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About
Unison is a financial platform that has modernized home equity access through its Equity Sharing Agreement (ESA) model. Instead of taking out a traditional home equity loan or line of credit, homeowners partner with Unison to receive a lump sum of cash today in exchange for sharing a portion of their home's future change in value when they sell or refinance—up to a 30-year term. There is no interest charged and no monthly payments required, making it fundamentally different from conventional lending products. At the end of the agreement, the homeowner repays the original amount received plus or minus Unison's share of the home's appreciation or depreciation. If the home loses value, the homeowner may owe less than they originally received. Getting a quote is free, takes about two minutes online, and has zero impact on your credit score. Unison is particularly well-suited for homeowners who are equity-rich but cash-poor—those who need liquidity for goals like paying off debt, funding education, covering medical expenses, or making a down payment on an investment property—without adding a recurring monthly burden to their budget. With 20 years of experience and thousands of success stories, Unison aims to make home wealth a truly usable financial resource.
Key Features
- Equity Sharing Agreement: Access a lump sum of cash by sharing a portion of your home's future value change—no monthly payments or interest for up to 30 years.
- Free Quote in 2 Minutes: Homeowners can instantly see their cash estimate online with no credit score impact during the initial inquiry.
- No Monthly Payments: Unlike traditional HELOCs or home equity loans, there are zero recurring payments required throughout the agreement term.
- Downside Protection: If your home's value decreases over the agreement period, you may owe less than the amount you originally received.
- Flexible Use of Funds: Cash unlocked through Unison can be used for any purpose—debt payoff, investments, education, renovations, or daily expenses.
Use Cases
- A retired homeowner uses Unison to access home equity to cover medical bills without adding monthly loan payments to a fixed income.
- A family leverages their home equity through Unison to make an aggressive down payment on an investment property, avoiding additional debt.
- A homeowner facing financial hardship uses Unison funds to pay off high-interest debt and stabilize their budget without refinancing.
- Parents tap into home equity via Unison to fund their children's college education while retaining full ownership of their home.
- A couple uses Unison to renovate or expand their home to accommodate a growing family, funding the project without monthly loan obligations.
Pros
- No Monthly Payment Burden: Homeowners receive cash without any recurring debt obligation, making it ideal for those on fixed incomes or tight budgets.
- No Interest Charges: Unlike traditional loans, Unison's model involves no interest, which can result in lower costs if home appreciation is modest.
- Retain Full Ownership: Homeowners keep 100% ownership of their property and can live in, rent, or manage it as they choose throughout the agreement.
- Long Agreement Term: Up to 30 years gives homeowners significant flexibility in deciding when to sell or refinance.
Cons
- Shares in Home Appreciation: If your home value rises significantly, the amount owed to Unison at settlement can exceed what a traditional loan would have cost.
- Not Available Everywhere: Unison's equity sharing program is not available in all U.S. states, limiting accessibility for some homeowners.
- Lump-Sum Repayment Required: The full repayment—original amount plus Unison's share of value change—is due as a lump sum upon sale or at agreement end.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Unison's Equity Sharing Agreement work?
Unison provides a lump sum of cash in exchange for a share of your home's future change in value. There are no monthly payments or interest. When you sell or refinance (or at the end of the 30-year term), you repay the original amount plus or minus Unison's share of any appreciation or depreciation.
Will applying affect my credit score?
Getting a free quote from Unison has zero impact on your credit score. There may be a more formal credit review later in the process, but the initial estimate is a soft inquiry only.
What happens if my home loses value?
If your home's value decreases during the agreement period, Unison shares in that loss. You may owe less than the original amount you received, which provides a degree of downside protection.
How long can the agreement last?
Unison's Equity Sharing Agreement can last up to 30 years. You can exit earlier by selling your home or refinancing and repaying Unison's share at that time.
Who is Unison best suited for?
Unison is ideal for homeowners who are equity-rich but cash-poor—people who have significant value built up in their home but need liquidity without taking on monthly debt payments, such as retirees, self-employed individuals, or those facing financial hardship.
