EasyKnock Shut Down — Nevada Alternative That Actually Closes
Program figures verified July 2026 — details change; confirm your scenario with us.
The 60-second answer
EasyKnock — the home equity sale-leaseback company offering homeowners "Sell + Stay" programs — ceased operations in December 2024. If you were considering EasyKnock for your Nevada home equity access needs, you need alternatives.
Your options:
- Mike's lender-direct BBYS program — buy your next home before selling current; no program fees
- Cash-out refinance — extract equity from current home without selling
- HELOC — revolving credit against equity
- Standard bridge loan — short-term gap financing
- Sale + standard purchase — sell current first, buy next
For most former EasyKnock target customers (homeowners wanting to "Sell + Stay" or access equity without moving), the practical alternatives are cash-out refinance (if you want to stay) or Mike's BBYS (if you want to move into different home).
What EasyKnock offered (and why it shut down)
EasyKnock's business model
- Buy your home in cash
- Rent it back to you immediately
- You stay in your home as a renter
- Buy back later if you wanted
Why EasyKnock shut down (Dec 2024)
- Business model + financial sustainability challenges
- Regulatory scrutiny from various states
- Customer dispute history
- Specific bankruptcy filing
EasyKnock customers received notices about transition; many had complex post-shutdown situations.
Nevada alternatives for "Sell + Stay" equity access
Option 1: Cash-out refinance (most common alternative)
Description: Refinance your current home to extract equity as cash. Keep your home; access equity.
Mechanics:
- Refinance current mortgage with cash-out
- Cash equals: New loan amount minus existing mortgage payoff
- You stay in home; new mortgage in your name
Best for:
- Homeowners wanting to stay
- Have substantial equity (typically 25%+)
- Reasonable credit + qualifying income
Trade-off:
- New mortgage at current rate (may be higher than original)
- Closing costs ($3-$8K typical)
- Use cash flexibly
See: Standard mortgage products page
Option 2: HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)
Description: Revolving credit line secured by home equity. Borrow only what you need.
Mechanics:
- HELOC against current home
- Variable rate (typically Prime + spread)
- Draw funds as needed; pay interest on drawn amount
Best for:
- Homeowners wanting flexible access to equity
- Don't need full lump sum
- Stable income for repayment
Trade-off:
- Variable rate exposure
- Standard 10-year draw + 20-year repayment
- Equity-backed
Option 3: Reverse mortgage (HECM)
Description: For 62+ homeowners. Access equity without monthly payments. Pay back at sale/death.
Mechanics:
- HECM via specialty reverse mortgage lender
- HUD-mandated counseling
- No monthly mortgage payment required
- Repaid from home sale eventually
Best for:
- 62+ retiree homeowners
- Stay in home long-term
- Need monthly cash flow help
Trade-off:
- Reduces estate value
- Specific eligibility + requirements
- Mike refers to reverse specialists when appropriate
Option 4: Mike's lender-direct BBYS
Description: Buy next home while keeping current; sell current at leisure.
Best for:
- Homeowners wanting to move into different home
- Not staying in current property
- Have equity for down payment + carrying both temporarily
Trade-off:
- Different scenario than EasyKnock
- Requires moving
- See Buy Before You Sell Las Vegas
Option 5: Sale + standard purchase
Description: Sell current home; buy different home.
