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 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.
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.
Unison equity sharing agreements are currently available in these states: Arizona. California. Colorado. Delaware. Florida. Illinois. Indiana. Kansas.
Several first-time homebuyer programs are facilitated through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), an agency in the commonwealth that aims to improve affordability and housing options for low-income and moderate-income families, older adults and families with special housing needs.
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.
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.
Generally, you can borrow up to 80% of your home's value minus your remaining home debts, meaning you're not eligible for an HEA until you have at least 20% equity in your home. Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: Calculate what percentage of your monthly gross income goes toward your debt payments.