With homeownership expensive, parents are saving for their young kids' down payments

An emerging trend includes parents prepping their kids for homeownership years in advance, said Mary Lee Blaylock, president of Coldwell Banker Affiliates.

Coldwell Banker's September survey found 82% of parents with kids 5 and under are already saving or considering saving for their child's down payment. Fourteen percent of surveyed parents have already done so, compared to 20% who have already stashed money away for their child's college.

Affordability is the key driver. Blaylock said young parents who have just achieved the American dream of homeownership realize exactly how expensive owning…