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?

We recommend investing 15-20% of your monthly rent. There's no minimum, but consistency matters more than amount. Even $100/month builds meaningful progress over time.

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.

Can I actually save for a specific house I found online?

Yes! That's exactly what this tool is designed for. Enter the home's listing price (or a similar home in your target area) and your financial details to get a personalized savings timeline. While that specific home may sell before you're ready, having a concrete price target keeps you focused and on track.

What if home prices go up while I'm saving?

Home prices typically appreciate 3-5% per year. This calculator shows your timeline based on today's price, but you should factor in appreciation. One advantage of investing through Bricks is that your money grows alongside (and often faster than) home prices, helping you keep pace with the market.

Should I choose FHA or conventional?

FHA is great for getting into a home faster with less money down (3.5%), but you'll pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. Conventional with less than 20% down requires PMI, which drops off once you reach 20% equity. If you can afford to wait for 20% down, you'll have the lowest monthly payment — but you'll also build equity slower. There's no wrong answer, just trade-offs.

How accurate is this calculator?

This calculator provides an estimate based on historical average returns (8% for REIT investing, 4% for savings accounts). Actual returns will vary and are not guaranteed. The tool is designed to help you compare scenarios and set realistic expectations, not to provide financial advice.

Does Bricks let me earmark savings for a specific home?

Bricks tracks your overall progress toward your down payment goal. You set a target home price and down payment percentage, and Bricks shows your progress as "bricks" — each $100 invested is one brick. When you're ready to buy, you can withdraw your funds for any home you choose.

Free Calculator

How Long to Save for Your Dream Home?

Enter a home price and see exactly how long it will take to save the down payment — with a detailed plan for 3.5%, 10%, and 20% down.

Home Price

Or paste a Zillow URL (optional)

We'll extract the address for display. Enter the price manually above.

City

Monthly Rent

Monthly Income

Current Savings

Invest this percentage of your rent

$250/month

Make it automatic

Bricks invests toward your down payment every month, so you don't have to think about it.

Why You Should Save for a Specific Home

Abstract financial goals are hard to stick to. Research shows that specific, concrete goals increase follow-through by up to 42%. Instead of "save for a house someday," try "save $45,000 for the 3-bedroom on Oak Street." When you can picture the actual home — the neighborhood, the layout, the backyard — your monthly savings feel less like a sacrifice and more like a step toward something real. That's why we built this tool: to connect your savings plan to an actual home price.

How Much Down Payment Do You Really Need?

Down payment requirements vary widely based on your loan type and financial situation: - FHA Loan (3.5% down): Best for first-time buyers with lower credit scores. On a $400,000 home, that's $14,000 down. - Conventional Loan (10% down): A middle ground that reduces PMI costs. On a $400,000 home, that's $40,000. - Conventional Loan (20% down): Eliminates PMI entirely. On a $400,000 home, that's $80,000. Don't forget closing costs (typically 2-5% of the purchase price) and an emergency fund. A complete home purchase budget is more than just the down payment.

The Power of Investing While You Save

When you're saving for a home that costs $350,000 or more, the difference between a savings account and investing becomes substantial. Example: Saving $500/month for a $70,000 down payment (20% on $350K): - Savings account (4% APY): ~10.5 years - Investing in REITs (8% avg return): ~8.2 years That's over 2 years of extra rent you'd pay while waiting. At $2,000/month rent, that's $48,000+ in additional rent payments. The math strongly favors investing for anyone with a 3+ year timeline.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the home price you're targeting (you can paste a Zillow URL to pull in the address) 2. Enter your current monthly rent and income 3. Add any savings you've already set aside 4. Choose your investment percentage 5. Compare timelines across three down payment scenarios The calculator assumes 8% average annual returns for investing (historical REIT average) and 4% APY for a high-yield savings account. Actual returns will vary.

Tips for Reaching Your Down Payment Goal Faster

Beyond consistent investing, here are proven strategies to accelerate your savings: - Automate your contributions so you never forget or skip a month - Increase your contribution percentage by 1-2% every time you get a raise - Direct any windfalls (tax refunds, bonuses, gifts) toward your down payment fund - Look into down payment assistance programs — many states offer grants or low-interest loans for first-time buyers - Consider house hacking: rent out a room or unit to offset your housing costs while saving

Frequently Asked Questions

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