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 a HYSA or investing better for a down payment?

It depends on your timeline. If you are buying within 12 months, a HYSA is the safer choice because your balance is guaranteed and earns interest. If your timeline is 2 or more years, investing in diversified REITs has historically returned ~8% annually, which significantly outpaces even the best HYSA rates. The longer your timeline, the bigger the advantage of investing.

What if HYSA rates drop?

HYSA rates are variable and tied to the federal funds rate. When the Fed cuts rates, HYSA yields fall too. In 2021, many HYSAs paid under 0.5%. The 4-5% rates available today are not guaranteed to last. REIT returns, while they fluctuate year to year, have averaged ~8% historically across many different interest rate environments.

Can I lose money with Bricks?

Yes, investing carries risk. Your balance can decrease in the short term due to market fluctuations. However, over periods of 2 or more years, diversified REIT portfolios have historically delivered positive returns. Your brokerage account is also protected by SIPC insurance up to $500,000. The key is your timeline. Short timelines favor a HYSA. Longer timelines favor investing.

Should I split between a HYSA and Bricks?

A blended approach can work well. Keep your emergency fund and any money you need within 12 months in a HYSA for safety. Invest the rest through Bricks for higher growth potential. This gives you the security of guaranteed savings for near-term needs and the upside of investing for your longer-term down payment goal.

How liquid is my investment with Bricks?

Bricks invests in publicly traded REITs, which are liquid investments. You can sell your shares and have cash in your bank account within 1 to 3 business days. There are no lock-up periods or early withdrawal penalties. It is not as instant as a HYSA transfer, but your money is still readily accessible.

Bricks vs. High-Yield Savings Accounts

A HYSA protects your money. Bricks grows it.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Bricks	HYSA
Type	Investment account (REITs)	Savings account
Returns	~8% avg (historical REIT)	4-5% APY (variable)
Growth	Compound investment returns	Interest on balance
Keeps pace with home prices (3-5%/yr)	Yes	Barely
Tax advantages	Tax loss harvesting	Interest is taxable income
Protection	SIPC up to $500k	FDIC up to $250k
Risk	Market fluctuation	None
Fees	$5/month	Usually none
Best for	2+ year timeline	Under 1 year or emergency fund

The Core Difference

HYSAs are great products. 4-5% is real money. But home prices rise 3-5% per year. A HYSA barely keeps pace, meaning your purchasing power stays flat.

Investing gives your down payment a chance to actually grow faster than the market you're saving to enter. With ~8% historical REIT returns, your money 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:

HYSA at 4.5% APY

~$33,800

Bricks (8% avg return)

~$36,700

~$2,900 more with Bricks

The Difference

~$2,900

Extra toward your down payment

That gap widens significantly over longer periods. Run your own numbers with our Down Payment Timeline Calculator.

When to Choose a HYSA

If you're buying within 12 months and need guaranteed preservation of capital, a HYSA is the right call. It's also the best place for your emergency fund or any money you cannot afford to lose in the short term.

No shame in a HYSA. It's a solid choice for short timelines. If you are very risk-averse and prioritize certainty over growth, a HYSA gives you predictable returns with zero downside.

When to Choose Bricks

If your timeline is 2 or more years, you want your money working in real estate, and you want tax loss harvesting benefits, Bricks is built for you. Investing historically outperforms savings accounts significantly over longer periods.

If you're comfortable with market fluctuation in exchange for higher expected returns, investing gives your down payment the best chance to grow faster than rising home prices.

Ready to invest in your future home?

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