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.

Is renting always worse than buying?

Not always. In very expensive markets or for short stays (under 3 years), renting can be financially optimal. But over 5+ year horizons, buying almost always builds more wealth due to equity accumulation and home appreciation. The key factor is time — the longer you own, the more the math favors buying.

How much equity does a homeowner build in 10 years?

On a $400,000 home with 20% down and a 6.5% mortgage rate, a homeowner builds approximately $120,000-$180,000 in equity over 10 years through loan paydown (~$65,000) and home appreciation (~$55,000-$115,000 depending on market). Meanwhile, a renter paying equivalent amounts builds $0 in housing equity.

What about the costs of homeownership?

Homeowners pay property taxes (typically 1-2% of home value annually), insurance, maintenance (budget 1-2% of home value), and sometimes HOA fees. These costs are real and should be factored in. However, even after accounting for all ownership costs, homeowners typically build significantly more wealth over time than renters in the same market.

Can renters invest to close the wealth gap?

Yes. While renters don't build housing equity, they can invest in other assets to build wealth. REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) offer exposure to real estate returns without buying property. Bricks makes this easy by automatically investing a percentage of your rent into diversified REITs, helping you build toward a future down payment.

How does home appreciation compare to stock market returns?

National home appreciation averages 3-5% per year, while the stock market averages 8-10%. However, homeownership provides leverage — with 20% down, you control 100% of the asset. A 4% appreciation on a $400,000 home is $16,000 — a 20% return on an $80,000 down payment. This leverage makes real estate one of the most powerful wealth-building tools for ordinary Americans.

Free Tool

The Wealth Gap Between Renters and Homeowners

See how much wealth renters miss out on compared to homeowners in your city — and what you can do about it.

City (auto-fills data)

Monthly Rent

Home Price (for comparison)

Years Renting: 10

1 yr15 yr30 yr

Close the gap

Bricks helps renters invest toward homeownership, so your rent money starts working for you.

The Renter's Wealth Gap: By the Numbers

According to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, the median homeowner's net worth is over 40 times greater than the median renter's. This isn't primarily because homeowners earn more — it's because homeownership is a forced savings mechanism. Every mortgage payment builds equity. Every rent payment builds someone else's equity. Over a 10-year period, a homeowner paying $2,000/month on a $400,000 home will accumulate roughly $120,000-$180,000 in equity through principal paydown and appreciation. A renter paying the same amount accumulates $0.

Why the Gap Keeps Growing

The wealth gap between renters and homeowners compounds over time for three reasons: 1. Home appreciation: Homes appreciate an average of 3-5% per year. On a $400,000 home, that's $12,000-$20,000 in value created annually — wealth the renter never sees. 2. Mortgage paydown: Each monthly payment reduces the loan balance. After 10 years of a 30-year mortgage, roughly 20-25% of the original loan is paid off. 3. Rent increases: Renters face 3-5% annual rent increases with no offsetting equity. Homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages have stable payments that become cheaper relative to income over time.

The Rent vs Buy Calculation in 2026

The rent vs buy decision is more nuanced than "buying is always better." In some high-cost markets, renting and investing the difference can make financial sense — especially in the short term. However, for most renters planning to stay in an area for 5+ years, buying builds significantly more wealth. The chart above assumes a 20% down payment and a 30-year fixed mortgage at current rates. Key factors that shift the calculation: - Length of stay (buying favors longer timelines) - Local price-to-rent ratio - Interest rates - Down payment amount - Tax benefits of homeownership

What Renters Can Do Right Now

If buying isn't possible today, you can still close the wealth gap: 1. Invest a portion of your rent into assets that grow — like REITs, which give you real estate exposure without owning property. 2. Build your credit score to qualify for better mortgage rates when you're ready. 3. Research first-time buyer programs in your state — many offer grants and low-interest loans. 4. Set a specific savings target tied to a real home price in your market. Bricks is designed specifically for this: helping renters invest toward homeownership while they rent, so the gap stops growing.

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