An equity agreement, often referred to as a shareholder agreement or a shared equity agreement, is a legal contract that defines the relationship between a company and its shareholders. It specifies the rights, duties, and protections of shareholders, as well as the operational procedures of the company.
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.
While a Home Equity Investment is not the right fit for all homeowners looking to tap into their equity, it might be a good fit for you if: You can't – or don't want to – make a monthly payment. Your income or credit disqualifies you from traditional financing solutions.
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.
Draft the equity agreement, detailing the company's capital structure, the number of shares to be offered, the rights of the shareholders, and other details. Consult legal and financial advisors to ensure that the equity agreement is in line with all applicable laws and regulations.