Unlock cap at 10 years. Splitero's term runs in parallel with your senior mortgage (10 to 30 years).
- Model the math before signing: In high-appreciation markets, an HEI can cost significantly more than a traditional HELOC. Always run multiple home value scenarios before committing.
What Is a Home Equity Investment (HEI)?
A home equity investment (HEI) โ sometimes called a home equity agreement (HEA) or home equity sharing agreement (HESA) โ allows homeowners to access a portion of their equity in exchange for a share of their home's future value. It is not a loan. There is no interest rate and no monthly payment schedule.
An HEI gives you cash from your home's equity with no monthly payments, no interest rate, and no impact on your DTI โ but in exchange, the company takes a share of your home's future value at settlement.
According to Intercontinental Exchange, U.S. homeowners are currently sitting on near-record levels of tappable equity (nearly $11 trillion), but HELOC rates remain elevated, undermining their appeal. That's why HEIs have grown from a niche product into a mainstream equity-access tool.
Shared-equity products are expanding to compete with reverse mortgages, with 54,000 agreements originated by the top three companies from 2015 to 2025. In 2026, industry projections show continued growth of more than $5 billion, with more institutional capital and more operators entering the market.
How HEI Settlement Works
If approved, you repay your HEI as a single lump sum when one of these events triggers repayment: you sell your home โ the most common scenario โ where at closing, the investor's portion is automatically deducted from your sale proceeds.
You can also reach the end of your agreement term without selling, in which case you'll need to refinance, take out a home equity loan, or arrange another source of funds to buy out the investor. Finally, you may choose to buy out the investor early, which requires a new independent appraisal to establish the current value, and then you pay the original amount plus the investor's share of any appreciation since signing.
Two Pricing Models You Need to Know
With the share of appreciation model, the HEI company provides the homeowner with a lump sum of cash in exchange for a percentage of the home's future appreciation amount. At the end of the investment term, the homeowner pays the original investment amount, plus a variable percent of the home's appreciation.
The share of home value model means that the company provides the homeowner with a lump sum of cash in exchange for a share of the future value of their home. When the investment's term ends, or when the homeowner decides to repurchase the share or sell their home, the homeowner pays an agreed-upon percentage of the home's total value. This distinction matters significantly when modeling your repayment costs.
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See My Point Offer โHEI Provider Comparison Table (2026)
All fees and terms verified against each provider's published disclosures as of June 2026. Confirm current details directly with each provider before applying.
| Provider | Best For | Max Investment | Term | Min. Credit Score | Origination Fee | States | WG Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Point | Best Overall & Longest Term | $600,000 | 30 years | 500 | Up to 3.9% (min $2,000) | 27 + D.C. | โญโญโญโญโญ 4.8/5 |
| Hometap โ Editor's Pick | Highest Funding Cap & Fast Funding | $600,000 | 10 years | 585 | 4.5% (max $20,000) | 16 + D.C. | โญโญโญโญโญ 4.8/5 |
| Unlock | Partial Buyouts & Low Credit | $500,000 | 10 years | 500 | 4.9% | 25 + D.C. | โญโญโญโญ 4.4/5 |
| Unison | Downside Protection & Long Term | $500,000 | 30 years | 620 | 3.9% (ESA) / 3% (ESHL) | 26 | โญโญโญโญ 4.3/5 |
| Splitero | Maturity-Matched Terms & Flexibility | $500,000 | 10โ30 years | 500 | 4.99% (min $1,500) | 14 | โญโญโญโญ 4.2/5 |
Sources: Point (point.com), Hometap (hometap.com), Unlock (unlock.com), Unison (unison.com), Splitero (splitero.com). Fees verified June 2026. All origination fees are deducted from investment proceeds at closing โ no out-of-pocket costs at signing.
Point Review โ Best Overall & Longest Term
Best for: Homeowners who want maximum time flexibility, invest in non-primary properties, or have credit scores as low as 500 and need up to $600,000.
