The Homeowner’s Guide to Equity Sharing with Unison, Part 6: How The Agreement Ends

Every agreement comes to an end eventually. But with Unison, you have genuine flexibility in how that happens.

1. The 30-Year Term

At the end of 30 years, the agreement must be settled. You repay the Initial Payment plus (or minus) Unison’s share of the change in value.

2. Selling Your Home

This is the most common path. When you sell, Unison receives the Initial Payment plus its Investor Percentage of the change in value, based on the sale price.

3. Special Termination (Buyout)

You may buy out Unison at any time through a Special Termination using a third-party appraisal.

In a buyout, Unison does not share in any decrease in value. You will owe at least the Initial Payment, plus applicable Risk Adjustment amounts.

4. Passing Away

If the last signatory passes away, the estate or heirs must settle the agreement, either by selling the home or paying Unison the value of its interest. It is strongly recommended to discuss the agreement with heirs in advance.

A Note on Refinancing

You may refinance or take on new home-secured debt as long as you remain under your Maximum Authorized Debt Limit. However, because an Equity Sharing Agreement is subordinate financing, some lenders — particularly those following Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines — may decline new loans.

If refinancing is already on your horizon, it may be best to complete that process before entering into an agreement.