Personal Finance
How Homeowners Are Rethinking Retirement With Home Equity
Unlock your home's value to fund retirement goals — without taking on a traditional loan.
When retirement savings like Social Security or a 401(k) aren’t cutting it, more homeowners are turning to a resource they already have: home equity. But tapping into that equity usually means adding more debt or locking into high monthly payments — not ideal for anyone on a fixed income.
Unison offers a different path. Their Equity Sharing Home Loan is a second mortgage, but with low monthly payments and no traditional interest burden — letting you unlock a portion of your home’s value without the usual loan hassles.
Below, we’ll look at how financial pressures are reshaping retirement strategies, ways to access home equity, and how Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan can help fund your next chapter.
How Financial Pressures Are Reshaping Retirement Strategies
A recent survey by Unison Mortgage Corporation shows just how much retirement planning is changing:
- 401(k) withdrawals are becoming more common. 85% of respondents said they dipped into their 401(k) early — and 65% used most or all of it before reaching retirement age. Early withdrawals can come with tax penalties and reduced long-term security.
- Home equity is the most trusted asset. 94% of surveyed homeowners consider their home their most valuable financial resource, and nearly half say it accounts for more than 50% of their total net worth.
- More homeowners are relying on their property to fund retirement. 92% said they trust their home equity more than Social Security.
Bottom line: more Americans are looking to their homes, not just their savings, to help secure their retirement years.
Options For Accessing Home Equity Without Selling
Selling your home isn’t always an option — emotionally, logistically or financially. Fortunately, there are other ways to tap into home equity while staying put:
- Cash-Out Refinance: Replace your mortgage with a larger one and pocket the difference. You’ll typically get a lower interest rate but increase your total loan amount and monthly payment.
- HELOC: A line of credit backed by your home. Payments and rates can vary over time.
- Home Equity Loan: A second mortgage that gives you a lump sum with fixed payments. It’s predictable, but still adds monthly debt.
These options can work well in the right situation — but they all involve taking on more traditional debt.
Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan is different. It’s designed to keep monthly payments low and avoid piling on interest-heavy debt, while still giving you access to the value you’ve built in your home.
What Makes Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan Different
Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan is typically a 10-year, interest-only second mortgage designed to give you access to your home’s value — offering far more flexibility than a traditional second mortgage.
Here’s how it works:
- It’s a 10-year, Fixed rate interest-only loan, so your monthly payments are lower than standard loans. You pay up to 75% of the interest due each month, while the remaining 25% is deferred and paid in full at the end of the loan term.
- Instead of charging full interest or fees up front, Unison shares in your home’s future appreciation. If your home’s value increases, Unison receives 1.5 times the percentage of your original loan amount. For example, if you borrow 10% of your home’s value, Unison receives 15% of the increase in your home’s value when the loan term ends.
- It’s a smart option for retirees or near-retirees who want to unlock cash without downsizing, taking on large payments, or risking high-interest loans.
Is the Unison Equity Sharing Home Loan Right for You?
If you’re looking for a flexible, low-payment way to turn your home equity into retirement funding, Unison’s Equity Sharing Home Loan could be a fit. It’s especially helpful for homeowners who:
- Have built up significant equity
- Want to avoid selling or refinancing
- Prefer lower monthly payments
- Value long-term financial flexibility
Making the most of your home’s value can be a smart step toward securing your retirement goals — without the stress of high monthly payments or added debt.
Take the next step with confidence. Contact Unison today to learn how the Equity Sharing Home Loan can help you unlock your home’s potential and support your financial future.
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.