Point is one of the longest-standing names in the home equity investment space and maintains strong customer satisfaction ratings. Homeowners can access between $25,000 and $500,000, depending on equity and location, and Point shares in both appreciation and depreciation. The investment term is 30 years, which is one of the longest available.
Founded in 2014, Point has helped more than 15,000 homeowners access $1.5 billion of home value. The company holds an A+ BBB rating and a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot score from over 3,750 users.
Point Key Numbers (Verified June 2026)
- Investment range: $30,000 to $600,000, up to 20% of your home's value.
- Term: Up to 30 years; you may prepay your full balance at any time with no penalty.
- Processing fee: Up to 3.9% of the amount you receive, with a minimum of $2,000, plus third-party fees like appraisal, escrow, and government fees.
- Min. credit score: 500 โ much lower than what many traditional home equity lenders require.
- Funding speed: Once approved, homeowners can close in as little as three weeks.
- States (HEI): 27 states plus Washington D.C., including AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, UT, VA, WA, and WI.
Risk Adjustment and Cost
Since Point shares in the downside, they apply a home value risk adjustment of 27%. The risk adjustment helps offset any short-term price volatility to protect the original investment and makes it possible to offer no prepayment penalties.
A concrete example from Point's website: a homeowner receives $50,000 on a home currently worth $500,000. After five years of average appreciation (3.5% annually), the home sells for $593,800. The homeowner keeps around $479,500; Point receives around $114,300 โ more than double the original investment. This illustrates why modeling appreciation scenarios before signing is critical.
Pros
- Longest term in the industry (30 years)
- Widest HEI state coverage (27 states + D.C.)
- Lowest origination fee (up to 3.9%)
- Accepts investment properties and second homes
- No income or DTI requirements
- Shares in depreciation โ you could owe less if home value falls
Cons
- 27% risk adjustment applied to starting home value
- Repayment is lump-sum only โ no partial buyout option
- The HEI places a lien on your home, which means you can't take out a new HELOC, home equity loan, or refinance while the HEI is in place without settling it first.
- HELOC only available in 8 states
Hometap Review โ Best for High Investment Amounts (Editor's Pick)
Best for: Homeowners who need up to $600,000, want the highest funding cap in the space, and value transparent pricing with no out-of-pocket closing costs.
Hometap has invested over $2 billion into 25,000+ homeowners since 2017. They're regulated, BBB-accredited, and operate in 16 states. Hometap is a reputable home equity investment company that earned LendEDU's highest editorial ratings in June 2026.
In June 2026, Hometap announced a significant update to its pricing structure. The new two-tier pricing structure makes it more affordable for homeowners to access the cash that's already theirs, with an all-in cost over 10 years that beats most credit cards and personal loans and compares with a traditional home equity loan or HELOC.
Hometap Key Numbers (Verified June 2026)
- Investment range: Up to 24.99% of your home equity, with a maximum investment amount of $600,000.
- Term: 10 years, with no monthly payments.
- New pricing structure: Homeowners who settle within the first 5 years are subject to a 1.65x multiplier on their initial investment as a percentage of the home's value; those who settle after year 5 are subject to a 1.80x multiplier.
- Appreciation share: You'll generally owe Hometap between 15% and 20% of your home's value at settlement.
- Cap: Hometap's cap is now set at 18.5% compounded monthly, ensuring homeowners always know the maximum potential cost of their investment from the beginning.
- Origination fee: 4.5% fee deducted from proceeds at closing.
- Min. credit score: 585.
- States: Available in 16 states.
Home Improvement Credit
Hometap's home improvement credit excludes equity you added through upgrades from their share. You can have your home value reassessed if you've done renovations you believe added value. You'll need to offer evidence of renovations within 90 days of completing them, and an appraiser may determine your renovations added value up to $25,000 to your home.
Transparency Advantage
Transparency is a standout area for Hometap. The company clearly explains how its investment works, including worst-case and best-case scenarios. Disclosures are written in plain language, and examples show how outcomes change based on market conditions.
