THANKS to a new “Like You Own It” program, renting is becoming a viable investment option over purchasing a home.
The program aids renters in saving up to eventually buy a house, and they only need to meet one eligibility requirement.
3
In the post-pandemic world, lingering high interest rates and mortgage rates have led to economic uncertainty that has significantly slowed the housing market.
Many potential homebuyers are discouraged by high monthly payments, pushing many Americans to rent over buy.
While the housing market seems much more bleak than a few years ago, innovations in the space are offering a beacon of hope to those looking to eventually purchase a home.
Roots, a fast-growing real estate investment platform, is helping Americans to build up wealth while renting.
The company was launched in 2021 by co-founder and CEO Daniel Dorfman, who noticed that that homeownership was a far-fetched dream for many people.
The average renting family has saved under $650, spending more than 40% of their income on rent.
Inspired to help others, Dorfman founded the Roots Investment Community to partner with renters in a “Live in it Like You Own it” proprietary proposition.
Under the company model, renters are rewarded for simply taking care of their properties.
In exchange for being a good renter, they receive quarterly rebates and bonuses.
Roots renters can then invest their deposit and quarterly rebates into the Roots fund, with their investment growing over time.
Renters in the “Live in it Like You Own it” program see annual returns of roughly 12% to 15%, helping to boost their finances so that they can eventually buy their own home.
Those who participate in the program can grow their wealth by over $7,500 in five years, according to Dorfman, with Roots renters already saving over $760,000 to date.
FINANCIAL PARTNERSHIP
Dorfman created the Roots company to establish a “win-win ecosystem that creates partners, not tenants.”
The company is working to disrupt the rental industry by breaking the stereotype of the often antagonistic relationship that renters have with their landlords.
What is Roots?
Based in Atlanta, Roots is a real estate impact investment company that aims to offer opportunities for renters to build wealth while they rent.
Its “Live in it Like You Own it” proprietary program is a partnership with its residents to take care of their properties in exchange for quarterly rebates and bonuses.
The company was recognized as a 2024 Pacesetter by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and has homed over 700 residents.
Roots is hoping to grow real estate investment opportunities for one million renting families by 2028.
While losing your security deposit was once the norm, and landlords expected renters to damage their property, Roots is working to revolutionize the renting environment as it naturally evolves.
“For those not ready or unable to buy, renting becomes more attractive when mortgage affordability drops,” said the CEO.
“Renters today can focus on saving, improving credit, and positioning themselves for ownership when the market stabilizes.
“In the meantime, smart renters can leverage programs like wealth-building rewards, credit reporting, and flexible payment structures to build their financial foundation while they rent.”
In addition to the “Live in it Like You Own it” program, Dorfman launched FreeRent.org to further aid renters.
The nonprofit affiliate provides rental assistance and support to create long-term stability, through initiatives such as an annual grant, wealth-building opportunities, and financial education resources.
TMX contributed to this article.
With housing costs high, many Americans are turning to tiny homes as an alternative living option.
Amazon is selling a tiny home kit for $10,650 – it’s a perfect option for a cabin or outdoor villa and arrives in days.
Plus, the online retailer is selling an “economic” tiny home for just $13,704 – it’s movable, expandable, and delivered in two weeks.
3
3