# Equity ## Insurance. Childcare. Healthcare. Inflation. Despite record home equity, homeowners are feeling squeezed. Costs are up across the board. Wages haven’t kept pace. And the biggest asset most Americans own sits largely locked away, unavailable for the financial challenges facing today's homeowners. Homeowners need better options and flexibility. ![](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/monthlyspendingfor-site.svg) 65% of homeowners say the **cost of homeownership** is more expensive than they expected 46% of homeowners say **personal finances** cause the most stress in their lives 52% say **day-to-day** expenses like gas and groceries are causing moderate to extreme financial stress 76% believe **homeownership** remains one of the best ways to grow personal wealth 60% say having the option to **leverage home equity** provides an extra level of financial security Source Unlock Homeowner Survey, February 2026 [Read more](https://www.unlock.com/blog/market-trends/homeowners-cutting-spending-to-afford-homeownership/) ## 2026 Household Affordability Analysis by Economist Skylar Olsen Homeowners are feeling the pressure across their entire budget, and it's growing. Data confirms "the squeeze" homeowners are trying to manage, according to analysis commissioned by Unlock in 2026. [View the Report](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/Homeowner_Squeeze_FullReport.pdf) ![](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/unlock_squeezegraphic.001.jpg) [ ![](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/Unlock-Q1-Survey-Photo-300x200.png) Market Trends & Insights ##### Homeowners Cutting Spending to Afford Homeownership Aimée Bennett | Feb 24, 2026 | 5 min ](https://www.unlock.com/blog/market-trends/homeowners-cutting-spending-to-afford-homeownership/) [ ![](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/Interest-Rate-Thought-Leadership-Photo-e1774307090360-300x200.jpg) Market Trends & Insights ##### Interest Rates Expected to Hold Steady Amid Economic Uncertainty Michael Micheletti | Mar 24, 2026 | 6 min ](https://www.unlock.com/blog/market-trends/interest-rates-expected-to-hold-steady-amid-economic-uncertainty/) [ ![](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/iStock-1389552729-300x200.jpg) Home Equity 101 ##### Options for Tapping Home Equity Without Monthly Payments Mary Beth Eastman | Jun 16, 2025 | 5 min ](https://www.unlock.com/blog/home-equity-101/options-for-tapping-home-equity-without-monthly-payments/) ## Independent research on who uses home equity agreements — and why. The Urban Institute studied shared equity products, the homeowners who use them, and what regulators should know. The findings challenge a lot of assumptions. #### RESEARCH REPORT ### How Shared Equity Products Work, Who Is Using Them, and Regulatory Recommendations - Laurie Goodman & Katie Visalli - Urban Institute, February 2026 - Based on 54,000+ agreements, 2015–2025 Key finding “Homeowners using shared equity products closely resemble homeowners using traditional equity-extraction products in age, income, and amount of equity extracted.” [Download the report](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/Final_How_Shared_Equity_Products_Work.pdf) Urban Institute, February 2026. Funded independently by the Housing Finance Innovation Forum. ![](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/report.png) ## Americans need better options. For flexibility today, not someday. $30 trillion in wealth is locked in equity, unavailable to most homeowners without refinancing to a higher rate mortgage or selling. Instead, a **Home Equity Agreement (HEA)** lets homeowners access the value already in their home — without monthly payments or the need to refinance. It opens options, without adding new monthly obligations. [See how HEAs work](https://www.unlock.com/how-it-works/) ![](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/dma-3.svg) ![Jim Riccitelli, CEO of Unlock Technologies, featured in a HousingWire interview graphic dated May 6, 2026.](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/riccitelli_housingwireteaser-scaled.jpg) ## Home Equity Investments need “purpose-built regulation.” In a May 2026 article, Housingwire's Flávia Furlan Nunes and Unlock's Jim Riccitelli discuss what distinguishes Shared Equity Products (SEPs) from other types of financing, recent regulatory and legal efforts that target the industry, and the factors that are driving demand among homeowners of all ages. - SEPs aren't loans — existing mortgage rules don't fit - Growing demand for SEPs deserves regulatory attention - The ask: fit-for-purpose consumer protections [Read Article](https://www.housingwire.com/articles/home-equity-investments-scrutiny-unlock-riccitelli/) ### An Unlock HEA can create more flexibility in your budgeting. We’ve helped homeowners access their equity for the things that matter to them. What has an Unlock HEA meant for their goals? [Read Homeowner Stories](https://www.unlock.com/homeowner-stories) ![](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/Unlock-Customer-Story-Nick-Thumbnail-768x432.png) ##### Nick unlocked equity for renovations… twice Nick used his home's equity to renovate a childhood home for his family — and to launch a business. His HEA gave him access to capital without adding monthly payments to the equation. Watch the Video ![](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/Unlock-Customer-Story-Tom-768x406.jpg) ##### Tom unlocked monthly budget flexibility Tom accessed equity from his vacation home through Unlock — something he didn't know was possible. It gave him more room in his budget, without monthly payments or added complexity. Watch the Video > “We had checked into 'other options,' but we really didn't want to get into a balloon payment with a HELOC... the interest rates for a home equity loan weren't within our budget to repay. This whole process was easy.” Laura M., Unlock homeowner > “For me, they gave me an opportunity to change my life dramatically... they were completely upfront and clear about the terms. And, when doing the math of the interest I saved by paying everything off and considering what it would cost to borrow money for 10 years, it's actually much better...” Lorri S., Unlock homeowner > “I needed a small loan, but I'm commission sales... at this position I couldn't obtain a loan. I have good credit, great wages, fully paid for house... \[Unlock\] walked me through the process step by step. So easy, and how I'm building my patio.” Sherri P., Unlock homeowner Previous Next ![20,000+ homeowners funded](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/homeowners_funded.svg) [ ![Trustpilot 4.8 of 5 stars](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/Slot-2.svg) ](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/unlock.com) [ ![Image showing Unlock's