“You can't create a lasting home until you own one.”

It isn't unusual these days for newlyweds to have enough income but not enough down payment or credit history to buy their own home. You may be able to make homeownership possible for them--at very little expense to yourself.

If the couple has a small down payment, you could help them avoid the additional expense of paying private mortgage insurance by putting up collateral--Certificates of Deposit, stocks or other assets--until the loan is paid down to a predetermined level. Another option is helping them qualify for the mortgage by co-signing their loan. This pledges you'll be responsible for the mortgage should they default. In that event, your agreement should state that the property would become yours to sell or rent to pay off the loan.