What is a home equity investment (HEI)?
A home equity investment (HEI) — also called a home equity agreement or home equity sharing agreement, and often searched as an “HEI loan” — gives you a lump sum of cash today. In return, an investor receives a share of your home's future value. You make no monthly payments and pay no interest. The agreement is settled when you sell, refinance, buy the investor out, or reach the end of the term.
How our HEI program works: you receive up to 25% of your home's appraised value (up to $500,000), minus an origination fee and third-party costs that are deducted from the funds. In exchange, the investor receives a fixed percentage of your home's value at settlement, shown in your offer before you sign. If your home rises in value, the settlement amount rises; if it falls, the settlement amount falls with it. An annual cost cap limits the total you can owe, and there's no prepayment penalty, so you can settle early whenever it makes sense. The term is 10 years or the remaining term of your first mortgage, whichever is longer, up to 30 years.
Program terms as of September 2026; subject to change, property eligibility, and availability in your area. Your written offer shows the exact percentage, fees, and cap.
That's the tradeoff. An HEI can be the cheapest option when a home's value is flat and the most expensive when it rises quickly. A HELOC is usually cheaper if you can comfortably make the monthly payment. Because we offer both, we'll run them side by side on your numbers before you decide. Read the full HEI vs. HELOC guide.
Program benefits
- Up to 25% of your home's value, up to $500,000, in one lump sum.
- No monthly payments for up to 30 years.
- Credit scores from 500, with no income or debt-to-income requirement.
- Primary homes, second homes, and rentals — single-family, condos, townhomes, and 2–4 units.
- No prepayment penalty. Settle any time by selling, refinancing, or paying with cash.
- An annual cost cap limits what you can owe if your home appreciates quickly, and the investor shares in declines as well as gains.
- Compared side by side with a HELOC, so you see the tradeoff before you sign.
Who qualifies
- At least 25% equity remaining: your existing mortgage(s) plus the HEI can total up to 75% of your home's value.
- Credit score of 500 or higher. No minimum income and no debt-to-income test.
- A single-family home, condo, townhome, or 2–4 unit property. Owner-occupied, second homes, and rentals can qualify; manufactured homes, vacant land, and large-acreage properties generally can't.
- A property in an eligible area. The program is available in select areas of participating states, and some states regulate HEIs as consumer credit, so ask us about your address.
- Current property taxes and insurance, and no active foreclosure.
Want the full deep-dive?
Want the 10-year cost comparison, the contract terms to check, and the state rules? Read the complete HEI vs. HELOC guide →
HEI guides
HEI Requirements: Credit Score, Equity & Property Rules
What it takes to qualify for a home equity investment, plus a quick HEI-or-HELOC self-check.
HEI Pros and Cons: Is a Home Equity Investment a Good Idea?
The real advantages and drawbacks, who an HEI fits, and how to reduce the risks.
How to Get Out of an HEI: Buyout, Refinance, or Sell
Every way to settle a home equity investment, with example buyout math.
HEI vs Home Equity Loan: Which Costs Less?
No payment or a fixed payment? 10-year cost comparison on $50,000.
HEI vs Reverse Mortgage for Retirees
Two no-payment options for homeowners 62+, compared on cost, term, and protections.
Frequently asked questions
What is a home equity investment (HEI)?
A home equity investment gives you a lump sum of cash today in exchange for a share of your home's future value. There are no monthly payments and no interest. You settle the investment when you sell, refinance, buy it out, or reach the end of the term, which is often 10 to 30 years.
Is an HEI a loan?
It's often called an "HEI loan," but it isn't structured as a traditional loan: there's no interest rate and no monthly payment. Instead, the investor shares in your home's value. Some states now regulate HEIs like consumer credit (Maine enacted a law in 2026, and Connecticut, Illinois, and Maryland have rules), so availability and terms vary by state.
How much does an HEI cost?
The cost depends on how much your home's value changes. Typical upfront fees run about 3-5% of the amount you receive. At settlement you repay the original amount plus the investor's share of appreciation (or of the home's total value, depending on the contract). If your home's value is flat, an HEI can cost less than a HELOC; if it rises quickly, an HEI can cost much more. Some contracts cap the total cost.
What credit score do I need for an HEI?
Our HEI program accepts credit scores from 500, with no income or debt-to-income requirement, because there's no monthly payment. You'll need at least 25% equity remaining: your existing mortgage plus the HEI can total up to 75% of your home's value.
How much can I get from an HEI?
Up to 25% of your home's appraised value, up to $500,000, as long as your existing mortgage plus the HEI stays at or below 75% of the home's value. The origination fee and third-party costs are deducted from the funds.
How do I get out of an HEI?
You settle the HEI by selling the home, refinancing, or paying it off with savings, at any time during the term or at the end. Our program has no prepayment penalty, and an annual cost cap limits the investor's return.
Is an HEI or a HELOC better?
A HELOC is usually cheaper if you can afford the monthly payment and expect your home to appreciate. An HEI can make sense if monthly payments would strain your budget, your income is hard to document, or you expect modest appreciation. Because we offer both, we can compare them on your numbers.
Can I get an HEI on a rental or second home?
Yes. Our HEI program accepts primary homes, second homes, and rental properties, including 2-4 unit buildings, condos, and townhomes.
Do you offer HEIs in my state?
Our HEI program is available in select areas of participating states, and availability changes as state rules evolve. Tell us your address and we'll confirm whether an HEI is available and how it compares to a HELOC.
Talk to a licensed HELOC lender
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Related HELOC resources
HELOC Programs
Self-employed, bank statement, no-doc, investment property, and no-appraisal HELOCs.
Cash-Out Refinance vs HELOC
The blended-rate test that decides which is cheaper.
Reverse Mortgage (62+)
Another no-monthly-payment option for older homeowners.
