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Unison Reviews

8

bestfor-icon A Winning HomeOwner Program

alirivzi
Written by Ali Rivzi

About Unison | Read More

8

LS Score

8

Credibility

8

Support

8

Accessibility

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  • ps@unison.com
  • 1-855-930-5770
  • Headquarters: 650 California St. Suite 1800 San Francisco, CA 94108
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Unison Mortgages Review

Unison offers a range of mortgage services to help individuals and investors access equity in residential real estate. The company’s products and expert advice empower customers to optimally own and invest in real estate, providing them with the opportunity to access the wealth stored in their homes or to curate a geographically diverse portfolio of real estate investments. Whether you are looking to access the equity in your home or invest in real estate, Unison has solutions to meet your needs and help you achieve your financial goals.

Unison Mortgages Highlight

620

Min Credit Score

$30K-$500K

Mortgage Amount

Up to 30 years later.

Repayment terms

Yes

Soft Credit Pull

Marketplace

Lender Type

Yes

Other Fees

None

Origination Fee

None

Prepayment Fee

Home Equity

$30K-$500K

Mortgage Amount

Pros & Cons

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  • con-icon Access to funding without monthly payments or interest charges
  • con-icon Flexibility to use the money however you see fit
  • con-icon Expert team of financial and real estate professionals committed to re-inventing homeownership
  • con-icon Opportunity to optimize homeownership
  • con-icon Unison will not share in the value added via remodeling projects
  • con-icon Unison does not share in the losses if you sell within the first five years
  • con-icon Cannot buy out the Unison agreement in the first five years
  • con-icon Generally requires a mid-FICO score of at least 620 and credit score, LTV, and DTI guidelines vary

Mortgage Type

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  • Home Equity Line of Credit

Unison Mortgages Terms & Requirements

Unison offers a product to help individuals and investors access equity in residential real estate. Its business model is designed to provide flexible financing options that allow customers to access the wealth stored in their homes or to invest in real estate. Unison’s mortgage terms vary depending on the specific product and the customer’s unique situation. However, in general, the company offers long-term financing with no monthly payments or interest charges and the ability to use the money however you see fit.

In terms of requirements, Unison generally requires a mid-FICO score of at least 620 and has credit score, loan-to-value, and debt-to-income guidelines that vary depending on the customer’s credit score. Overall, the terms and requirements offered by Unison seem to meet market standards and provide a relatively good option for those looking to access equity in their homes or invest in real estate.

Home Equity Sharing Agreement: Terms & Requirements

Unison offers a unique Equity Sharing Agreement (ESA), a non-loan alternative that allows homeowners to convert up to 15% of their home’s value into cash (up to $500,000) with no monthly payments and no interest. Unlike a traditional mortgage, this is a partnership where Unison provides an upfront investment in exchange for a portion of the home’s future change in value—sharing in both the appreciation and the depreciation whenever you decide to sell or the 30-year term ends.

To qualify for a Unison ESA in 2026, homeowners must meet the following criteria:

  • Credit Score: A minimum mid-FICO score of 620.

  • Home Equity: You must have at least 35% equity in your home at the time of application (maintaining at least 30% equity after Unison’s investment).

  • Property Status: The home must be your primary residence (though investment properties and second homes may be accepted at 5x pricing).

  • Financial History: No bankruptcies, foreclosures, or unpaid public records in the last 5 years, and all mortgage payments must be current.

  • Fee Structure: There is a one-time 3.9% transaction fee deducted from your cash proceeds at closing.

How to Apply

Applying for a mortgage or refinancing with Unison is a straightforward process that can be completed entirely online. The first step is to check your eligibility by submitting your basic information through an online survey. This will give you a pre-approval with zero impact on your credit. If you are pre-approved, you can then submit a complete application through the online portal. During this process, you will also be required to securely upload key documents for review and validation. Once your documents have been reviewed, the final step is to have your property professionally appraised. This process typically takes around 30 days, after which you will receive a final offer letter and closing package.

Equity Sharing Agreement: How to Apply

Unlocking your home’s equity with Unison is a streamlined, four-step digital process designed to get you funded in approximately 30 days without the paperwork mountain of a traditional loan.

Step 1: Prequalify Online

Start with a quick 2-minute online survey to check your eligibility. This uses a soft credit pull, meaning you can see your estimated cash offer with zero impact on your credit score.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

If you’re pre-approved, you will move to the full application portal. Here, you’ll securely upload necessary documentation—such as proof of identity, income verification, and mortgage statements—for the Unison underwriting team to review.

Step 3: Property Appraisal

Unison will coordinate a professional third-party appraisal of your home to determine its current market value. This value serves as the baseline for the equity sharing agreement and determines your final cash offer.

Step 4: Final Offer & Closing

Once the appraisal and document review are complete, you will receive a final offer letter and closing package. After signing with a notary, funds are typically wired to your account in as little as three days.

Qualification Requirements

  • Middle FICO score of 620 or higher
  • Debt-to-income and loan-to-value ratios based on credit score
  • Maximum allowable loan-to-value ratio of 75%
  • Submit application through online portal
  • Securely upload key documents for review and validation
  • Professional appraisal of property (sometimes with property inspection)
  • Review and sign final offer letter
  • Closing with notary to receive funds in as little as three days

Equity Sharing Agreement: Qualification Requirements

  • Middle FICO Score: 620 or higher.

  • Property Type: Owner-occupied primary residences (single-family homes, townhomes, and condos). Note: Investment properties and second homes may be accepted at adjusted (5x) pricing.

  • Minimum Home Equity: Must have at least 35% equity in the home at the time of closing.

  • Maximum LTV: The combined loan-to-value (CLTV) ratio cannot exceed 70% after the Unison investment is factored in.

