This post is sponsored and contributed by Kairi Sane, a Patch Brand Partner.

Personal Finance

Turn Home Equity Into Cash — Without High Monthly Payments

Big plans? This flexible loan helps turn your home equity into cash — without adding big payments.

If you’re looking to tap into your home’s equity, Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan offers a flexible way to access cash for things like renovations, big purchases or debt, with lower monthly payments.
If you’re looking to tap into your home’s equity, Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan offers a flexible way to access cash for things like renovations, big purchases or debt, with lower monthly payments. (Shutterstock)

Homeownership is a proven path to building wealth — and you don’t have to wait until your mortgage is paid off to tap into that value. One powerful option is tapping into your home equity to access cash, and Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan offers a more flexible way to do just that.

Whether you're planning home renovations, consolidating debt or looking to reduce monthly expenses, this unique loan alternative can help you leverage the equity you’ve built — without the high payments that typically come with traditional loans.


What Is Home Equity — And How Does It Grow?

Home equity is the portion of your home’s value that you truly “own.” It’s calculated by subtracting what you owe on your mortgage from your home’s current market value:

Home Value – Mortgage Balance = Home Equity
Example: $500,000 – $340,000 = $160,000 in Home Equity

Your equity grows over time as you pay down your mortgage and if your home’s value increases.

Related: How To Calculate Your Home Equity


Common Ways to Access Home Equity

Homeowners can tap into their equity in a few different ways, each with pros and cons depending on your financial situation. These include:

  • Home equity loan: A lump-sum second mortgage repaid in fixed installments.
  • HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit): A revolving credit line with variable interest rates.
  • Cash-out refinance: A larger mortgage that replaces your existing one and pays you the difference in cash.
  • Reverse mortgage: A loan for homeowners 62+ that converts equity into cash, with repayment typically due when the home is sold or the owner moves out.
  • Equity sharing loan: An alternative that offers cash with lower monthly payments, in exchange for a share of your home’s future appreciation.

While all of these options provide access to cash, some carry more financial risk — especially if they include rising interest rates or large monthly payments. That’s where equity sharing loans like Unison’s stand out.


What Makes Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan Different?

Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan is a flexible alternative to traditional second mortgages. Available to homeowners with at least a 680 FICO® score and 30% equity, it offers up to $400,000 in funding with interest-only monthly payments — helping you unlock your home’s value without adding heavy monthly costs.

Here’s how it works:

  • You receive a lump sum of cash.
  • You make interest-only payments during the loan term — typically 10 years.
  • There are no prepayment penalties.
  • You repay the original amount plus a share of your home’s appreciation when you sell your home or when the 10-year loan term ends — whichever comes first.

Unlike conventional loans, there’s no need to make principal payments every month, freeing up more room in your budget. And because you only share in your home’s gains, not its losses, you benefit from more predictable risk.


What Can You Use Home Equity For?

Your equity is an asset — and putting it to work can help you achieve a variety of financial goals, such as:

  • Home improvements: Renovate your kitchen, finish your basement, or add curb appeal.
  • Debt consolidation: Pay off high-interest credit cards or personal loans at a lower rate.
  • Big-ticket purchases: From jet skis and new cars to dream vacations — even a second home.
  • Education expenses: Fund college tuition, housing or supplies.
  • Emergency expenses: Cover unexpected medical bills or car repairs.
  • Retirement planning: Use equity to supplement retirement income or cover long-term care costs.

Whatever your goal, it’s important to borrow responsibly — only take what you need and have a plan for how you’ll repay it.


Is An Equity Sharing Loan Right For You?

Before tapping into your home equity, ask yourself:

  • Can I comfortably manage the long-term costs?
  • Am I using this money to support a clear financial goal?
  • Do I understand how sharing in future appreciation works?
  • Will this affect my future home sale profits?

If you’re looking for a way to unlock your home equity with lower monthly payments, Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan may be the right fit.


Unlock More Possibilities — Without The Pressure

Whether you're planning a big move, chasing a lifelong dream or just need more breathing room in your budget, Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan offers a smarter, more flexible way to access your home’s value.

With low monthly payments, no prepayment penalties, and a structure that shares in your success — not your setbacks — it’s a loan built to move with you, not against you.



Curious how much equity you could unlock? Explore Unison’s options today and see how far your home can take you.


Disclaimer: This article is sponsored by Unison and provides general consumer information only. It is not financial, legal, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making decisions about home equity products. Borrowing against home equity involves risks, including increased debt, potential loss of equity if property values decline, and foreclosure if payments are not made. Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan requires a minimum FICO score of 680, at least 30% home equity, and other eligibility criteria; repayment includes the original amount, deferred interest, and a share of future home appreciation. Terms and availability vary by location. Contact Unison for details. This article contains links to third-party websites, which we do not endorse or control. Access these links at your own risk. Statements about home value appreciation are forward-looking and based on assumptions; actual results may vary.

This post is sponsored and contributed by Kairi Sane, a Patch Brand Partner.