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homeowner's reviewing unison's home equity investment information.
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The Homeowner's Guide to Equity Sharing with Unison

Learn how an Equity Sharing Agreement can help provide cash for retirement without the burden of new monthly mortgage payments or high interest.

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homeowner's reviewing unison's home equity investment information.
Financial Health
What is LTV?

LTV, or Loan-to-Value ratio, is a key metric used by lenders when assessing the risk of a loan, particularly mortgages. It essentially compares the amount of the loan to the appraised value of the property being financed.

Homeownership
Summer Home Maintenance: This Season's Steps to Protect Your Best Investment

Summer brings sunshine, long days, and of course – the perfect opportunity to take care of your home! Warm weather is great for relaxing, it’s also ideal for tackling key maintenance tasks that help preserve your home’s value and prevent costly repairs.

Home Equity
More Than Just Payments: How Your Home Equity Grows

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. Your monthly mortgage payment may seem like just another bill, but behind the scenes, you're steadily building something far more valuable: equity.

Financial Health
10 Commonly Overlooked Tax Breaks and Deductions You Might Be Missing

When it comes to filing your taxes, missing out on valuable deductions and credits can mean leaving money on the table. Some tax breaks are easy to overlook! They may be less well-known or hidden deep within the fine print.

Financial Health
What Are Property Taxes For? How They Work and Why They Matter

When you buy a home, you’re not just investing in the property itself. You’re also committing to paying property taxes, which can feel like an extra burden. But property taxes serve an important purpose in supporting the communities we live in.

Financial Health
What Is DTI? Understanding Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) is one of the most important numbers lenders look at when evaluating your ability to repay a loan. Understanding your DTI can help you prepare and potentially qualify for better terms.

child using a smart thermostat under a woman's supervision.
Renovations & Remodeling
7 Smart Home Upgrades That Add Real Convenience & Value

The idea of a “smart home” can be exciting. Lights that turn on automatically, a thermostat you control from your phone, or a fridge that tells you when you’re out of milk – it all sounds futuristic! But not every gadget lives up to the promise. Some are expensive and fussy, some don’t really increase your home’s value, and some are just waiting for better tech before they’re actually worth the squeeze.

keys on a table
Financial Health
How to Invest in a Second Property, Part 1: Deciding Whether (& When) to Invest

For many homeowners, the idea of buying a second property represents more than just a second real estate purchase. It’s a vision of financial freedom, flexibility, and future security – whether that means having a vacation spot to enjoy, a rental home generating income, or a nest egg that can grow in value over time.

A person getting money from their equity sharing agreement with unison.
Financial Health
2026 Re-Fi Reality Check: Why Many Homeowners Are Skipping the Cash-Out Refinance

Mortgage rates are still high in 2026. Learn why homeowners are skipping cash-out refinancing & what equity alternatives make more sense in today’s market.

How Much Should I Budget for Renovations and Repairs Over the Lifetime of a Home?
Renovations & Remodeling
How Much Should I Budget for Renovations and Repairs Over the Lifetime of a Home?

Owning a home takes more than just paying your mortgage. It’s also about keeping up with repairs, maintenance, and the occasional renovation to keep your property safe, efficient, and enjoyable. But how much should you actually budget for all of that, especially over decades of ownership?

woman running a business
Financial Health
Top 5 Myths About Owning Your Own Business

Many would-be entrepreneurs talk themselves out of it before they even begin, thanks to a handful of persistent myths. But the truth is, owning a business is possible. And while it takes some serious work, it’s not reserved for the ultra-rich, ultra-connected, or ultra-lucky.

rundown house as an example of buying a home as-is
Homeownership
How Bad Is It To Buy A Home “As-Is”?

The phrase “as-is” shows up often in real estate listings, and it tends to raise eyebrows. For some buyers, it feels like an opportunity – a chance to get a deal on a property that others might overlook. For others, it sounds like a trap.