Personal Finance
5 Reasons To Tap Into Your Home Equity Sooner Than Later
If you're a homeowner, you may be sitting on untapped equity — and there's a smart, flexible way to access it without refinancing.
Need cash for a renovation, college tuition or to pay off high-interest debt — but don’t want to refinance or lock into high monthly payments? If you’re a homeowner, your equity could be the answer. And now, there’s a smarter, more flexible way to access that value without giving up your mortgage rate or taking on traditional loan terms.
Instead of refinancing your current mortgage, Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan offers a different kind of financing — one that allows you to tap into your home’s value today and repay it later by sharing a portion of your home’s future appreciation. That means you could unlock up to $400,000 in cash — with interest-only payments, no need to replace your existing low-rate mortgage and a built-in structure that defers 25% of interest until the end of the loan term.
Here are five powerful reasons to consider using your home equity sooner rather than later — and how this approach can help you do it on your terms.
1. You Might Have More Equity Than You Realize
If you’ve been paying your mortgage consistently, you’ve likely built up more equity than you realize. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, the national median monthly payment in January 2025 was $2,205 — more than $26,000 a year going toward your home. While not all of that reduces your principal, each payment helps grow the share of your home you truly own.
That value doesn’t have to stay locked in your walls. Whether you’re dreaming of retirement, need help funding your child’s future or just want to make life more comfortable today, your equity can help. And with flexible tools like equity sharing, you may be able to access that equity with lower monthly payments — and no need to refinance or reset your mortgage.
2. You Can Upgrade Your Home Sooner — Not “Someday”
Waiting to save for renovations often means living in a space that doesn’t work for your family. Instead, you can use your equity to create the home you want now — from expanding your kitchen to adding energy-efficient features.
With Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan, monthly payments are significantly lower than traditional renovation loans. And because their return depends on your home’s future value, the structure supports smart upgrades that could boost your comfort now and increase your home’s long-term worth.
3. You Can Pay Off Debt — Without Adding More
If high-interest debt is eating into your budget, your home equity could be the tool to finally reset. Imagine paying off credit cards, medical bills or student loans — and replacing them with one low monthly payment.
Unlike traditional loans that come with full principal and interest payments, Unison’s model offers interest-only payments for 10 years — with 25% of that interest deferred until the end of the term. You’re still accessing your equity, but with lower monthly costs and more flexibility than a typical second mortgage.
4. You Can Cover Major Life Costs — Without Draining Your Savings
Big-ticket expenses like tuition or unexpected medical bills don’t always come with flexible timing. Rather than dipping into your retirement fund or taking on high-interest loans, you can use your home’s equity to cover these costs on your terms.
With Unison, you can access up to 35% of your home’s value — with 10-year terms, no prepayment penalties and the flexibility to adjust if life changes.
5. You Can Invest in Your Future — Without Giving Up Control
Starting a business. Building a nest egg. Supporting your kids. Sometimes opportunities come up that are too important to pass on.
Tapping into your equity can help you fund what matters — without giving up equity in your business, locking yourself into investor agreements or taking on burdensome personal loans.
Unison’s approach helps you unlock that capital while keeping your mortgage, your goals and your long-term plans intact.
Want To See What’s Possible With Your Equity?
You’ve worked hard to build equity — don’t wait until you sell your home to make the most of it. Whether you're looking to fund a big goal, ease financial pressure, or just create a little more breathing room, Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan can help you access that value now — without refinancing or taking on large monthly payments.
Get a personalized estimate today and see how much cash your home equity could unlock.
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.