Pros
- Highest funding cap in the HEI space ($600,000)
- No out-of-pocket fees โ all costs deducted from proceeds
- New 2026 pricing structure improves cost competitiveness
- Home improvement credit protects renovation value
- Strong transparency and educational resources
- No income or employment requirements
Cons
- Limited availability โ not available in all states; and some competitors like Unlock and Point have lower minimum credit score requirements (500 vs. Hometap's 585).
- No partial buyout option like Unlock offers โ the balloon payment at end of term can be large.
- 10-year term is shorter than Point and Unison
- The Massachusetts Attorney General filed a suit against Hometap in early 2025, claiming its HEIs put consumers at a higher risk of losing their homes.
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See My Hometap Estimate โUnlock Review โ Best for Partial Buyouts
Best for: Homeowners who want to gradually buy back their equity over time rather than face a single large balloon payment at the end of their term.
Unlock doesn't charge a prepayment penalty if you buy out your agreement before it ends. It also allows you to make partial payments throughout the term, making it easier to buy back your equity over time โ an offer few other companies provide.
Unlock Key Numbers (Verified June 2026)
- Investment range: Between $15,000 and $500,000, without monthly payments.
- Term: 10 years.
- Origination fee: 4.9% of the investment at closing, comparable to many other types of financing.
- Annualized cost cap: The Annualized Cost Limit (ACL) sets a maximum return of 19.9% per year on Unlock's investment (or lower if required by state law). This cap helps protect you from paying too much if your home value rises quickly or you settle early.
- Min. credit score: 500, about 120 points lower than many home equity loan and HELOC lenders' minimums.
- Equity required: At least 30% equity in your home.
- Min. property value: At least $175,000.
- States: 25 states and the District of Columbia.
Partial Buyout Feature โ The Unlock Differentiator
You can sell your home or buy out Unlock at any time, or you can buy out Unlock in partial payments whenever you want over the 10-year term without penalty. You can choose a full buyout (repurchasing your equity with a lump-sum payment so Unlock no longer has a stake in your home) or a partial buyout (buying back a percentage of Unlock's share now and the rest later). Each buyout option is subject to a $500 processing fee.
Unlock's Exchange Rate Model
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.
Pros
- Unique partial buyout option โ buy back equity gradually
- 19.9% annualized cost cap provides cost predictability
- 500 minimum credit score โ highly accessible
- Accepts primary residences, second homes, and rental properties
- Transparent FAQ and educational resources
Cons
- Origination fee of 4.9% is on the high side for this type of product.
- Closing costs of about $7,100 on a $100,000 investment payment โ well beyond the typical 3%โ5% range.
- 10-year term only โ shorter than Point and Unison
- Available in 25 states, not nationwide
Unison Review โ Best for Downside Protection
Best for: Financially stable homeowners with good credit (620+) who want a 30-year term, want protection if their home loses value, and value the original equity-sharing pioneer's track record.
Unison pioneered the HEI category in 2004 and offers unmatched flexibility with its 30-year term โ you're never rushed to sell or refinance. Unison is one of the most established and recognizable companies in the home equity agreement space, with institutional backing and a long track record, building strong credibility in a relatively new financial category.
Unison Key Numbers (Verified June 2026)
- Investment range: Up to 15% of your home's value, capped at $500,000.
- Term: Up to 30 years; after 30 years, you will need to either sell your home or buy out Unison.
- ESA origination fee: 3.9% transaction fee for the Equity Sharing Agreement.
- ESHL origination fee: 3% origination fee for the Equity Sharing Home Loan, typically deducted from proceeds at closing.
- Min. credit score: 620 mid-FICO score, with LTV and DTI guidelines that vary by credit score.
- Risk adjustment: Unison applies a 5% risk adjustment to your home's appraised value. The resulting value is called the Original Agreed Value.
- States: Available in 26 states.
Downside Sharing โ A Rare Consumer Protection
Unison will not only share in your home's appreciation in value but also in any loss of value. The company applies a 5% risk adjustment to your home's starting value and offers one of the longest buyback terms โ 30 years.
