Homeowner's Guide to Unison Equity Sharing Basics
The Homeowner’s Guide to Equity Sharing with Unison, Part 1: The Basics
For many homeowners, a large portion of their wealth lives inside their home. On paper, it looks substantial. In real life, it can feel out of reach.
Traditional ways of accessing equity — like home equity loans or HELOCs — typically mean adding another monthly payment, often with steep interest rates. That works for some people, but for many, it just adds more pressure.
An Equity Sharing Agreement with Unison is structured differently.
It isn’t a loan. There’s no interest rate.
Instead of borrowing money against your home, you’re converting a portion of your home equity into cash today. In return, Unison shares in the future change in your home’s value when the agreement ends.
How It Really Works
When you enter into an agreement, you receive an Initial Payment. You remain the full owner of your home. You continue paying your mortgage as usual. Nothing changes about your ownership.
The agreement typically lasts up to 30 years, but you can end it earlier by selling your home or buying out Unison’s interest.
Because there are no required monthly payments to Unison, many homeowners use the flexibility to consolidate debt, fund renovations, invest in a business, or simply find financial breathing room.
How Equity Sharing Compares to Other Options
It helps to see where equity sharing fits alongside other common tools.
| Product | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Home Equity Loan | Provides a lump sum, but adds a required monthly payment with interest, often over shorter terms. |
| HELOC | Flexible access to funds, but typically includes variable rates and payment obligations. |
| Reverse Mortgage | Designed for older homeowners and may consume a large portion of long-term equity. |
| Equity Sharing Agreement | No required monthly payments. We partner with you and share in the future change of your home's value. |
The goal isn’t to say one tool is always better than another. It’s to understand the trade-offs unique to each product – and how they align with your goals – before deciding.
Key Benefits & Considerations
Key Benefits
- No monthly payments
- No interest charges
- Keep 100% of the value you add through renovations
Things to Consider
- You share a portion of your future home value increase
- The agreement is recorded on your title, which can impact refinancing
- There is a minimum buyout floor
- Your estate must settle the agreement upon death
Disclaimer
This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, investment, or lending advice, nor is it a solicitation or offer.
The Unison Equity Sharing Agreement involves no monthly payments to Unison and no interest charges. In return, Unison shares in a portion of any future change (up or down) in your home’s value when the agreement ends (upon sale, refinance, buyout, or maturity). An origination fee and standard third-party closing costs apply.
Availability is limited to participating states only and is subject to eligibility requirements, credit review, income verification, and underwriting approval. Terms, fees, and conditions are subject to change. Home values can rise or fall, and there is no guarantee of any specific financial outcome.