Re: if your parents or in laws offered to buy you a house/give you down payment money...

I think one of the greatest joys of being a parent is being able to give your children what you couldn't have and being able to help them through life, making sure they don't struggle as much as you did. That said, I *think* we would take what were being offered to us. I know DH would with no questions asked. I would have to think about it, but in the long run I think I would.

Since it was never done for me, I do hope to be able to put money aside for my children so one day they can go to college or buy a house - whatever they may choose.

Re: if your parents or in laws offered to buy you a house/give you down payment money...

dh's parents had property upstate that they were selling a few years back, and gave us a large chunk for the down payment of our condo. his parents are fairly well off and he is an only child, plus there was no conditions for the money. i'll be honest, without that money we wouldn't be where we are today. my parents paid around the same amount for our wedding... no real difference in my eyes.
also, we have since sold the condo and bought my grandfather's house... for significantly cheaper than what my dad could have sold it for- he also did major home improvements for us such as windows, siding, sod, fence etc before we moved in. again, no conditions.
dh and i are both civil servants, working our butts off and take a lot of pride in our home... but we know that we wouldn't have what we have, be where we are without the combination of our hard work and both sets of parents helping us get on our feet. to me, there's nothing wrong with it - it's not as though either one of us sit home while they foot our bills. i can only hope to be able to do the same for my children someday.

Re: if your parents or in laws offered to buy you a house/give you down payment money...

Re: if your parents or in laws offered to buy you a house/give you down payment money...

Re: if your parents or in laws offered to buy you a house/give you down payment money...

We just bought our first house and although its tough financially, half the fun of it is knowing that we did it OURSELVES It feels great knowing that (especially at our age) we were able to do this.

I would love a nice big housewarming gift (maybe furniture, maybe some $$ to go towards somethign in the house), but I would never accept money for a downpayment or have family buy us a house. i would forever feel in-debted to them.

Re: if your parents or in laws offered to buy you a house/give you down payment money...

I would !!