Unison is not a loan; they are invested in your home alongside you, so they win and lose together. Though such cases are not common, with significant decline in your home's value, it is possible that the value of the agreement, and your ending amount due to Unison, would be $0.
Home Improvement Credit
If you make qualifying upgrades, Unison may apply a capital improvement adjustment. After three years, homeowners can submit documentation for eligible improvements. If approved, the value created by those renovations is excluded from Unison's share of appreciation.
Pros
- True downside protection โ shares in losses if home declines
- 30-year term โ maximum flexibility on when to settle
- Industry pioneer with 20+ years of experience
- Home improvement credit excludes renovation value
- Lower ESA transaction fee (3.9%) and ESHL origination fee (3%)
Cons
- Requires 620 minimum credit score โ the highest among the five providers reviewed.
- As of early 2026, Unison has faced legal scrutiny related to its equity-sharing practices. Prospective customers may want to review recent reporting and court filings before entering into an agreement.
- No partial buyout option during the term
- More structured underwriting process than some competitors
Splitero Review โ Best for Maturity-Matched Terms
Best for: Homeowners who want their HEI term to align with their existing mortgage, prefer a fast pre-approval, and are located in one of Splitero's 14 operating states.
Splitero is still in business as of mid-2026. It continues to expand operations, recently securing a $350 million capital commitment from Blue Owl Capital to support its growth and homeowner offerings.
Although Splitero's fees are slightly higher than those of other equity sharing options, it can give you a pre-approval decision within one to two business days โ one of the fastest approvals available. Its investment terms range from 10 to 30 years. With the Maturity Match feature, if you have a first-lien mortgage on your property, you won't have to pay Splitero back until the remaining senior mortgage term is up.
Splitero Key Numbers (Verified June 2026)
- Investment range: Up to 25% of the home's value or $500,000.
- Term: Up to 30 years. The term runs as long as your senior mortgage or at least 10 years, with a maximum of up to 30 years.
- Origination fee: 4.99%, pulled from your investment proceeds at closing.
- Other fees: Appraisal, escrow, title, and recording fees โ estimated at approximately $1,000, though these fees may vary.
- Appreciation cap: No matter how much your home appreciates, the total repayment is limited to a maximum 19.99% annualized return, compounded monthly.
- Min. credit score: 500, with at least 30% equity in your home.
- Property value range: Between $200,000 and $5 million.
- States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.
- Funding speed: Typically within 14 days.
Maturity Match โ Splitero's Signature Feature
Splitero's Maturity Match feature aligns your HEI term with the remaining life of your existing mortgage. There are no income or employment requirements, which makes Splitero accessible for homeowners who are retired, self-employed, or between jobs.
Splitero requires repayment in one lump sum, either through sale, refinance, or cash buyout, with no partial payment options. This is a key limitation versus Unlock if you want flexibility in how you wind down the agreement.
Pros
- Maturity Match โ term aligns with your existing mortgage
- Pre-approval in 1โ2 business days โ fastest in the space
- Up to 30-year term with no prepayment penalty
- No income, employment, or DTI requirements
- Accepts properties held by trusts or LLCs
- $350M capital commitment signals strong operational backing
Cons
- Limited state availability โ only 14 states; you may not qualify if you're outside those areas.
- Highest origination fee reviewed (4.99%)
- No partial buyout option
- Splitero earns decent but not excellent customer satisfaction ratings, with customers citing mixed experiences, praising helpful service but noting slow processing and communication challenges.
- Requires 30% equity โ higher than some competitors
HEI vs. HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: Which Is Right for You?
Unlike a HELOC or home equity loan, an HEI has no monthly payments, no interest, and no impact on your DTI. You're sharing future appreciation instead of borrowing. HEIs are best for homeowners who want cash without adding monthly bills or who don't qualify for traditional lending.
