This post is an excerpt from the Amazon Bestseller book Pair’d: A Dating Guide to Real Estate Partnership by Nikki Merkerson.
Want more insights like this? Pair’d dives deep into how to build, protect, and thrive in real estate partnerships, from friends and family to matched co-buyers. Whether you’re just getting started or already in a deal, this book gives you the relationship playbook for shared property success. Available now wherever books are sold.
I still remember that lunch break with my work bestie. I had spotted my dream brownstone, but the price tag was beyond what I could get approved for. Looking across the table at the one colleague I knew had both the income to qualify and the financial savvy to understand a good deal, I took a chance.
“Want to buy a property together?”
We treated that partnership like a business from day one. Clear ownership percentages. A defined timeline for refinancing. When the time came, I refinanced the property. He walked away with a profitable return. I got my dream brownstone. Best of all? We’re still friends today.
That experience wasn’t just a one-off win. It taught me the power of co-buying—and how important it is to handle the conversation with care. If you’re thinking about co-buying property with a friend, here’s how to bring it up the right way.
Start with Curiosity, Not Pressure
Instead of leading with numbers, start by feeling out their interest level. Ask if they’ve ever thought about investing in real estate or what their long-term financial goals are. Keep it light. You’re planting a seed, not pitching a deal.
Be Real About the Benefits
Explain why you’re considering co-buying. Let them know how this could increase your buying power, split the upfront costs, and potentially help both of you build equity faster. If you’ve seen a property or have a timeline in mind, share that too—but stay flexible.
Talk Terms Early
One of the biggest reasons co-buying partnerships fall apart is a lack of clarity. In my case, we talked numbers from day one. We outlined who owned what, how decisions would be made, and how either of us could exit if needed. Being upfront isn’t awkward, it’s smart.
Use Tools That Make It Easier
That’s why I created Pairgap. We give people a way to explore co-buying intentionally. From compatibility tests to deal structuring tools, you can take the guesswork out of the process. And once you complete your profile, you unlock access to real co-buyer matches, your readiness score, and planning resources to help you move forward with confidence.
Friendship and Finances Can Coexist
Co-buying property with a friend doesn’t have to be risky if you treat it like the business decision it is. Trust comes from transparency. Success comes from having the right tools and conversations before you sign anything.
Thinking about co-buying with a friend? Complete your Pairgap profile to see if you’re aligned.
