Helping your children buy their first home is a topic that’s close to many hearts. It’s something many have dealt with personally and professionally, and you may have faced it too. Today’s real estate market is drastically different from when many bought their first property, making it nearly essential for young buyers to seek assistance from their parents. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to structure this help effectively and the considerations to keep in mind.
Imagine your first real estate purchase when you were younger. Like many first-time buyers, you couldn’t afford it on your own. You potentially had to team up with your mother and father to make it happen. This experience teaches the value of family support in home buying. Today, with real estate prices significantly higher, this kind of assistance is even more crucial.
When parents help their kids buy a home, one of the most critical aspects to address is how to structure ownership. It’s essential to discuss and strategize about who gets the profits from a future sale and who is responsible for the payments.
Imagine this scenario: Everything is going smoothly until, suddenly, the child loses their job. Are you prepared to step in and cover the payments? Also, consider how you’ll handle the profits. Some parents might see this as a financial investment and expect a return. Others, like one client, view it as a gift to their child, not expecting any repayment from future profits. These decisions should be clearly defined and put on paper to avoid any misunderstandings.
It’s essential to approach this from both an emotional and financial standpoint. For instance, some parents might want to sacrifice their retirement savings to help their kids. This is a significant risk. Imagine taking $200,000 out of your IRA to help with a down payment. This could create a significant tax liability (most withdrawals from an IRA are taxable and if you are under the age of 59 1/2 , you are subjected to a 10% penalty.) This decision could jeopardize your retirement. It’s advisable to run a financial calculator to understand the long-term impact of such decisions. That $200,000 could grow substantially over the next ten to fifteen years if left invested.
Sometimes, parents find creative ways to help without directly co-signing the loan or gifting a large sum. For example, a father might choose to pay off his daughter’s car loan, thereby improving her debt-to-income ratio and helping her qualify for a mortgage. This approach can be less risky than directly co-signing a home loan.
When helping your child buy a home, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney to protect everyone’s interests. For example, what happens if your child gets divorced? If your child’s spouse is on the title, they might claim a share of the home’s value in a divorce settlement. Proper estate planning can prevent such complications. Ensure that your intentions are clearly documented to avoid any legal disputes down the line.
If you decide to co-own the property, be aware of the responsibilities and potential risks. For instance, being on the loan affects your credit score and debt-to-income ratio. This can impact your ability to finance other purchases, like a retirement home. Furthermore, if your child fails to make mortgage payments, it could negatively affect your credit.
Many parents choose to help their children by gifting them money for a down payment. It’s important to remember that this gift must be properly documented. In the United States, you can gift up to $18,000 per year in 2024 without incurring gift taxes. Both parents can combine their gifts, allowing a total of $36,000 per year per child. This is a generous way to help without directly involving yourself in the mortgage process. Please make sure your tax professional is aware of this gift.
Life is unpredictable, and it’s essential to plan for worst-case scenarios. If your child loses their job and can’t make mortgage payments, do you have a backup plan? This could mean having sufficient savings to cover the mortgage or a clear agreement on how to handle such situations. Make sure to outline these contingencies in writing.
Helping your child buy their first home can be incredibly rewarding. It gives them a head start in life and financial stability. However, it’s a decision that should be made with careful consideration and planning. Talk to financial advisors, accountants, and attorneys to ensure you’re making the best decision for both your and your child’s future.
In conclusion, supporting your child in buying a home is a complex but rewarding process. By structuring the ownership correctly, considering the financial implications, and planning for all eventualities, you can help them achieve their dream of homeownership while safeguarding your financial future. This blend of emotional and practical support can set the stage for their success and your peace of mind.
As always, our team at Sanchez Wealth Management can help you in making these decisions. We also have our team of real estate, mortgage and legal professionals ready to help you.