Daijiworld Media Network - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, Feb 6: The aspiration of owning a home remained distant for many millennials and Gen Z individuals worldwide due to exorbitant prices. Consequently, they adopted innovative approaches to homeownership. Recently, a 23-year-old TikToker from Los Angeles named Jeffrey Bryant gained attention after sharing a video of his new home, which he "purchased" from Amazon.
In the viral TikTok video, Bryant exclaimed, "I just bought a house on Amazon. I didn't even think twice about it."
Reported by Metro, the house was a fold-out flat spanning 16.5ft by 20ft, valued at $26,000 (Rs 21,37,416). This compact dwelling featured a built-in shower and toilet, a kitchenette, a living area, and a bedroom. Bryant financed the purchase with the inheritance he recently received from his late grandfather's estate.
Following Bryant's lead, numerous individuals turned to purchasing such tiny homes online as an alternative to coping with soaring rents and daunting house deposits. One Amazon reviewer commented, ‘Loved it! It was affordable and fit me and my dog! Highly recommended’. However, some online skeptics labeled it a ‘waste of money’.
Elaborating on his decision, Bryant explained to the New York Post, "I saw this YouTuber unboxing his Amazon home. And I ran to the website to get one, too."
Despite the purchase, Bryant still needed to arrange for electrical and plumbing work for the house. In a subsequent video, he shared his intention to convert it into an Airbnb for displaced individuals or those facing homelessness.
"The plan was to Airbnb it. That was a smart decision. The electrical, plumbing, and everything, I had all that set up. I just really wanted to get the permits in hand first to move and get everything situated," he stated.
Currently, Bryant is collaborating with a real estate agent to acquire land to place the house on. "As a person of colour and a member of Gen Z, I aimed to inspire others to make prudent financial decisions. People my age are often told that we can't afford to buy homes, but I'm proof that it is possible," he affirmed.