We compared every major HEI company and narrowed it to two worth your time. Both offer free estimates with no credit check.

Expert Reviewed · Updated April 2026

Get up to $600K from your home. No monthly payments.

We ranked the top 2 Home Equity Investment companies for 2026. Free estimate, soft credit check only, and no impact to your credit score.

4.8/5
$2B+ invested 25,000+ homeowners funded BBB Accredited
Answer 4 quick questions about your home to see your estimate.
Get My Free Estimate
Takes 2 minutes Soft credit check only 100% free
JM

“Got $180K for my house in under 2 weeks. No monthly payments, no stress.”

— Jane M., California · Hometap customer since 2024

Our Top 2 Picks

★ Editor's Pick
Hometap
4.8/5
Up to $600K · 10-year term
See My Cash Offer →
Unison
4.5/5
Up to $500K · 30-year term
See My Cash Offer →
Hometap See My Cash Offer →
Key Takeaways
  • No monthly payments, ever. You only repay when you sell or at the end of your 10-year term.
  • Up to $600K available. The highest investment cap in the HEI industry.
  • Credit score from 585. No income or DTI requirements either.
  • Home improvement credit. Hometap excludes equity you added through upgrades from their share.
  • 10-year term. Settle anytime with no prepayment penalties.
  • Share of future value. Hometap takes 5–25% of your home's value at settlement.
  • Select states only. Currently available in 16 states
Pros & Cons
  • No payments until you sell or settle
  • No income or DTI requirements
  • Investment homes, condos, multi-family qualify
  • Home improvement credit preserves upgrade value
  • LTV up to 75% — high vs. other HEI providers
  • Fair credit accepted from 585
  • Only available in 16 states
  • May take 3+ weeks to receive funds
Unison See My Cash Offer →
Key Takeaways
  • 30-year term — longest in the industry. Never rushed to sell or refinance.
  • Up to $500K available. Access a meaningful lump sum from your equity.
  • 29 states + D.C. Widest coverage of any HEI company.
  • Down market protection. Unison shares in depreciation — pay back less if your home loses value.
  • No monthly payments or interest. Nothing added to your monthly budget.
  • 5% discount on starting value. Factor this into your cost comparison.
  • Higher origination fees. Approximately 3.9% — higher than Hometap.
Pros & Cons
  • Longest 30-year term in the industry
  • No monthly payments or interest
  • 29 states plus D.C.
  • Down market depreciation sharing
  • No prepayment penalty
  • Higher origination fees at 3.9%
  • Complex equity share formula
  • 5% discount applied to starting home value
  • May complicate future refinancing

Quick comparison

Up to $600K
Funding
$15K – $600K
Monthly Payments
None
Term Length
10 years
Min. Credit Score
585
4.8
Check My Eligibility →
30-Year Term
Funding
Up to $500K
Monthly Payments
None
Term Length
30 years
Min. Credit Score
620
4.5
Check My Eligibility →
Common Questions
Is Hometap legit?+
Yes. Hometap has invested over $2 billion into 25,000+ homeowners since 2017. They're regulated, BBB-accredited, and operate in 16 states. The application is free, uses only a soft credit check, and has no impact on your credit score.
How does a Home Equity Investment work?+
You get a lump sum of cash today in exchange for sharing a percentage of your home's future value. No monthly payments. No interest. You settle when you sell, refinance, or at the end of your term (10 years for Hometap, 30 for Unison).
How much money can I get?+
Between $15,000 and $600,000, depending on your home's value and equity. Hometap offers the highest maximum at $600K. Unison goes up to $500K. The estimate is free and takes under 2 minutes.
HEI vs HELOC vs home equity loan — what's the difference?+
Unlike a HELOC or home equity loan, an HEI has no monthly payments, no interest, and no impact on your DTI. You're sharing future appreciation instead of borrowing. Best for homeowners who want cash without adding monthly bills or who don't qualify for traditional lending.
Which HEI company should I pick?+
Hometap is our top pick for most homeowners — highest payout cap ($600K), lowest credit bar (585), and the most proven track record. Choose Unison only if you want a 30-year term instead of 10.

In-depth reviews

Hometap

4.8/5 customer rating

$2B+ invested. 25,000+ homeowners served. Access $15K to $600K with no monthly payments and no impact to your credit score.
Up to $600K
Get My Free Estimate →
Credit Score
585+
Funding Range
$15K–$600K
Equity Share
10–25%
Contract Term
10 years
Monthly Payment
$0
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Up to $600K with no monthly payments
  • No income, credit score, or DTI requirements
  • Cash in as few as 2 weeks
  • Sell or refinance anytime, no exit penalty
  • Doesn't affect your credit score
  • 25,000+ homeowners funded
Cons
  • Available in 16 states (check eligibility)
  • 10-year term with settlement at end
Our Verdict
Our verdict

Hometap is the gold standard for home equity investments. With $2B+ deployed to 25,000+ homeowners, they offer the best mix of large investment amounts, transparent pricing, and flexible exit terms. If you need substantial cash without monthly payments, start here.

Unison

4.5 / 5.0 · Expert rating

Industry pioneer since 2004 with the longest 30-year term available. Widest coverage. 29 states and D.C.
30-Year Term
Get My Free Estimate →
Credit Score
620+
Funding Range
Up to $500K
Equity Share
Variable
Contract Term
30 years
Monthly Payment
$0
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Longest 30-year term in the industry
  • Most states. 29 plus D.C.
  • Industry pioneer since 2004
  • Up to $500K with no monthly payments
  • If your home loses value, they share the loss
Cons
  • Higher upfront fees than Hometap (3.9%)
  • Minimum credit score 620
  • May add steps if you refinance later
Our Verdict
Our verdict

Unison pioneered the HEI category in 2004 and offers unmatched flexibility with its 30-year term. you're never rushed to sell or refinance. With the widest state availability and a lower 620 credit bar, they're the best option for homeowners planning to stay long-term.

Which one is right for you?

Both are free to check. Soft credit check only, no impact to your score.

Hometap
Choose Hometap if…
  • You need the largest possible payout, up to $600K
  • Your credit score is 585 or higher
  • You want the most proven track record, $2B+ invested
  • You may want to sell or refinance early with no penalty
Check My Eligibility →
Unison
Choose Unison if…
  • You plan to stay in your home long-term
  • You want 30 years to settle instead of 10
  • You want protection if home values drop
  • You are in one of their 29 covered states
Check My Eligibility →

Brian Meiggs
Brian Meiggs is the founder of My Millennial Guide, where he’s been helping readers take control of their money for over a decade. As a seasoned personal finance writer and entrepreneur, Brian shares practical strategies on saving, investing, and building wealth through side hustles and smart financial habits. His work and insights have been featured in Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Yahoo Finance, and other major publications. Brian’s mission is simple — to help everyday people make smarter money decisions and create financial freedom for themselves.