When life gets stressful, the last thing you want is uncertainty about your home. Whether expenses suddenly spike, income changes, or you’re simply feeling stretched thin, many homeowners worry they may not be able to keep up — or worse, that leaving their home is the only option.

Good news: it isn’t.

Homeowners often have more ways to stay in their home than they realize.
Here are five practical, realistic paths that can help you stay rooted, reduce stress, and regain financial stability.

1. Explore a Home Equity Agreement (HEA)

A Home Equity Agreement lets you access some of your equity without taking on a loan and without monthly payments.

How it works:
You receive a lump sum today.
A capital partner receives a small share of the home’s future value when you sell.
No interest, no refinancing, and no new debt.

Why it helps you stay:

• You keep living in the home

• You get financial breathing room

• Payments don’t increase because there are no payments

HEAs are one of the most flexible ways to stay in place while using your equity wisely.

2. Consider a Sale-Leaseback (Sell the Home, Stay as a Renter)

A sale-leaseback allows you to unlock your equity while staying in your home with a long-term lease.

This works especially well for homeowners who:

• Want to simplify finances

• Need full equity access to catch up or reset

• Want predictable, stable monthly housing costs

• In some situations, you can negotiate an option agreement that allows you to buy back the property by a specific date and ate a designated price.

You gain stability without the pressure of selling, packing, or moving.

3. Ask About Payment Relief or Temporary Adjustments

Sometimes your current mortgage servicer can offer temporary relief options such as:

• Extending your payment due date

• Short-term interest-only periods

• Temporary payment reductions

• Deferred amounts added to the end of the loan

These aren’t guaranteed, and they vary by lender, but many homeowners don’t realize these conversations are possible. Asking costs nothing.

4. Rent Out Part of Your Property

If you have extra space, renting part of the home can offset your housing expenses and help you stay in place.

Common options include:

• Basement suite

• Garage apartment

• ADU or tiny home

• Spare room (where legally allowed)

Even a modest monthly rental amount can help you stabilize fast.

5. Reduce Housing Costs Through Renovations or Updates

It sounds counterintuitive, but small upgrades can bring down monthly costs.

Examples:

• Energy-efficient windows or insulation

• Replacing outdated HVAC for better performance

• Smart thermostats to reduce utility bills

When done strategically (or with partner assistance), this can help keep long-term housing affordable without moving. Be sure to check with your local utility companies to see if they have any rebate programs available for these kinds of upgrades.

The Bottom Line: You Have Options

When money gets tight, staying in your home is often still possible. Whether you want to tap equity, simplify your finances, bring down expenses, or create temporary income, there are multiple paths to stability.

Sold & Stay can help walk you through the choices calmly, clearly, and without pressure.

Your home matters. Your equity matters. And you deserve real options.

Compliance Notice

The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, legal, tax, or lending advice. Sold & Stay and its capital partners are not a bank, lender, law firm, or government agency, and we do not offer loans, credit, or legal services. Homeowners should consult qualified professionals before making decisions about their property or finances, and should always review contracts with an attorney prior to signing.