Independence is one thing we’re suppose to acquire as we get older. The US housing market, however, is impeding Americans from becoming financially self-sufficient.
This article found on Bloomberg states that in the past year, 27% of first-time home buyers received money from parents in order to place a down payment. This is disheartening, strangely interesting, and relevant for several reasons:
- The market moves towards equilibrium. I found this to be a really interesting example. As annual incomes decrease and housing prices increase, people come up with the money with the help of their parents, especially when rental rates go up.
- The market doesn’t adjust for everyone. While parental contributions abate the issue for non-minorities, it is improbable that parents of minorities are homeowners who have cash reserves built-up. This solution unfortunately isn’t equitable.
- Life is full of Catch 22’s. We go to university to get a higher education and a job to support ourselves. But first, we need money to pay for that education. Similarly, it’s easier to buy a house when you already own a house, because down payment rates substantially are lower.
And thus we are back to square one. I can only hope that our future as first-time home buyers is somehow less arduous.
Photo Sources:
http://www.multiplemayhemmamma.com/2013/01/kids-do-chores-ear-allowance.html#sthash.x3sdWmAj.dpbs
http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/saving-for-a-house