Quick answer
Most home equity investment providers look for meaningful equity (enough to keep roughly 25–30% after the investment), a credit score often in the 500s or higher depending on the provider, an eligible property (usually a single-family home, townhome, or condo), and a home in a state where HEIs are offered. Income matters less than for a HELOC because there's no monthly payment, though some providers still check debt-to-income.
Our HEI program: credit scores from 500, no income or debt-to-income requirement, up to 25% of your home's value (up to $500,000), and your mortgage plus the HEI up to 75% of the home's value. Primary homes, second homes, and rentals can qualify.
1. Equity: the requirement that matters most
An HEI investor is repaid from your home's value, so equity is the heart of the decision. Providers look at your combined loan-to-value (CLTV): everything owed against the home, plus the HEI amount, divided by the home's value.
Example: your home is worth $600,000 and you owe $300,000 (50% loan-to-value). If a provider allows up to 70–75% combined, there's room for roughly $120,000–$150,000 of combined liens, before the provider's own dollar and percentage caps. Many providers also cap the investment itself at a share of the home's value. Our program allows up to 75% combined and up to 25% of the home's value (maximum $500,000) for the HEI itself.
If you owe more than about 70% of your home's value, an HEI is often hard to get. A HELOC may allow a higher combined loan-to-value.
2. Credit score
Credit requirements for HEIs are generally lower than for HELOCs. Some providers accept scores in the 500s; others want 600 or 620 and up. Our program accepts scores from 500. Because the investor isn't counting on monthly payments, a past late payment or high card balances hurt less than they would on a loan application.
Providers do look for serious recent problems: an active bankruptcy, a foreclosure in progress, or unpaid property taxes. Those usually need to be resolved first.
3. Property type and occupancy
- Usually eligible: single-family homes, townhomes, and most condos.
- Sometimes eligible: 2–4 unit properties, second homes, and rentals, depending on the provider.
- Usually not eligible: manufactured homes, co-ops, rural acreage, homes in poor condition, and properties with title problems.
Our program accepts single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and 2–4 unit properties, whether you live there, use it as a second home, or rent it out.
Expect a valuation, often a full appraisal. The value sets both how much you can receive and the starting point for the investor's share.
4. Income and debt-to-income
You don't need income to support a new payment, which is why HEIs appeal to retirees, business owners with uneven income, and people between jobs. Some providers still review income and debt-to-income to make sure you can keep up with your existing mortgage, taxes, and insurance, because missing those puts the home, and the investment, at risk. Our program has no minimum income and no debt-to-income test.
If your income is strong but hard to document, compare a bank statement HELOC too. It qualifies you on deposits instead of tax returns and usually costs less over time.
5. State availability
HEIs aren't offered everywhere, and the rules are changing. In 2026 Maine began treating HEIs as consumer credit that requires a supervised lender license, and Connecticut, Illinois, and Maryland have HEI rules. Other states have bills pending. Availability can differ by provider even within a state. See the regulation section of our HEI guide for details.
Documents you'll usually need
- Government-issued ID for everyone on title
- Most recent mortgage statement(s) for every loan on the home
- Homeowners insurance declarations page
- Property tax bill and HOA statement, if any
- Income information, if the provider asks for it
- A list of recent improvements with dates and costs (it can support the valuation)
Quick self-check: HEI or HELOC?
| If this describes you… | Look first at |
|---|---|
| A new monthly payment would strain your budget | HEI |
| Your credit is in the 500s or recovering | HEI |
| You owe more than about 70% of your home's value | HELOC |
| You can afford a payment and expect normal appreciation | HELOC |
| You're self-employed with strong deposits | HELOC (bank statement) |
| You're 62+ and want no payment for life | Compare a reverse mortgage |
Because we offer both HEIs and HELOCs, we can check your eligibility for each at the same time.
Compare an HEI and a HELOC for your home
Tell us how much you need. We'll show the HELOC payment and total cost next to the HEI settlement under flat, moderate, and strong appreciation.
FAQ
What credit score do you need for an HEI?
It depends on the provider. Some accept scores in the 500s, while others want 600 or 620 and up. Our HEI program accepts scores from 500. HEI credit requirements are generally lower than HELOC requirements because there's no monthly payment.
How much equity do you need for a home equity investment?
Most providers want you to keep roughly 25-30% equity after the investment, which means your total mortgage debt plus the HEI usually can't exceed about 70-75% of your home's value. Many also cap the HEI at a percentage of the home's value.
Do you need income to get an HEI?
You don't need income to support a new payment, because there isn't one. Some providers still review income and debt-to-income; our HEI program has no minimum income and no debt-to-income requirement.
Can I get an HEI on a rental property?
Some providers limit HEIs to owner-occupied homes, but our HEI program accepts second homes and rental properties, including 2-4 unit buildings. An investment-property HELOC is another option to compare.
Is an HEI available in every state?
No. HEI availability varies by state and by provider, and several states have recently passed or proposed rules that regulate HEIs as consumer credit.
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Keep reading
Our HEI Program
Cash from your equity with no monthly payments.
What Is an HEI? The Complete Guide
How HEIs work, what they cost, and the 10-year math vs. a HELOC.
HEI Pros and Cons
Is a home equity investment a good idea for you?