One major drawback is that releasing equity will reduce the value of your estate, meaning there will be less left over to leave as a gift within your Will. Usually, the Lifetime Mortgage will be repaid with the sale of the home after you die or enter long-term care.
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. Just make sure to read the fine print, weigh the long-term costs, and choose the option that best aligns with your plans.
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 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. Just make sure to read the fine print, weigh the long-term costs, and choose the option that best aligns with your plans.
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.