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 and settlements across multiple states
- Customer dispute history (20+ lawsuits reported)
- Abrupt shutdown of its sale-leaseback platform
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: Bought below market value, then charged 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 and financial-sustainability challenges, regulatory scrutiny and settlements with multiple state attorneys general, and a history of customer disputes. EasyKnock abruptly shut down its sale-leaseback platform 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 and refinances, so a former sale-leaseback customer can often refinance back into ownership. Each EasyKnock transition scenario is reviewed individually.
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.