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irst-time homebuyers in the DMV are increasingly relying on their networks to secure down payments, according to local agent Christopher Suranna. This trend is a sign of the tough real estate market. As housing costs skyrocket, 26% of young buyers have used family cash for down payments, up from 23% last year, according to Redfin research.

    It's not just parents helping out; friends and family are also lending a hand. Buyers are pooling funds from various sources, including loans from their 401(k)s or groups of relatives. Suranna notes that this trend ebbs and flows with market conditions.

    The median down payment in the D.C.-area is now $54,381, up from $32,022 in early 2021, according to Realtor.com data. Some couples are even asking loved ones for cash instead of traditional gifts. However, experts warn that those without family resources may be priced out of homeownership.

    President-elect Trump's proposals aim to ease the high cost of housing by relaxing construction regulations and making federal land available for development. Yet, experts say there is no quick fix for the home market's challenges.