If your home has appreciated and you need cash without adding to your monthly bills, Hometap and Unison are the two HEI companies worth your time in 2026. Both offer free estimates with a soft credit check only.
Rates and terms accurate as of April 2026 · Updated regularly by our editorial team
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Quick comparison
Side-by-side look at the top HEI companies for 2026.
*Unison equity share varies by circumstances. Terms accurate as of April 2026.
In-depth reviews
Our editors spent 40+ hours evaluating terms, transparency, customer experience, and long-term value.
Hometap
$2B+ invested. 25,000+ homeowners served. Access $15K to $600K with no monthly payments and no impact to your credit score.
- Largest investment amounts, up to $600K
- Available in 16+ states
- No monthly payments, ever
- No income or DTI requirements
- Sell or refinance anytime, no exit penalty
- Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
- Not available in all 50 states
- Settlement required at sale or 10-year term end
- Lump-sum repayment, plan your exit
Hometap is the gold standard for home equity investments. With $2B+ deployed to 25,000+ homeowners, they offer the best mix of large investment amounts, transparent pricing, and flexible exit terms. If you need substantial cash without monthly payments, start here.
Unison
Industry pioneer since 2004 with the longest 30-year term available. Widest coverage. 29 states and D.C.
- Longest 30-year term in the industry
- Most states, 29 plus D.C.
- Industry pioneer since 2004
- Up to $500K available
- No monthly payments or interest
- Shares in depreciation, down market protection
- Higher origination fees at 3.9%
- Complex equity share formula
- 5% discount applied to home value at start
- May complicate future refinancing
Unison pioneered the HEI category in 2004 and offers unmatched flexibility with its 30-year term, you're never rushed to sell or refinance. With the widest state availability and a lower 620 credit bar, they're the best option for homeowners planning to stay long-term.
What Is a Home Equity Investment?
An HEI gives you a lump sum from your home's equity today. No loan. No monthly payments. No interest. In exchange, the company takes a share of your home's future value when you eventually sell or settle. Your mortgage, title, and monthly budget stay untouched.
HEI vs. HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan
Is an HEI right for you?
- ✓ You need cash without new monthly bills
- ✓ You plan to stay 5+ years
- ✓ You want to keep your mortgage rate
- ✓ Credit below what HELOCs require
- ✗ You plan to sell soon
- ✗ Your home is in a fast-rising market
- ✗ You plan to refinance soon
- ✗ You want to convert to a rental
Hometap and Unison are both free to check. Soft credit check only, no impact to your score.
See If I Qualify →Everything you need to know before applying.
Which one is right for you?
Both are free to check. Soft credit check only, no impact to your score.
