Did you use a home down payment registry

smooth84

We did a traditional registry as well as a home down payment registry on hatchmyhouse.com. The registry creates a virtual house and our guests can buy us "items" for an amount they choose and this goes into our Paypal which we will then transfer into savings.

Did any of you ladies use a similiar "money" registry? Any success or did you find out that it wasn't used? As a guest, would you use it if you were planning on giving cash as a gift anyway?

To be clear, we are in no way asking, requiring or expecting our guests to give us money. We are just a young family and buying a house is in our 2 year plan. I figured this was an easy and different way to register.

Thanks

kristinanddan

Would I use it as a guest? Absolutely not.

anna.oskar

I would never use such a registry.  If I know the couple is saving for something like a house or a move, I usually just give a check as does everyone else I know. 

Does that site keep a % as a handling fee?

EDIT:  i went  to the site and read the FAQ

What is the sign-up fee?

‘Recipients’ who use the ‘Services’ provided by Hatch My House are required to pay a $24.95 sign up fee. This fee is used to cover administrative costs associated with your account: server space, PayPal account validation, e-card email service, and graphic and business development.

Is there a transaction fee on my gifts?

Hatch My House does not charge a transaction fee, but PayPal does. For each transaction processed PayPal charges 2.9% + $.30 per transaction. So, if a 'Recipient' receives a $100 gift, they will actually only receive $96.80, unless their 'Donor' opts to pay this fee for the 'Recipient'. In that case, the 'Recipient' will receive the total gift amount, plus or minus a few cents.

Bubbalub

I would never use something like that as a guest. I've never even heard of a house down payment registry. Wtf? Save your own money for your house.

If you really need/want money more than physical gifts then just make a small gift registry and let people know you would appreciate cash gifts by word-of-mouth.

noodle_oo

This sounds horrible.  Would I use it as guest?  NO WAY.  Would I judge the couple for having it?  YES I WOULD.

The worst part about this to me is that you said it lets the guest "choose items for the virtual house" to buy, but you do'nt actually get those items, you just get cash right?  That sounds so tacky to me.  And almost deceptive if it isn't clear to the guest that you aren't actually buying those items.  Terrible idea.

If I knew the couple wanted cash, I'd rather just give them a check.

caitm730

I would not use this as a guest. It may be a great site, but it kinda sounds like a scam to me. I would rather buy the couple a gift that took some thought and effort. Even if I was planning on giving cash, I would not use this type of website.

nackiejichole

Would I use it as a bride? No I wouldn't but I own my own home already so I guess it's a moot point.
Would I use it as a guest? Absolutely. It would make me happy to help you get into your first home.

smooth84

Thanks for your opinions. When I signed up for it I thought it was a good idea and so did everyone that I asked, FI,FMIL, mom, etc. Could be we all know that we are currently saving for a house so it seemed logical. I didn't have to pay the sign up fee. I don't see how this is tacky, rude or gross. What's the difference btw this and a honeymoon registry? You're still asking for money. I'm all for opposing opinions and constructive criticism but those comments are unnecessary and pointless. This info is on our website only and like I said there are traditional options for those who would like to give us a wedding gift. But thanks again for your opinions, good and bad, it gives me a good idea how our guests may perceive it so it's food for thought.

SaraAndrew2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_did-use-home-down-payment-registry?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:34Discussion:42027309-5fb5-4e4f-9007-073a350d4becPost:9f9ef624-d587-4aac-8506-f16f5db5f527">Re: Did you use a home down payment registry</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks for your opinions. When I signed up for it I thought it was a good idea and so did everyone that I asked, FI,FMIL, mom, etc. Could be we all know that we are currently saving for a house so it seemed logical. I didn't have to pay the sign up fee. I don't see how this is tacky, rude or gross. <strong>What's the difference btw this and a honeymoon registry? You're still asking for money.</strong> I'm all for opposing opinions and constructive criticism but those comments are unnecessary and pointless. This info is on our website only and like I said there are traditional options for those who would like to give us a wedding gift. But thanks again for your opinions, good and bad, it gives me a good idea how our guests may perceive it so it's food for thought.
Posted by smooth84[/QUOTE]

Exactly!  Down payment registries and honeymoon registries are both tacky. 

