For many California homeowners, the pressure isn’t just the daily cost of living. It’s also the weight of high-interest debt – credit cards, medical bills, car loans, student loans – all can make it feel like you’re running in place, even if the home you own has appreciated in value over the years.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Plenty of California homeowners have equity – but tapping into it means selling, refinancing, or taking a loan that adds another monthly payment. And with today’s rates, all of those can feel like the opposite of relief.
That’s where Unison’s equity sharing agreement comes in. It’s a different way to access your equity to pay down debt – without adding a new monthly bill.
Why Debt Relief Is So Tough in California Right Now
California homeowners face a unique mix of financial pressures:
- High costs across the state make it hard to get ahead, even with solid income.
- Higher interest rates mean refinancing often increases your monthly payment.
- Many households are already stretched and don’t want to add more fixed obligations.
- Equity-rich, cash-tight is a common situation – especially in markets where home values have risen faster than incomes.
So even when the equity is there, how you access it matters.
How an Equity Sharing Agreement Helps You Pay Down High-Interest Debt
Unison’s ESA gives you a way to convert a portion of your home’s built-up equity into cash – without taking out a loan.
Here’s what that means in practice:
- No monthly payments
- No interest
- No refinancing
You receive funds now, in exchange for a share of your home’s future change in value. You keep owning and living in your home, making your existing mortgage payments as usual. And nothing about your day-to-day budget changes – except that you can eliminate expensive debt and free up breathing room.
This is especially helpful if you’re carrying high-interest credit card balances, a HELOC with rising payments, consolidation loans that didn’t do enough to lower your costs, or multiple debts you want to simplify into a single payoff down the road.
Why This Approach Works Well for California Homeowners
Across California – from coastal metros to inland suburbs – the same pattern shows up again and again:
Home equity climbs over time, but monthly budgets stay tight.
So, an equity sharing agreement can be a practical fit when:
- You’ve built strong equity but want to keep monthly expenses low
- Loan-based solutions feel restrictive or too expensive
- You want to avoid messing with your mortgage rate
This is especially true for homeowners who feel “boxed in”: debt in real life, equity locked away, and not many ways to bridge the two.
When an Equity Sharing Agreement Might Not Be the Right Fit
Equity sharing isn’t always the solution for every situation. An ESA might not be ideal if:
- You plan to sell in the near future and don’t want to share appreciation
- You’re looking for the absolute lowest-cost option over the long term, even at the cost of monthly payments in the short term
- You prefer loan-based solutions that ensure future equity is yours, even at the cost of monthly interest payments
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Equity sharing is simply another option – and for many California homeowners, it’s one that aligns with the reality of today’s market.
How California Homeowners Typically Use ESA Funds for Debt Relief
Every homeowner’s goals are different, but the most common uses include:
- Paying off high-interest revolving balances
- Clearing personal loans or medical debt
- Eliminating a HELOC draw/payment that’s become unaffordable
- Resetting cash flow to rebuild savings or handle future expenses
- Getting back to a place of financial stability
The goal is to remove the pressure so you can breathe again, not trade one set of monthly payments for another.
Final Thoughts: If California Costs Are Rising, Your Monthly Payments Don’t Have To
If you’re a California homeowner trying to get ahead, but high-interest debt keeps absorbing your income, an equity sharing agreement offers a different path – one based on flexibility instead of more monthly payments.
Whether you use it to pay down credit cards, eliminate personal loans, or simply regain your financial footing, it’s worth understanding how equity sharing fits into California’s broader homeownership landscape.
And with Unison, you’ll have a true partner – transparent, supportive, and genuinely aligned with your homeownership goals. If you're ready to explore what equity sharing can do for you, start with an instant eligibility check (with no impact on your credit) or learn more today at unison.com.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not financial, investment, legal, tax, or lending advice. Actual results, eligibility, and funding amounts vary based on your individual situation, home value changes, market conditions, and applicable laws. Unison’s Equity Sharing Agreement is not a loan, mortgage, or debt settlement service. It is an investment agreement where Unison shares in your home’s future value changes (upside and downside). Key considerations include sharing a portion of future appreciation, a term of up to 30 years with flexible settlement options, reduced net proceeds upon sale or buyout, and risks such as owing more if home values decline or appraisal disputes. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified financial advisor, attorney, or HUD-approved housing counselor before making any decisions. Terms and availability may change. This article discusses options offered by Unison.