What is Horizon?
Horizon is a platform that enables you to access a portion of your home’s equity, without monthly payments, and invest that equity in Bitcoin. You keep full ownership of your home and can settle when you’re ready. There is no term limit and you control your Bitcoin.Am I eligible?
Most homeowners qualify if the property is a primary or second home, it’s in an eligible state, and your combined loan-to-value is within 65%. Investment, rental, farmland, and commercial properties are not eligible. A second lien can disqualify you unless it’s paid off or subordinated.How much Bitcoin can I access?
It depends on your home value and existing loans. Use the calculator for a quick estimate and your offer for exact numbers. An independent appraiser provides the home value used for your offer.Do I keep ownership of my home?
Yes. You remain the homeowner with full access and control. The provider holds a financial interest in a portion of your home’s future value. Your title rights do not change.Are there monthly payments?
No. This is not a loan. There are no monthly payments or interest charges. You remain responsible for your existing mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance.Who controls or custodies my Bitcoin?
You do. You’re in complete control of your Bitcoin—you choose where to custody. You can use Horizon’s custody solutions or any wallet or platform you prefer.When do I have to settle?
You can settle any time or at specific events like selling or refinancing your home. Since there is no term limit, there is no penalty for early payoff.How much might I owe when I settle?
The amount of future home equity you’ll give up depends on two factors:
• How much equity you swap for Bitcoin upfront
• The duration you hold the contract
We price your entire investment at one set of terms. Up to your standard limit we use 2.25×, capped at an annualized payoff cost of 12.99%. If you choose an amount above that limit and within your maximum, the whole amount uses 2.5×, capped at 14.99%. Your limits are based on your home equity and existing mortgage balance.
For example: If you initially exchange 10% of your home equity (e.g., $100,000 from a $1,000,000 home), the maximum equity you'd ultimately give up is approximately 22.5% or 25% of your home's future value, depending on which terms apply to your situation.
Here’s a detailed breakdown illustrating this concept over time (example using 2.25× multiplier and 12.99% cost cap):
Here’s a detailed breakdown illustrating this concept over time (example using 2.25× multiplier and 12.99% cost cap)
Claim Year | Home Value | Home Equity Ownership (%) | Annualized Payoff Cost (%) |
0 | 1000000 | 10.00% | – |
1 | 1030000 | 10.97% | 12.99% |
2 | 1060900 | 12.03% | 12.99% |
3 | 1092509 | 13.20% | 12.99% |
4 | 1125509 | 14.48% | 12.99% |
5 | 1159274 | 15.89% | 12.99% |
10 | 1343274 | 22.50% | 11.70% |
15 | 1557967 | 22.50% | 8.72% |
20 | 1806111 | 22.50% | 7.26% |
25 | 2093778 | 22.50% | 6.40% |
30 | 2427262 | 22.50% | 5.82% |
More Questions? email us at [email protected]
Eligibility
• Is this available in my state?
Currently, Horizon works with homeowners in select U.S. markets: AZ, CA, DC, DE, FL, MO, NH, NJ, NV, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, UT, VA, VT, and WI. We plan to expand into IA, ID, IN, MN, AL, LA, KY, OK, AR, HI, KS, NM, MT, and WY in the coming weeks.
• Can I use this for rental or investment properties?
Eligible properties are primary homes and qualifying second homes like vacation homes. Rentals, investment properties, farmland, and commercial properties are not eligible.
• Can I qualify if I have a HELOC or second mortgage?
Often not, unless lien priority and combined LTV still meet provider rules. Many customers need to close or pay off a HELOC before signing up with Horizon.
• Does this work for properties held in a trust?
Yes, if the trust allows it. We may ask for the trust agreement and signatures from the right parties.
• What is the maximum and minimum investment amount?
The minimum amount is $20,000. The maximum depends on your home equity and combined loan-to-value. With no mortgage, most homeowners can access up to roughly 22% of their home’s value; the amount is usually lower if you have an existing mortgage. Use the estimator to check your maximum.
Payments, Costs & Economics
• Are there any monthly payment?
No monthly payments :)
• What are the transaction costs?
