How CHEIFS works out what you owe
- How you repay: a share of your home's total value when you settle. The share is 2.25× the share of your home's value you received.
- Fee: 2.99% of the investment, taken from the cash you receive, plus third-party closing costs (we use $1,500).
- Cost cap: 12.99% a year (or 14.99%, by program), compounded yearly, on the investment. You never repay more than that.
- Term: no scheduled end date.
- Limits: $70,000 to $2,000,000; mortgage plus investment at most 65% of home value; credit score 680+.
Worked example. $750,000 home, $300,000 mortgage, $100,000 investment, 4% yearly growth, settled after 7 years: you'd receive $95,510 after fees and repay $235,115, a total cost of $139,605, or 13.7% a year. CHEIFS's cost cap sets that amount.
Things to know about these terms
- CHEIFS offers two programs: a 12.99% or 14.99% cap, a 1.99% or 2.99% fee, and a 50% or 65% leverage limit. We use the 12.99% cap with the 2.99% fee and 65%.
- CHEIFS has no scheduled end date, so any number of years is allowed.
Sources for every term: CHEIFS on our provider terms page. Real offers are set after underwriting and can differ; always check your written offer.
What CHEIFS costs as home prices change
Same example, settled after 7 years. Unlike a loan, an HEI costs more the faster your home grows.
| Home growth | You repay | Total cost | Effective annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| -2% a year | $195,328 | $99,818 | 10.8% |
| 0% a year | $225,000 | $129,490 | 13.0% |
| 2% a year | $235,115* | $139,605 | 13.7% |
| 4% a year | $235,115* | $139,605 | 13.7% |
| 6% a year | $235,115* | $139,605 | 13.7% |
| 8% a year | $235,115* | $139,605 | 13.7% |
* The cost cap sets the amount.
CHEIFS vs the other providers
In the standard example ($750,000 home, $100,000 investment, 4% growth, 7 years), CHEIFS ranks 1 of 6 by effective annual cost.
| Provider | Effective annual cost | Head-to-head |
|---|---|---|
| CHEIFS | 13.7% | This calculator |
| Hometap | 14.1% | CHEIFS vs Hometap |
| Point | 14.3% | CHEIFS vs Point |
| Unison | 14.7% | CHEIFS vs Unison |
| Unlock | 15.9% | CHEIFS vs Unlock |
| Splitero | 15.9% | CHEIFS vs Splitero |
Read the full CHEIFS review on HEI Compare, check whether you meet CHEIFS's requirements on HEI Offers, or compare all six providers on your numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How much will I owe CHEIFS?
It depends on your home's value when you settle. In our example ($750,000 home, $300,000 mortgage, $100,000 investment, 4% yearly growth, settled after 7 years), you'd repay $235,115 for $95,510 received. Enter your own numbers above to see yours.
Does CHEIFS cap what I owe?
Yes. CHEIFS publishes a cost cap of 12.99% a year (or 14.99%, by program), applied to the investment. In our example at 4% growth, the cap sets what you repay.
When do I have to settle with CHEIFS?
CHEIFS has no scheduled end date: you settle when you sell, refinance, or choose to buy it out.
Is this calculator from CHEIFS?
No. HEI Calculator is independent. We apply CHEIFS's published terms, last verified September 23, 2026, to your numbers. Your actual offer is set by CHEIFS after underwriting.