Company Overview
EasyKnock was a pioneering fintech company that brought sale-leaseback solutions to the residential real estate market, allowing homeowners to access their home equity without moving. Founded in 2016 by Jarred Kessler and Ben Black in New York City, EasyKnock offered the first commercialized residential sale-leaseback program in the United States, creating an innovative alternative to traditional home equity loans and reverse mortgages.
The company's core product enabled homeowners to sell their property to EasyKnock and immediately lease it back, providing instant liquidity while allowing them to continue living in their homes. This solution targeted homeowners facing financial challenges, those seeking to avoid foreclosure, or individuals wanting to access equity for business investments or other purposes without the burden of monthly mortgage payments. EasyKnock raised a total of $127 million in venture funding over 9 rounds, with its latest Series D of $28 million led by Northwestern Mutual in February 2024.
During its operations, EasyKnock pursued an aggressive growth strategy through acquisitions, purchasing Ribbon (May 2023), Onder (September 2023), Balance Homes (December 2023), and HomePace (May 2024) to expand its product offerings and market reach. The company partnered with major brands including iHeartMedia and New American Funding to increase awareness and distribution of its services.
However, EasyKnock faced significant legal and regulatory challenges. The platform was subject to consumer lawsuits in Texas, Maryland, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, along with enforcement actions by attorneys general in Michigan and Massachusetts. These legal issues, combined with challenging market conditions for real estate and fintech companies, led to the company's permanent closure in December 2024. The EasyKnock story serves as a cautionary tale about innovative financial products, the importance of regulatory compliance, and the risks inherent in disrupting traditional real estate and lending markets.
The EasyKnock Story
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EasyKnock is an emerging player bringing innovative solutions to the Real Estate & Property Tech market.
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