The questions affect homebuyers: can we afford it? How much do we have to leave? Do we have enough to avoid incurring the dreaded PMI (private mortgage insurance)? For homeowners looking to refinance, it's about whether or not we should. What is the negative side? Does long-term refinancing make sense?

 In the past, consumers had only one option: to assume more debts. In addition to the monthly interest payments, this debt came with greater discomfort and the fear that "if we could not pay it, we could lose the roof over our head." Now, there may be another answer.

 Co-investment of homes offers a new alternative: a better way to buy and own a home.

 Co-investment of homes is a new category that works in partnership with buyers and homeowners to invest in the long-term appreciation of the value of a home. If you are a homebuyer seeking to finance a new purchase or a long-standing homeowner who seeks to maximize capital, co-investment does not imply monthly payments, interest or additional debts.

 On the other hand, the co-investment shares of homes in the change in the value of the home, up or down. You can choose to return the investment at any time after three years, or keep it until it is sold, for up to 30 years.

 "Simply put, we are in business to partner with you in your new or current home," according to the Unison website, the company that invented this idea. The growing housing co-investment company based in San Francisco is now helping homebuyers and homeowners in 30 states plus Washington, D.C.

 The 2019 Home Affordability Report recently published by Unison states that people who earn the current average income will need 14 years to save for a 20 percent down payment. Co-investment of homes benefits new buyers by helping them overcome that first obstacle of down payment. For example, with co-investment of homes, prospective buyers can reduce 10 percent, and the company does. The homebuyer can now reach an initial payment of 20 percent without taking on additional debts.

 "Among the biggest financial mistakes that potential buyers can make during the home purchase process is not investigating all possible financing options beforehand, including housing joint venture," says Cari Jacobs, director of marketing at Unison.

 “Think of it as the shared economy to buy houses. By partnering with a company like Unison, you can live the life you want, in the house of your dreams today, while sharing the risk, ”he explains.

 "It is always better to have more information so you can make a fully informed decision that will help you buy the home you want and prepare you for long-term financial success."

 Co-investment of housing also works for current homeowners, with financing opportunities based on the net worth of housing for a variety of needs, including home renovations, payment of medical bills or even sending children to college. But unlike a traditional home equity loan, there are no additional debts or monthly payments.