If you’re a homeowner in the Greenbrier Valley, chances are you’ve built up significant equity…just by living in your home and watching its value grow over time. And that equity? It could be the key to helping your kids step into homeownership when it may otherwise feel out of reach.
Equity That Opens Doors
Affordability remains a challenge, especially for first-time buyers. Even those with steady jobs and savings plans are finding it tough to break into the market. That’s where home equity can make a real difference.
According to Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), the average U.S. homeowner with a mortgage has $311,000 in equity. While numbers here in the Greenbrier Valley tend to be lower than the national average, we’ve seen local homeowners still benefit from strong appreciation over the years. That built-up wealth has helped many families support the next generation’s journey into homeownership…whether through down payment gifts, co-signing, or helping with closing costs.
The Trend We’re Seeing
Bank of America reports that 49% of homebuyers between the ages of 18 and 26 received money from their parents for a down payment. While it’s not always clear how many used their equity to do so, the wealth created through homeownership likely played a role.
We’ve personally worked with parents and grandparents right here in Lewisburg, Ronceverte, Alderson, and beyond who’ve used their home’s value to give their children a leg up…helping them plant roots in this community with greater stability and a lot less stress.
More Than a Financial Move
Helping your child buy a home isn’t just a financial decision,,,it’s a meaningful way to create opportunity and legacy. According to Compare the Market, 45% of young homebuyers who received help from family said they wouldn’t have been able to buy without it.
That’s powerful.
It’s not just about the numbers…it’s about being the reason your child gets to say, “We got the house.” It’s about passing down something that really matters: security, stability, and the pride of homeownership.
The Key Takeaway
If you’ve been wondering how your home’s value could help your kids build a future here in the Greenbrier Valley, we’d love to talk. Every situation is different but we can help you explore what’s possible and connect you with trusted lenders and advisors who can guide you through the process.
Whether you’re in Lewisburg, Fairlea, Renick, or Organ Cave…your home might be the start of the next chapter for someone you love.
About Byron & Kerry:
Byron Rausenberger and Kerry Baldwin are experienced real estate agents based in Lewisburg, West Virginia, serving clients across the Greenbrier Valley, including Greenbrier, Monroe, and Summers Counties. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling property, or relocating to the area, Byron and Kerry offer local expertise, personalized service, and smart real estate strategies to guide you every step of the way.
They specialize in residential homes, land, farms, and investment properties and are known for their community-focused approach, professional marketing, and in-depth knowledge of the West Virginia real estate market.
📍 Serving Lewisburg, WV and surrounding counties
🌐 livinginlewisburgwv.com
📲 Byron: 757-871-3165 | @byronsellshouses
📲 Kerry: 304-503-3445 | @yourwestvirginiahome
Living in Lewisburg, WV 