  • Lien Restrictions: No private liens, no reverse mortgages, and no other active equity sharing agreements allowed on the property.

  • Financial Standing: All mortgage payments and property taxes must be current at the time of closing.

  • Credit History: No bankruptcies, foreclosures, or unpaid public records (such as judgment liens) in the last 5 years.

  • Citizenship: All applicants must have a valid Social Security Number and/or Green Card in the US.

  • Property Location: Must be located in one of the 23 supported states or Washington D.C.

Required Information

To get started with the pre-qualification process, one can simply visit the Unison website and submit an online survey to submit basic information and get pre-approved. The information that will be required includes: name, address, phone number, proof of identity, credit score, social security number, proof of income, and the desired amount to borrow.

Required Information for a Home Equity Investment

To begin the pre-qualification process, you can visit the Unison website and complete a brief online survey. This initial step uses a soft credit pull, which will not impact your credit score. To receive a personalized cash estimate and pre-approval, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Personal Details: Full name, phone number, and a valid US home address.

  • Property Information: Details regarding the property you wish to tap into, including its estimated current value.

  • Identity Verification: A valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Green Card.

  • Financial Documentation: Proof of income and current mortgage statements to verify you meet the 35% equity requirement.

  • Equity Goal: The desired amount of cash you wish to access (between $30,000 and $500,000).

Application Steps & Time Frames

Unison’s process is designed to be transparent and efficient, moving from initial interest to funding without the friction of traditional debt products.

  • Eligibility Check: Start with a 2-minute online survey to get a pre-approval estimate with zero credit score impact.

  • Full Application: Submit your complete profile and securely upload required documents (ID, income, and mortgage statements) via the Unison portal.

  • Home Valuation: Unison coordinates a professional third-party appraisal and property inspection to establish the baseline value of your home.

  • Agreement Review: Receive and review your final offer letter and closing package, which details the specific equity share percentage.

The typical Unison equity sharing process, from initial pre-approval to final offer, takes approximately 30 days. Once the offer letter is signed and the closing with a notary is complete, funds are typically received via wire transfer in as little as three days. Overall, the digital-first process offers a clear, predictable timeline for homeowners.

State Availability

Available - Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin

Not Available - Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming

alirivzi
Written by Ali Rivzi linkedin-icon

Ali Rizvi is a published author, financial analyst, and market researcher. He's passionate about providing in-depth insights and analysis in the finance and blockchain industries. With a Bachelor's in Finance from Purdue University and a background studying abroad at the University of Cambridge, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.

faq-icon

FAQ’s

What types of products and services does Unison offer?

Unison offers a range of products and access to experts; including solutions for accessing the equity in your home and for curating a geographically diverse portfolio of real estate investments.

Is Unison's website secure?

Unison takes the security and safety of its customers' personal and confidential information very seriously.

Does Unison offer customer support?

Yes, customers can contact the company's customer service team and will be greeted by a live representative who is ready to assist. Unison also offers a call back option for customers who are unable to speak with a representative at the time of their call.

Customer Support

At Unison, customers can expect a helpful and seamless experience when seeking support for their needs. Upon contacting the company, customers will be greeted by a live customer service representative who is ready to assist with any questions or issues they may have. Unison also offers a call back option for customers who are unable to speak with a representative at the time of their call. The company has a strong reputation for effectively solving customers’ problems and providing the necessary support to ensure their satisfaction. Overall, Unison’s customer support team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service.

Privacy & Security

Unison takes the privacy and security of its customers’ personal and confidential information very seriously. The company collects and uses personal information for various purposes, including evaluating customers’ eligibility for its products and services. Unison also uses cookies and web tags to recognize users’ web browsers and track their use of the company’s services. Unison has implemented various measures to protect the confidentiality and security of its customers’ information, including encryption and secure servers. The company is also subject to regulatory bodies that oversee its affairs. Unison is committed to protecting the privacy and security of its customers’ personal and confidential information and takes steps to ensure the security of the information it collects and uses.

In Conclusion

Unison is a company that provides products and expert advice to empower individuals and investors to access the equity in residential real estate. The company has a strong focus on helping individuals and families access the equity in their homes and assisting investors in curating a geographically diverse portfolio. Unison also has a reputation for effectively solving customers’ problems and providing the necessary support to ensure their satisfaction. Unison’s major selling points include its range of products and expert advice, commitment to privacy and security, and excellent customer support.

Brand Disclaimer

Limitation of Liability
THE LIABILITY OF UNISON IS LIMITED. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, UNISON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, SPECIAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO YOUR USE OF THE WEBSITE OR PRODUCTS OR SERVICES OFFERED THROUGH THE WEBSITE, REGARDLESS OF ANY ADVICE OR NOTICE GIVEN TO UNISON. THIS INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES THAT MAY RESULT FROM THE USE, INCONVENIENCE, DELAY OR LOSS OF USE OF THE SITE, THE INFORMATION HEREIN OR FOR OMISSIONS OR INACCURACIES IN THE INFORMATION PUBLISHED THROUGH THE SITE. IF YOU ARE DISSATISFIED WITH THIS WEBSITE, YOUR FIRST REMEDY IS TO STOP USING IT. THE MAXIMUM LIABILITY OF UNISON AND ITS AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS, OR ASSIGNS, OR ANY OF ITS OR THEIR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS, WILL BE $500. YOU AGREE THAT THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY REPRESENTS A REASONABLE ALLOCATION OF RISK AND IS A FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENT OF THE BASIS OF THE BARGAIN BETWEEN UNISON and YOU, AND THAT THIS WEBSITE WOULD NOT BE PROVIDED WITHOUT SUCH LIMITATIONS.