Yes. Your contributions are invested into diversified real estate ETFs (REITs), which own portfolios of income-producing properties. This gives you exposure to real estate returns without buying property directly.

How much do I need to invest with Bricks?

There's no minimum. Set whatever monthly amount works for you. Even $100/month builds meaningful progress over time. Consistency matters more than amount.

When will Bricks launch?

We're releasing Bricks gradually through our waitlist. Join now to secure your spot. The more friends you refer, the higher you climb.

Is my money safe with Bricks?

Your investments are held at a registered brokerage and are SIPC-insured up to $500,000. We never hold your money directly.

Can I withdraw my money from Bricks?

Yes, your investments are yours. You can withdraw anytime, though we encourage staying invested for the long-term to maximize your downpayment growth.

Should I invest in crypto or save for a house?

It depends on your risk tolerance and timeline. If you need your down payment within a specific timeframe, crypto's extreme volatility makes it a risky choice. A single downturn could set you back years. REITs offer more predictable growth at ~8% historically, making them better suited for goal-based saving with a deadline.

Is crypto too risky for a down payment?

For most people saving toward a specific goal, yes. Crypto can lose 50-70% of its value in a single year, as it did in 2022. If you are planning to buy a home in 3-5 years, that kind of drawdown could delay your purchase significantly. A more predictable investment like diversified REITs carries risk too, but drawdowns are typically 10-20%, not 50-70%.

Can I use Bitcoin gains for a down payment?

Yes, you can sell crypto and use the proceeds for a down payment. Keep in mind that you will owe capital gains taxes on any profits, which reduces your effective gains. Mortgage lenders may also require documentation showing the source of funds and that the money has been in your account for at least 60 days.

Are REITs safer than crypto?

REITs are significantly less volatile than cryptocurrency. Historically, REIT drawdowns have been in the 10-20% range during downturns, compared to 50-70% for crypto. REITs also pay regular dividends, providing income even during market dips. Additionally, REIT investments through a brokerage are SIPC-insured up to $500,000, while crypto has no SIPC or FDIC protection.

Can I use both Bricks and Coinbase?

Yes. Some people keep their goal-based savings (like a down payment fund) in more predictable investments like REITs through Bricks, while using a separate allocation for speculative crypto investing through Coinbase. The key is not to risk your down payment on an asset class that could lose half its value before you need it.

Bricks vs. Coinbase

Crypto can make you rich. It can also set your down payment back years. There's a steadier path.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Bricks	Coinbase
Asset type	Diversified REITs (real estate)	Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
Historical returns	~8% avg annually	Highly variable (-65% to +300% in a year)
Volatility	Low to moderate	Extreme
Income	Regular REIT dividends	None (unless staking)
Tied to housing market	Yes	No
Tax loss harvesting	Yes	Manual
Protection	SIPC up to $500k	No SIPC/FDIC on crypto
Monthly cost	$5/month	Trading fees (0-3.5%)
Risk level	Moderate	Very high
Best for	Predictable, goal-based saving	Speculative growth

The Core Difference

Coinbase is a crypto exchange. It's great for speculative investing if you have a high risk tolerance and a long, flexible timeline. But crypto's extreme volatility makes it dangerous for money you need by a specific date. Bitcoin dropped 65% in 2022. If that was your down payment fund, you'd have been years behind your goal.

Bricks invests in diversified REITs, which are tied to the real estate market. Returns are more predictable, dividends provide regular income, and your investment grows alongside the housing market you're saving to enter.

The Volatility Problem

When you're saving for a down payment, you need your money to be there when you're ready. Crypto can double in a year or lose half its value. If you're planning to buy in 3 years and the market crashes in year 2, you might need to delay your purchase by years.

REITs have drawdowns too, but they're typically in the 10-20% range, not 50-70%. And REIT dividends continue paying even during market dips, cushioning losses.

Let's Do the Math

Here's what $500/month for 3 years looks like depending on your returns:

Bricks (8% avg REIT returns)

~$20,200

Coinbase (if crypto returns 15%)

~$22,400

Coinbase (if crypto returns -20%)

~$14,400

The range for crypto is enormous. You could end up ahead or significantly behind.

Run your own numbers with our Down Payment Timeline Calculator.

When to Choose Coinbase

Coinbase makes sense when you have money you can afford to lose. It's a good fit if you're speculating beyond your down payment fund, you have a very long and flexible timeline, and you believe in crypto long-term. Just be prepared to stomach 50%+ drawdowns along the way.

If crypto is part of your broader investment strategy and not the sole vehicle for your down payment, Coinbase is a solid platform. The key is separating speculative money from goal-based money.

When to Choose Bricks

If you need your money by a specific date, you want predictable growth tied to real estate, and you want regular dividend income, Bricks is the better fit. You can't afford to lose 50% of your down payment in a crash when you're planning to buy in a few years.

Your money grows alongside the housing market you're saving to enter. REIT dividends provide consistent income, and tax loss harvesting helps reduce your tax bill each year. It's investing designed for a specific goal with a specific timeline.

Your down payment deserves a steady path

Bricks automatically invests for your future home. Join the waitlist for early access.

About Coinbase

Coinbase is the largest US cryptocurrency exchange, publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker COIN. It offers trading in hundreds of cryptocurrencies, staking rewards, and self-custody wallets. Founded in 2012, it serves over 100 million users globally.

Coinbase is a well-regarded platform for buying, selling, and holding cryptocurrency. This comparison is not about the quality of Coinbase as a product. It is about whether crypto is the right asset class for money you need by a specific date.