A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/bbb.svg) ](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/financial-services/unlock-1116-927220) ![Logo showing Unlock's status as a founding member of the Coalition for Home Equity Partnership](https://www.unlock.com/app/uploads/home-equity-partnership.svg) ### Questions? We’ve got answers about HEAs. How much does Unlock cost? There are no monthly payments or interest charges with Unlock. Instead, we share in the value of your home according to the terms of the Unlock Agreement when you sell or decide to buy us out. At closing, we charge an origination fee of 4.9% of our investment, which is comparable to many other types of financing. You will also pay any required third-party expenses to appraise and inspect your home and record your transaction. See the [*Unlock Product Guide*](/product-guide/) for more details, including numerical examples. Click ***[here](/what-it-costs/)*** to access a cost calculator. Who owns the home? You do! Unlock secures its interest by placing a lien on the property but has no rights of occupancy. We do not go on title except in rare circumstances. See the [*Unlock Product Guide* ](/product-guide/)for more details. Who qualifies for Unlock’s HEA? Homeowners with: - A minimum credit score of 500 - No bankruptcy, foreclosure, short sale or deed in lieu within the past five years. - No more than one 90-day delinquency on any mortgage within the prior 24 months and no 120-day delinquencies on any mortgage within the prior 36 months. - Home equity of at least 30% - Minimum home value of $175,000 - Property with a condition rating of C4 or better - Ability to verify rental income if home is an investment property In addition, property owners should not be currently participating in a mortgage lender repayment program or a mortgage foreclosure mitigation program. Unlock must be in no greater than 2nd lien position and home must be clear of any liens deemed unacceptable by Unlock (Unlock may require investment proceeds to be used in order to clear any unacceptable pre-existing liens as a condition to close). Unlock may also require investment proceeds be used to pay off certain outstanding debts as a condition to close. Are there monthly payments? No. But you must pay your mortgage, taxes, HOA dues and other housing obligations just as you normally do. Do you invest in Rental or Investment Properties? Yes, we do! Pricing is typically higher for a rental property versus a primary residence. How do you know how much my property is worth? We obtain one or more appraisals, broker price opinions or AVMs (automated valuation model) during the underwriting of your application. Whenever we obtain an appraisal or broker price opinion, Unlock Technologies engages a third-party appraiser or broker to provide a valuation report on your home. This person will always be a neutral service provider, representing neither you or us. Objectivity and accuracy of the appraisal and inspection process is fundamental to the Unlock Agreement, and we are committed to those goals in our standards and procedures, including the following: - Appraisers must follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, all applicable federal or state laws and regulations, and satisfy the requirements of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or FHA. - Brokers must hold the appropriate real estate license and be experts in the local community. - Inspectors must be experienced experts in the local community and be licensed where required. **\*\*IMPORTANT: Unlock does not ever apply a discount to the home value determined by our valuation process.** See the [*Unlock Product Guide*](/product-guide/) for more details. Which states are you available in? Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming Are there any restrictions for what I can do with the cash? In some cases, Unlock Technologies may require you to pay off some debts, or property liens when your Unlock Agreement is originated, but we do not place any other restrictions on the net cash you receive from us at close of escrow. How does Unlock work? We pay you a lump sum of cash in exchange for a portion of your home’s future value. There are no monthly payments or monthly interest charges. You can typically use the proceeds any way you want, and you continue to own your home just as you always have. When you are ready to sell your home, we share in your home’s then-current value according to the percentage agreed up front. You can also buy us out based on an appraised value without selling your home. How is this different than a reverse mortgage? A reverse mortgage is available only to homeowners that are at least 62 years old. An Unlock Agreement has no age requirements. Depending on your circumstances an Unlock Agreement can yield more or less cash to you up front versus a reverse mortgage. With a typical reverse mortgage, you are required to pay off your existing mortgage at closing in order to qualify. With an Unlock Agreement you are not required to pay off your existing mortgage. In addition, a reverse mortgage is a loan and has an interest rate which increases the balance owed regardless of the home’s value. Over time it is possible for a reverse mortgage to consume all of your home equity. How much can I get from Unlock? Once you create an account, we’ll provide an estimate of the maximum cash available. In general, the maximum amount of cash available from Unlock is $500,000. The specific amount we can offer you depends on four things: - Your home’s current value. In general, the more your home is worth, the more cash is available. - Pre-existing housing debt. This includes all mortgages and credit lines secured by your home. In general, the less housing debt you have, the more cash is available. - Your credit history. A good credit track record may qualify for more cash. - The use of the property. We can typically offer more cash when the home is your primary residence. Note that these factors can affect each other. For instance, an expensive home with a lot of debt may qualify for less cash than a less expensive home with no debt. See the [*Unlock Product Guide*](https://www.unlock.com/product-guide/) for more details. What types of properties are eligible? Unlock Technologies invests in most residential real estate (single family, condominiums, 2-4 unit properties and townhomes), including primary residence, second homes and rental properties. We currently do not invest in TICs, co-ops, raw land, or any prefabricated homes such as mobile homes or manufactured housing. ## How much equity can you unlock? Let’s find out. See how much equity your home could unlock — without monthly payments or the need to refinance. [Check your equity](https://app.unlock.com) [Learn more about Unlock](https://www.unlock.com) Terms and conditions apply. Not all homeowners will qualify. Use home equity responsibly.