Key Takeaways An equity investment contract involves trading ownership in a company for funding, without repayment obligations. These agreements typically include key terms like valuation, share class, investor rights, and exit strategies.
A HELOC may be better if you want flexible access to funds over time, can manage monthly payments, and have strong credit. A HEA might make more sense if you need a lump sum now, prefer not to take on monthly debt, or have limited income or credit history. Both can be smart ways to tap into your home's equity.
HEIs have more lenient credit requirements compared to HELOCs, and do not take income into account. This makes home equity funding accessible to a broader range of homeowners who may not qualify for traditional products.
Home equity sharing agreements involve selling a percentage of your home's value or appreciation to an investor in exchange for a lump sum upfront. The agreement typically is settled, with the homeowner paying back the investor, after the home is sold or at the end of a 10- to 30-year period.
A company provides you with a lump sum in exchange for partial ownership of your home, and/or a share of its future appreciation. You don't make monthly repayments of principal or interest; instead, you settle up when you sell the home or at the end of a multi-year agreement period (typically between 10 and 30 years).
This can be done by using a professional valuation service or by negotiating with your investors. Once you have a value for your company, you can begin to negotiate the equity stake that you are willing to give up in exchange for investment. It's important to remember that equity is a long-term investment.
Home equity sharing may also be wise if you don't want extra debt reflected on your credit profile. "These agreements allow homeowners to access their home equity without incurring additional debt," says Michael Crute, a real estate agent and operations strategist with Keller Williams in Atlanta.