You Could Use Some of Your Equity To Give Your Children the Gift of Home

If youre a homeowner, chances are youve built up a lot of wealth just by living in your house and watching its value grow over time. And that equity? Its something that could help change your childs life.

Since affordability is still a challenge, a lot of first-time buyers are struggling to buy a home in todays market. Even if they have a stable job and a solid plan, buying can still feel out of reach. But thats where your equity could make all the difference.

To give you an idea, the average homeowner with a mortgage has $311,000 worth of equity, according to Cotality (formerly CoreLogic). Thats significant. And some parents are using a portion of their equity to help their children become homeowners, too.

According to Bank of America, 49% of buyers between 18 and 26 got money from their parents to use toward their down payment (see chart below):

Even though the data doesnt specify how many parents used their equity, the wealth theyve built through homeownership may have helped make it possible especially given how much equity the average homeowner has today.

While whats right for each persons specific situation will vary on a case-by-case basis, thats a powerful legacy to pass on. It helps those younger people buy a home, build equity of their own, and begin the next chapter of their life with a little less financial stress and a lot more stability. And for those parents? Its a way to turn what they've built into something deeply meaningful.

This isnt just about money. For many homeowners, its about being the reason their child gets to say, we got the house. And giving them the kind of head start they mightve only dreamed of at their age. And heres the part that really sticks. Compare the Market says:

Of those who did receive monetary aid from parents and grandparents to buy a house, 45% of Americans said they would not have been able to purchase a house without financial support from parents and grandparents.

Bottom Line

Your equity could be the thing that makes homeownership possible for your children when they might not be able to do it on their own. So, heres the question.

If helping your kids buy a home was more feasible than you thought, would you want to explore that option?

If you want to learn more or find out the best way to make it happen, talk to your lender and a financial advisor you trust.