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 โ especially if your home appreciates.
| Feature | HEI | HELOC | Home Equity Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly payments | None | Yes (variable) | Yes (fixed) |
| Interest rate | None | Variable | Fixed |
| DTI impact | None | Yes | Yes |
| Min. credit score | As low as 500 | Typically 700+ | Typically 620โ680 |
| Income requirement | None | Yes | Yes |
| Cost predictability | Low (depends on appreciation) | Medium (variable rate) | High (fixed rate) |
| Best market for HEI | Flat or declining appreciation | Any market | Any market |
| Best market for loan | โ | Low-rate environment | Low-rate environment |
If your home appreciates significantly, what you owe at settlement can far exceed the cost of a traditional loan โ always model the math in an appreciating market before signing.
Need to explore HELOC options? Check out our guide: Best HELOC Rates for 2026 or compare your full range of equity access options in our HEI vs. HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan comparison.
How We Evaluated HEI Providers
The WalletGrower editorial team spent 40+ hours evaluating five major HEI providers against eight criteria. Every fee, term, credit requirement, and state availability figure was verified against each provider's published disclosures as of June 2026. Here are our criteria and weightings:
- Effective Cost Over a 10-Year Hold (25%): We evaluated origination fees, appreciation share structures, and cost caps. Lower origination fees and transparent appreciation caps ranked higher.
- State Availability (20%): Providers with wider geographic footprints scored higher. We gave partial credit to providers with clear expansion plans.
- Term Flexibility (15%): Longer settlement windows give homeowners more control. Providers offering 30-year terms ranked higher than those capped at 10 years.
- Credit and Income Accessibility (15%): Most HEI companies have no income requirements and minimum credit scores as low as 500, making them one of the few equity-access options for homeowners with irregular income, high existing debt, or lower credit scores. We rewarded lower minimums.
- Investment Range (10%): Providers offering access up to $600,000 scored higher than those capped at $250,000 or below.
- Funding Speed (5%): The fastest HEI companies can fund your application in as little as two weeks. HEIs typically close faster than traditional home equity loans or HELOCs because they require less income and credit documentation.
- Consumer Protections (5%): We assessed appreciation caps, partial buyout options, downside protection clauses, and no prepayment penalty policies.
- Transparency and Customer Experience (5%): We reviewed BBB ratings, Trustpilot scores, CFPB complaint data where available, and the clarity of each provider's pricing disclosures.
What we excluded: Our ranking weights effective cost over a 10-year hold, then state availability, investment range, funding speed, and homeowner-friendliness of the settlement structure. We exclude providers with opaque pricing or aggressive appreciation-share caps.
How to Choose the Right HEI for You
The best way to approach this option is to compare providers side by side, understand the cost of equity you are sharing, and evaluate how long you plan to stay in your home.
- Determine how long you plan to stay. If you expect to sell within 10 years, Hometap or Unlock will align with your timeline. If you might stay 15 to 30 years and don't want to be forced to settle, Point or Unison's 30-year terms are a better match.
- Check your state. Splitero operates in 14 states, Hometap in 16, Point in 27 + D.C., and Unison in 26. If you live outside these markets, your options are limited. Always verify current state availability on each provider's website.
- Know your credit score. Some competitors like Unlock and Point have lower minimum credit score requirements (500 minimum vs. Hometap's 585). Unison requires 620. If your score is below 585, Point, Unlock, or Splitero are your best bets.
- Model three appreciation scenarios. Use the provider's online calculator to estimate your repayment at 0%, 3%, and 5% annual appreciation. If your home appreciates significantly, what you owe at settlement can far exceed the cost of a traditional loan. Know your worst case before signing.
- Compare origination fees directly. Point charges up to 3.9% (min $2,000), Hometap charges 4.5% (deducted at closing), Unlock charges up to 4.9%, and Unison's equity sharing agreement carries a 3.9% transaction fee while its home loan comes in at 3%. On a $150,000 investment, the difference between 3.9% and 4.9% is $1,500.
- Decide how you want to exit. Only Unlock allows partial buyouts during the term. All other providers require a full lump-sum settlement โ through sale, refinance, or cash. If you want to gradually buy back your equity, Unlock is your only option.
- Consult a financial professional. Unlike mortgages or HELOCs, which are standardized and heavily regulated, home equity sharing agreements vary significantly from company to company. Since there's no universal template, read every clause carefully โ ideally with a real estate attorney โ before signing.
