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.

Is Bricks or Foyer better for saving for a house?

It depends on your timeline. If you plan to buy within 12 months, Foyer's savings account offers zero risk and a small deposit match. If your timeline is 2 or more years, Bricks invests your money into diversified REITs, which have historically returned ~8% annually. The longer your timeline, the bigger the advantage of investing over saving.

How does Foyer's 6% deposit match work?

Foyer offers a deposit match on contributions to your savings account. The Basic plan (free) includes a 3% match, while the Foyer+ plan ($99/year) offers a 6% match. The match is applied to your deposits, but it is capped. You need the paid plan to access the higher match rate.

Is Bricks risky compared to Foyer?

Bricks invests in diversified REITs, which carry market risk. Your balance can fluctuate in the short term. However, over periods of 2 or more years, REITs have historically delivered strong returns averaging ~8% annually. Foyer is a savings account with no market risk but much lower growth. Your choice should depend on your timeline and risk tolerance.

Can I use both Bricks and Foyer?

Yes. Some people split their savings strategy. You could keep short-term funds (money you need within a year) in Foyer for safety, while investing longer-term down payment savings through Bricks for higher growth potential. The two products serve different purposes and can complement each other.

What happens if the market drops?

If the market drops, your Bricks balance will temporarily decrease. This is normal for any investment account. Historically, REIT markets have recovered from downturns, and staying invested through volatility has been rewarded over longer time horizons. If your timeline is under a year, a savings account like Foyer may be more appropriate to avoid short-term fluctuations.

Bricks vs. Foyer Savings

Both help renters save for a home. One invests your money. The other doesn't.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Bricks	Foyer Savings
Type	Investment account (REITs)	Savings account
Returns	~8% avg (historical REIT returns)	3.33% APY (Foyer+) / 0.67% (Basic)
Deposit match	N/A	6% (Foyer+) / 3% (Basic)
Monthly cost	$5/month	Free or $99/year (Foyer+)
SIPC/FDIC	SIPC-insured up to $500k	FDIC-insured (via partner bank)
Tax loss harvesting	Yes	No
Bank connection	Plaid	Not disclosed
Risk	Market fluctuation	None
Best for	2+ year timeline	Under 1 year timeline

The Core Difference: Investing vs. Saving

Foyer is a savings account with a marketing angle. The 6% deposit match sounds compelling, but it's capped and requires the $99/year Foyer+ plan to access. At 3.33% APY, your money grows slowly.

Bricks invests your money into diversified REITs. Historically, REITs have returned ~8% annually. Your money doesn't just sit there. It works in real estate alongside the properties you're saving to buy.

Let's Do the Math

Here's what $500/month looks like over 5 years across each option:

Foyer Savings (3.33% APY)

~$32,800

Foyer+ with 6% match

~$34,100

After $495 in fees

Bricks (8% avg return)

~$36,700

~$2,600 more than Foyer+

That's roughly $2,600 more with Bricks, and this gap widens significantly over longer periods. Run your own numbers with our Down Payment Timeline Calculator.

When to Choose Foyer

If you're buying within 12 months and want zero risk, a savings account makes sense. Foyer's deposit match adds a small bonus on top. If your timeline is short, preserving capital matters more than growth.

Foyer is also a reasonable option if you prefer the simplicity of a savings account and don't want any exposure to market fluctuations. For very short timelines, the predictability is valuable.

When to Choose Bricks

If your timeline is 2 or more years, investing historically outperforms savings accounts significantly. The longer your timeline, the bigger the advantage. Tax loss harvesting provides additional value by reducing your tax bill each year.

Your money grows with the real estate market, keeping pace with rising home prices. This is important because while you're saving, home prices often keep climbing. A savings account earning 3% can't keep up with a housing market that has historically appreciated faster than that.

Ready to invest in your future home?

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

About Foyer Savings

Foyer is a fintech company (not a bank) that offers savings accounts through Pacific West Bank. They provide a deposit match program and a higher APY for paid members through their Foyer+ plan. The company was founded to help renters save for homeownership.

Deposits are FDIC-insured through their partner bank. Foyer offers a free tier with 0.67% APY and a 3% deposit match, as well as the Foyer+ plan at $99/year with 3.33% APY and a 6% deposit match.