Modern homeownership

modern homeownership
Modern Homeownership (infographic from California Association of Realtors car.org)

June is National Homeownership Month.  In recognition of modern homeownership, National Association of Realtors President Elizabeth Mendenhall stated in a June 1st press release that “National Homeownership Month is a time to celebrate and promote the modern American Dream of owning a home.  Homeownership changes lives and enhances futures, and many Americans see it as one of their greatest hopes. These individuals are counting on the nation’s 1.3 million Realtors to champion and protect homeownership and help make it more affordable, attainable and sustainable (nar.realtor).”

The NAR provides a history of celebrating modern homeownership which goes back almost a century (nar.realtor).  The roots of celebrating homeownership go back to the 1920’s when local associations would bring together consumers and brokers during “Real Estate Day” events.  In 1955, the National Association of Realtors created a national “Realtor Week” to promote the value of Realtors when buying a home.  The celebration of modern homeownership began in  1976 when “Realtor Week” was changed to “Private Property Week.”  Then in 1986, the celebration was changed to “American Home Week” to promote owning a home as part of the American Dream.  June became National Homeownership Month through a proclamation by President Bush in 2002, which expanded the American Home Week to include HUD initiatives.  Although 2008 was the last official proclamation of National Homeownership Month, it has been observed annually.  However, last year, President Trump revived the annual proclamation recognizing the significance of homeownership.

Although the idea of homeownership hasn’t changed since the 1920’s, many things have.  For example, buying a home is much easier and affordable today than it was then.  You can now search homes from your couch, rather than driving to individual broker offices.  Additionally, low down payments and thirty-year fixed rate mortgages have made modern homeownership a realty for many.

Of course, some things haven’t changed in a century.  A home is still an asset that maintains relative market value.  Given regular cycles of up and down markets, real estate can appreciate over time.  There are also some tax advantages to owning a home (consult your tax preparer).  Furthermore, owning a home stabilizes communities and encourages civic pride, which positively affect home values.

Additionally, there are many social benefits to homeownership.  Studies demonstrate that home owners tend to be more charitable, have an increased connection to their neighborhood, have an increased general positive life outlook, express an increased self-esteem and higher life satisfaction, and be healthier.  Other studies indicate that children living in owner-occupied homes have higher test scores, higher graduation rates, decreased delinquencies, and an increased participation in organized activities.

homeownership rate
Homeownership Rate (census.gov)

The comparisons of the costs of renting vs. the costs of owning a home hasn’t changed over time.  Of course, the debate takes on a different tone depending on the state of the economy.  During the Great Recession, many believed that owning a home was folly.  Even after the recession, many continued to believe that real estate wasn’t a viable investment, while discounting the other benefits of homeownership.  The homeownership rate bottomed to a modern low of 62.9 percent during the second quarter of 2016 (census.gov).  However, homeownership is back in vogue.  Even with increased home prices and mortgage rates, buying a home today can still be less expensive than renting.

Modern homeownership – your home is a silent witness to your life.

You have a relationship with your home.  When you own a home, your relationship with it is intimate and symbiotic, which contributes to an intangible and intrinsic sense of wholeness.

Original published at https://dankrell.com/blog/2018/06/18/modern-homeownership/

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2018.

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Protected by Copyscape Web Plagiarism DetectorDisclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

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