2024 EasyKnock Review: Access Your Home Equity With Bad Credit

What Is EasyKnock?

Founded in 2016, EasyKnock offers the first residential sale-leaseback programs in the United States, enabling homeowners to unlock their home value without having to move. EasyKnock differs distinctly from reverse mortgages, home equity lines of credit, and personal loans. EasyKnock buys the house from the homeowner and then rents it back to them. They can repurchase the house or move at any point.

EasyKnock says its mission is to help homeowners achieve financial freedom by accessing the value of their home through their two innovative programs: Sell and Stay and MoveAbility.

EasyKnock is an excellent alternative for homeowners who have bad credit and have been denied when applying for a home equity loan or HELOC (home equity line of credit). EasyKnock isn’t focused on creditworthiness, instead aiming to provide an alternative equity release option for homeowners through their programs.

EasyKnock's Sell And Stay Program

Homeowners begin by filling out a short application to find out if they qualify. The house must be worth at least $100,000 and the mortgage must be at least 50% paid off.

If you meet these qualifications, EasyKnock will work with you to create a plan that helps you reach your goals. When it comes to staying in the house, EasyKnock charges market rent. They will also determine the buyout price for if and when you decide to repurchase or move.

Once you’re satisfied with the terms of the agreement, EasyKnock will perform due diligence, meaning an appraisal, title search, credit report, etc. If everything comes back satisfactory, you will receive a sale and lease agreement through the EasyKnock Sell and Stay program. Much like a standard home sale, once both parties have signed the agreement, you would receive your money through wire transfer. EasyKnock moves quickly and can close in as little as 9 days.

You can ultimately decide whether to repurchase your house or move. If you choose to move, EasyKnock will put your house on the market. Once the house is sold, you would receive the difference between the sale price and the Buyout Price, this includes any additional value if the house appreciates.

EasyKnock's MoveAbility Program

If you are looking for a bridge loan or want to sell your house but stay put for a while until you find your new home, MoveAbility is the ideal option for you.

With MoveAbility, you can access the value in your house in as little as 9 days. Then, when you’re ready to move, EasyKnock will work with the realtor of your choice to list your house on the market.

You pay monthly rent and have the flexibility to lease your house back for up to 18 months, so you move when you’re ready.

This can give you time and money to find and buy or build your next home, which can be especially beneficial if you don’t qualify for a bridge loan.

How does EasyKnock differ from a traditional home equity line of credit (HELOC)?

Home equity is calculated by subtracting outstanding loan balances from the home’s market value. You can traditionally borrow against your home equity through a home loan or HELOC, or you can use that equity to fund buying a new home after it has been sold. However, if you use your home as collateral, you risk losing it if you fail to repay your loan.

Through Sell and Stay, EasyKnock buys the home, and the homeowner-turned-tenant receives the equity they need while continuing to live in their home as long as they pay monthly rent. Sellers can repurchase their home or move at any time.

You can either repurchase your home or move to a new one. If you move, EasyKnock will put your house on the market and once the house is sold, you move out and receive the remainder of your equity after closing fees, this is called the Sellout Value.

Contact EasyKnock

Phone: 844-888-9213 Website: www.easyknock.com Address: EasyKnock, Inc. Real Estate Services 215 Park Ave South, Suite 1713 New York, NY 10003

EasyKnock Pros

• Home Loan Alternative: EasyKnock offers an alternative to borrowers with complicated finances or bad credit. This allows homeowners to stay in their current home while accessing the money they need.
• Personalization: An EasyKnock specialist will work with you to create a plan specific to you based on your needs and goals.
• Flexibility: You can end your agreement with Easyknock at any point.
• EasyKnock currently holds an A+ BBB rating (as of 03/17/2020).
• EasyKnock is available in every US state.

EasyKnock Cons

• You must pay rent: While you were previously a homeowner and building equity, you’re now a tenant. If you want to stay put in your home and rent, the money you pay each month goes to your landlord.

EasyKnock Pricing

• EasyKnock's fee is 2.5%.
• EasyKnock charges market rent.
• The buyout price increases by an average of 3% each year.
• EasyKnock doesn't require a minimum credit score or traditional income for you to qualify. Sell and Stay works best for individuals with loan-to-values of 50% or less, while MoveAbility is for homeowners with loan-to-values of 70% or less.
• As this is a home purchase, typical closing costs apply.
• Rent is based on the market rent of comparable homes in the area.
• The Buyout Price is the amount funded by EasyKnock plus an average of 3% annually.

Summary

EasyKnock provides an excellent alternative for homeowners looking to access funds.

Whether homeowners don't qualify for loans due to poor credit, non-W2 income, high debt-to-income, or unique circumstances, EasyKnock’s ability to create customized agreements is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise outdated industry.

We recommend contacting EasyKnock directly to learn more about how you can access your home value.

Look for another way to access funds? Here are our top personal loan providers.

How long is the lease term length with EasyKnock's program?

EasyKnock’s lease is a standard year in length, which can be renewed annually, or terminated at any point by repurchasing or moving.

Who covers the cost of HOA, insurance, and property taxes?

EasyKnock will cover the cost of HOA, homeowner’s insurance, and property taxes. They recommend that their customers purchase renter’s insurance.

What are some important terms to know when working with EasyKnock?

• Funding amount: The initial payment made by EasyKnock, which also includes paying off the mortgage balance.
• Loan-to-value ratio: A loan-to-value ratio (LTV) compares the mortgage balance to the value of the house.
• Mortgage balance: This is the full amount owed to the bank or lender by a homeowner and includes the principal and accrued interest.
• Buyout price: The amount to be paid to EasyKnock upon the future sale of the house, or to repurchase.
• Sale-leaseback: This arrangement allows the customer to lease the house from EasyKnock once the sale has been made.

About The Author

Ashley Davison

Director of Operations, Credit Saint LLC

Ashley is currently the Chief Operating Officer for Credit Saint, previously working as a Logistics Coordinator at Ernst & Young. She is currently working toward an Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell University.

With a degree in education, she is eager to teach the world everything she knows and learn everything that she doesn’t already know! Ashley is a FICO® certified professional, a Board Certified Credit Consultant, Certified Credit Score Consultant with the Credit Consultants Association of America and holds a Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Compliance Certificate.

Articles by Ashley Davison

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