nda_roxybabe

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_did-use-home-down-payment-registry?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:34Discussion:42027309-5fb5-4e4f-9007-073a350d4becPost:b0b01fdc-b49b-4841-90bc-e1d563898b43">Did you use a home down payment registry</a>:
[QUOTE]We did a traditional registry as well as a home down payment registry on hatchmyhouse.com. The registry creates a virtual house and our guests can buy us "items" for an amount they choose and this goes into our Paypal which we will then transfer into savings. Did any of you ladies use a similiar "money" registry? Any success or did you find out that it wasn't used? As a guest, would you use it if you were planning on giving cash as a gift anyway? To be clear, we are in no way asking, requiring or expecting our guests to give us money. We are just a young family and buying a house is in our 2 year plan. I figured this was an easy and different way to register. Thanks
Posted by smooth84[/QUOTE]

I would never, ever use it as a guest or as an engaged couple. I find it tacky. People will still give you money, without registering for it.

ps. you two are a cute couple

nda_roxybabe

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_did-use-home-down-payment-registry?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:34Discussion:42027309-5fb5-4e4f-9007-073a350d4becPost:59620998-44e2-4ab6-9106-27d806a37782">Re: Did you use a home down payment registry</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Did you use a home down payment registry : Exactly!  Down payment registries and honeymoon registries are both tacky. 
Posted by SaraAndrew2010[/QUOTE]
Agreed. It's no different than a honeymoon registery which is the problem.

flutgrl1

I would totally give someone money for a DP registry. It is more of a practical gift than towels. But then again I love to see traditions go by the wayside.

MNVegas

Why would a guest give you cash thru a website when they can just write a check and put it in a card to give at the wedding?  Plus I can't stand it when people ask for cash gifts. If I want to give cash as a gift, that is my decision to make, but I am not giving cash because someone asks me to give it to them.

flutgrl1

Being able to send my money gift electronically would save me the stress of having to buy a card (I generally shop online not in person at stores and always have to find a CVS on way to weddings to buy a card)

It would be more convenient to just click and send in advance no matter if a cut is taken out, convenience is everything to me

deepcovejackie

That's true, you wouldn't even need to get a card.  How easy.  How convenient.  How impersonal. 

Downpayment, cash and honeymoon regsitries are solicitations for money from your guests.  That's why it's seen is rude.  I agree, rude.

nda_roxybabe

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_did-use-home-down-payment-registry?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:34Discussion:42027309-5fb5-4e4f-9007-073a350d4becPost:f2a51b1e-55c8-402d-b595-80b31cc967bb">Re: Did you use a home down payment registry</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>That's true, you wouldn't even need to get a card.  How easy.  How convenient.  How impersonal</strong>.  Downpayment, cash and honeymoon regsitries are solicitations for money from your guests.  That's why it's seen is rude.  I agree, rude.
Posted by deepcovejackie[/QUOTE]
Love it!

smooth84

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_registering-gifts_did-use-home-down-payment-registry?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:34Discussion:42027309-5fb5-4e4f-9007-073a350d4becPost:ee23bde4-9bc6-4157-8a74-07fe9c9ccdc4">Re: Did you use a home down payment registry</a>:
[QUOTE] ps. you two are a cute couple
Posted by nda_roxybabe[/QUOTE]

Thanks!! :)

smooth84

When I mentioned the honeymoon registry I meant that they seem to be used more and seem to be more accepted. Some think its cool..and others do not. I know that majority of our guests will give cash as a gift, not because we are asking, that's how my FIs family is at weddings. This was just alternative option, we will still be buying a house whether we receive cash gifts or not...Whether you think its rude or tacky is neither here nor there, I just wanted to know if as a guest you would feel comfortable using the registry..so thanks for your answers, its definetely given me some things to consider.

Happy Wedding Planning to All!!

MissMandey

The way I see it, when I am a guest at someone's wedding, the thing I want to get them the most is the thing that they want the most. If it's money, okay. If it's help towards a downpayment, okay. My $75 is the same $75 to me no matter what i spend it on. If it means more to you in the form of cash or a registry contribution (be it for home or honeymoon), then by all means I'd want it to go there. Just tell me who to make the check out to..That being said, I wouldn't have one because it really does seem (well, not just seem...because you are) that you're asking for money. It's just not good form.