Best for:
- Clean transition desired
- Don't want carrying costs of two homes
- Cash flow simpler
Trade-off:
- Temporary housing during transition
- Two moves
Common Nevada scenarios for former EasyKnock customers
Scenario 1: NV homeowner wanting to stay in current home + access equity
- Owns $625K Henderson home, $185K mortgage
- $440K equity available
- Needs: $150K cash for various uses
- Best alternative: Cash-out refinance to $400K (extract $215K cash beyond existing payoff)
- Outcome: Stays in home + accesses cash
Scenario 2: NV homeowner wanting flexibility
- Owns $525K Reno home, $0 mortgage
- Wants: Access to $150K but not all at once
- Best alternative: HELOC up to $400K available
- Outcome: Flexibility + lower interest cost than lump sum cash-out
Scenario 3: NV retiree wanting equity access + stay
- 70-year-old, $725K Sun City home, $0 mortgage
- Wants: $200K cash for retirement enhancement
- Best alternative: Reverse-for-purchase OR cash-out refi
- Outcome: Stays in home + accesses equity for retirement
Scenario 4: NV homeowner wanting to move
- Owns $625K central LV home
- Wants: Move to $525K Henderson family home + use equity
- Best alternative: Mike's BBYS (Buy Before You Sell)
- Outcome: New home + old home sold cleanly
Scenario 5: Former EasyKnock customer post-shutdown
- Was in EasyKnock "Sell + Stay" arrangement
- Now needs to transition post-EasyKnock-shutdown
- Specific post-shutdown coordination
- Best alternative: Depends on specific situation (refi to standard mortgage, sale + repurchase, etc.)
Why Mike's NV alternatives often beat EasyKnock model
Costs
- EasyKnock: Took ~30% discount on sale + ongoing rent
- Cash-out refi: Standard mortgage costs only (~$5-$8K)
- Net cost difference: Often $50K-$200K+ savings vs EasyKnock arrangement
Flexibility
- EasyKnock: Locked into renter status; buyback at higher price
- Standard alternatives: You retain ownership + control
Long-term wealth
- EasyKnock: Lost ownership stake + future appreciation
- Standard alternatives: Retain ownership + appreciation
For most former EasyKnock target customers, standard mortgage alternatives are dramatically better economically.
Frequently asked questions
Why did EasyKnock shut down?
Business model challenges, regulatory scrutiny, customer dispute history, financial sustainability issues. Specific bankruptcy filing in December 2024.
Were EasyKnock customers harmed by the shutdown?
Some customers faced specific transition challenges post-shutdown. Specific situations vary; many had to negotiate alternative arrangements.
What was EasyKnock's "Sell + Stay" program?
EasyKnock would buy your home in cash (typically at discount), rent it back to you, and let you stay as a renter. Buy back later if wanted.
Can Mike help me transition from EasyKnock?
Mike originates standard mortgages + refinances. Specific EasyKnock transition scenarios are case-by-case; talk to Mike for your specific situation.
What's the best EasyKnock alternative for staying in my home?
Cash-out refinance (if you want to access equity) or HELOC (if you want flexible access). Both let you retain ownership + access equity.
What about reverse mortgage as alternative?
For 62+ homeowners wanting to stay + access equity without monthly payments: yes, reverse mortgage (HECM) is alternative. Mike refers to reverse specialists.
Can I do cash-out refi if I have low credit?
Cash-out refi requires standard credit qualifying. If credit damaged, may not qualify. Address credit first; alternative paths possible.
What about EasyKnock-style models from other companies?
Other "Sell + Stay" companies exist (some). Generally similar economics + similar concerns. Mike's alternatives often economically better.
Is sale-leaseback a good model in general?
For most homeowners, sale-leaseback transfers wealth away from you to the company. Standard mortgage alternatives (cash-out, HELOC, reverse) generally better.
What if I really need to sell + can't keep up with payments?
If financial distress, multiple options: short sale, loan modification, forbearance, refinance to lower rate, sale. Don't default; explore options. Mike can advise.
Talk to Mike about your NV home equity access scenario
Free 30-minute call. Mike will model the right alternative for your specific situation.
(480) 296-6513 · Mike Certo, NMLS #260555 · Cornerstone First Mortgage NMLS #173855
Sources
Mike Certo · NMLS #260555 · Cornerstone First Mortgage NMLS #173855 · Equal Housing Lender. Not affiliated with EasyKnock. Educational content, not a loan commitment. Loans subject to buyer and property qualification.