The most fundamental difference between Unison HomeOwner and a HELOC is that a HELOC is debt, and an equity sharing agreement isn't. Once a lender issues you a HELOC you can borrow against it at any time.
The Bottom Line Home equity loans are secured against a home, so homeowners cannot borrow more than the value of the equity they hold in their home. Equity is the value of your home minus the amount owed on a first mortgage plus other liens. Lenders may lend you up to 80% of this value.
There are four ways in which your Unison greement can come to a close. Sell your home. You're allowed to sell your home, which ends your Unison agreement, at any time. Special Termination. After 30 years. The last signatory passes away.
Unison's share is typically 1.5x the percentage borrowed. For example, if you borrow 10% of your home's current value, Unison will receive 15% of the future appreciation.
Unison's share is typically four times the percentage we invested. For example, if we invest 10% of the current value of your home, we will receive 40% of the future change in value of your home.
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.