As with most home equity investment transactions, there are upfront expenses including fees payable to third parties. Typically you will be charged a one-time origination fee. Additionally, there are administrative expenses paid to third parties, which cover appraisals, title reports or insurance, flood certification, and settlement fees. Your application will include a detailed breakdown of all fees. If you choose to purchase Bitcoin with the funds through Horizon, industry standard trading and custody fees may apply. Please review your agreement or contact us directly for details. We strive to provide the lowest possible fees in the market.
• Are there any penalties for buying out early?
No. You’re free to exit the agreement whenever you choose, without penalty. The settlement is based on your home’s fair market value at the time you decide to repurchase the investment stake.
• How much might I owe when I settle?
(Identical to the explanation above under “Your Top Questions” — see that section for full detail.)
Bitcoin And Custody
• Who controls or custodies my Bitcoin?
You do. Choose Horizon custody or any wallet or platform you trust. You can receive your Bitcoin on any wallet directly—custodial or non-custodial.
• Do I have to use the funds to buy Bitcoin?
No. While Horizon is designed to make it easy to invest a portion of your home equity in Bitcoin, how you ultimately use the funds is entirely up to you. If you choose not to invest in Bitcoin, you can transfer the funds to your bank account.
Process And Timelines
• What is the process?
Start online in under 90 seconds with no credit impact or obligation. If you qualify, we collect a few additional details and send a formal quote that is subject to an independent appraisal. If you accept, a licensed third-party appraiser completes a brief on-site visit of about 30 minutes to confirm your home’s value. After you sign the final documents and the statutory three-day waiting period ends, funds are released to your account. You can hold them in USD or convert some or all to Bitcoin.
• How long does the process take?
Up to two weeks for most customers.
• What type of legal contract do I enter into?
You are entering into a Home Equity Investment Agreement. Several financial services companies offer these agreements with varying terms and conditions. The provider’s interest is typically secured by a mortgage or deed of trust, depending on the state, in no lower than second lien priority. Horizon is a referral partner only; all underwriting decisions and approvals are made solely by our preferred provider. Any potential customer can directly reach out to home equity investment providers if they wish to do so. For detailed information on contract terms, conditions, and our preferred providers, please refer to our preferred provider’s website. Horizon is a technology company that helps users buy and custody their Bitcoin and facilitates access to Home Equity Investment Agreements but does not directly provide financial services. All financial services are provided exclusively by our licensed provider institutions.
• What triggers settlement?
Settlement is required when certain events occur, such as selling or refinancing your home, permanently moving out, specific title transfers, or choosing to settle voluntarily. Your contract lists each trigger.
• Will you check my credit?
We don’t run a credit check at the time of application, but we do perform a soft pull after you accept your offer to confirm eligibility. A minimum score of 680 is typically required.
Comparisons
• How does this compare to a HELOC?
HELOC is a loan with monthly payments. This is not a loan—we have no monthly payments. Horizon also has a simpler application process and does not require income checks on homeowners. Our contract does not have a term limit—unlike a HELOC.
Legal and Risks
• Will my contract terms change over time?
No. Once finalized and signed, your agreement’s multiplier, cap, and obligations are fixed for the life of the contract.
• Is my home at risk if Bitcoin prices fall?
No. You remain the owner of your home, and there are no margin calls or monthly payment obligations for our solution. Even if Bitcoin’s price drops, you’re not forced to sell or refinance. Because the upside (and downside) of your home’s value is shared with Horizon’s preferred provider, bitcoin price volatility does not put your property or bitcoin at risk.
• Are there tax implications?
In general, the cash you receive from Horizon’s Preferred Provider is not taxable when you receive it, and taxes typically follow the standard real-estate capital-gains rules when you later sell your home or settle the investment. Because tax outcomes depend on your personal circumstances and state laws, Horizon does not provide tax advice and you should consult your tax advisor. Horizon makes no representations or warranties regarding tax treatment.
• What if Horizon goes out of business?
Your contract remains valid. If a provider changes or merges, servicing of your agreement can transfer to another licensed entity. Your terms will remain the same. Your ability to access funds or custody Bitcoin is not dependent on Horizon.