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.
Average HELOC rates by market Your potential HELOC rate also depends on where your home is located. As of January 1, 2025, the current average HELOC interest rate in the 10 largest U.S. markets is 8.36 percent.
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.
Location. Your property must be located in a state served by Unlock: Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia or Washington state.
Qualifying for a HEA is relatively easy, too. The main requirement is to have built up some equity in your property. You don't need a super high credit score, and the income criteria are flexible.