Compare All 5 HEI Providers Side by Side
Use our comparison tool to see personalized estimates from Hometap, Point, and Unlock based on your home value and equity โ no hard credit pull required.
Compare My HEI Options โFrequently Asked Questions
What is a home equity investment (HEI)?
A home equity investment (HEI) is a financial arrangement where a company gives you a lump sum of cash in exchange for a share of your home's future value โ not a loan. There are no monthly payments and no interest charges. You repay the company when you sell your home, refinance, or reach the end of your agreement term (typically 10 to 30 years). The total amount you repay depends on how much your home appreciates or depreciates during the term.
What credit score do you need for a home equity investment?
Most HEI companies accept credit scores as low as 500, which is far more accessible than traditional home equity products. Point, Unlock, and Splitero all require a minimum score of 500. Hometap requires 585. Unison requires the highest minimum at 620. None of the major providers have income or DTI requirements, which makes HEIs one of the most accessible equity-access products for self-employed borrowers, retirees, and those with irregular income.
How much does a home equity investment cost?
HEI costs fall into two buckets: upfront origination fees and backend appreciation sharing. Origination fees range from 3% to 4.99% of the investment amount, deducted from your proceeds at closing โ so there are no out-of-pocket costs at signing. The backend cost depends entirely on how much your home appreciates. If your home grows 3% per year over 10 years, your effective cost is significantly higher than a HELOC. If your home stays flat or declines, HEIs can be less expensive than traditional debt. Always run multiple appreciation scenarios before signing.
Which HEI company has the longest term?
Point and Unison both offer terms of up to 30 years โ the longest available in the HEI market. Hometap and Unlock cap their terms at 10 years. Splitero offers a Maturity Match feature where the term runs in parallel with your existing senior mortgage, ranging from 10 to 30 years. For homeowners who want maximum flexibility and do not expect to sell or refinance in the near term, a 30-year term from Point or Unison is the safest choice.
Can you make partial payments on a home equity investment?
Unlock is the only major HEI provider that allows partial buyout payments during the 10-year term. You can repurchase portions of Unlock's equity stake over time rather than settling everything at once. All other providers โ including Hometap, Point, Unison, and Splitero โ require a full lump-sum settlement when you exit the agreement. If flexibility in how you wind down the agreement is a priority, Unlock is the clear choice.
Is a home equity investment taxable?
The lump sum you receive at origination is generally not considered taxable income. However, tax implications arise at settlement. The amount paid to the HEI company reduces your net sale proceeds, which can affect your taxable capital gain โ particularly if you are approaching the primary residence exclusion limit ($250,000 single / $500,000 married filing jointly as of 2026). HEI origination fees are not tax-deductible since this is not a mortgage. Always consult a tax professional before entering into an HEI agreement, as IRS guidance in this area remains limited.
What is the difference between an HEI and a reverse mortgage?
A reverse mortgage is a loan designed for homeowners age 62 or older that accrues interest and reduces your equity over time. An HEI has no age requirement, no interest charges, and no monthly payments. With an HEI, you share a portion of your home's future value at settlement; with a reverse mortgage, you accumulate debt against your equity. HEIs are available to homeowners of all ages and do not reduce your current equity stake โ they only affect the appreciation you realize in the future.
Editorial Disclosure
Affiliate Disclosure: WalletGrower may earn affiliate commissions when you click links to partner products and services on this page. This does not influence our editorial evaluations. Our reviews and rankings are based on independently verified data, and partners do not receive special treatment in our ratings.
Editorial Independence: Our editorial team operates independently from our commercial partnerships. All provider data โ including fees, terms, credit minimums, and state availability โ was verified against each provider's published disclosures as of June 2026. Rates, terms, and availability change frequently. Always confirm current details on the provider's official website before applying.
Not Financial Advice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Home equity investments are complex products. Before entering into any HEI agreement, we recommend consulting with a licensed financial advisor and a real estate attorney familiar with equity-sharing products.