Question 1

What does Forward do?

Accepted Answer

Forward provides a way for homeowners to access their home equity without taking on debt or monthly payments. Through a Forward Advance, you receive cash in exchange for a portion of your home's future value, which you can then gift to your children tax-free.

Question 2

What's the difference between a Forward Access and a Loan?

Accepted Answer

Unlike a loan, a Forward Access has no monthly payments, no interest charges, and no debt-to-income requirements. Instead of borrowing money that you have to pay back with interest, you're sharing a portion of your home's future appreciation with Forward.

Question 3

What's an HEI?

Accepted Answer

HEI stands for Home Equity Investment. It's a financial product that allows you to access your home equity without taking on debt. With an HEI, an investor provides you with cash in exchange for a share of your home's future value when you eventually sell or settle.

Question 4

Who can use a Forward Access?

Accepted Answer

Forward Access is available to homeowners of all ages who have equity in their home and want to help their children achieve life milestones. Unlike some alternatives, there are no strict age, income, or credit score requirements - qualification is based primarily on your home's value.

Question 5

How long do I have to settle a Forward Access?

Accepted Answer

You have up to 10 years or until you sell your home to settle the Advance. This gives you flexibility to stay in your home as long as you want while your children benefit from the funds now.

Question 6

What is the process for getting started?

Accepted Answer

Getting started is simple: Apply online in just a few minutes to see if you prequalify, get a custom estimate based on your home's value and equity, and once approved, receive your funds in as little as 3 weeks.

Question 7

What if I want to help multiple children fairly?

Accepted Answer

Forward's Family Finance platform includes tools to help you track and allocate gifts fairly among multiple children. You can set guidelines for how funds should be used and monitor financial progress over time.

Question 8

Will this affect my ability to stay in my home?

Accepted Answer

No. You maintain full ownership and control of your home. You can continue living there as long as you want, make improvements, or sell whenever you choose. Forward only has an investment stake in your home's future value.

Question 9

What are the tax implications of gifting to my children?

Accepted Answer

One of the major benefits of Forward Access is enabling tax-efficient wealth transfer. The gift from parents to children can often be structured to minimize or eliminate gift taxes. We recommend consulting with a tax professional for your specific situation.

Question 10

How does Forward's Family Finance platform work?

Accepted Answer

Forward's Family Finance platform provides tools to help families have productive conversations about money, track financial progress, and manage wealth transfer. It helps your children build financial responsibility while you maintain visibility into how funds are being used.

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