June is the Month of Homeownership, which is a key component of The American Dream. It began in 1995 as a week-long observance to increase homeownership nationwide. In the early 2000s it was expanded to the entire month of June. Following are meaningful ways to celebrate homeownership:
THE CAUSE FOR HOMEOWNERSHIP
Homeownership is vital to the health of U.S. citizens and the nation in a number of ways:
•Homeownership creates stability for individuals and families.
•Owning a home helps create generational wealth by way of home appreciation over time.
•A home can be used to support overall financial health and opportunity.
•When people own their homes it strengthens neighborhoods and communities, which in turn support cities, states and the nation.
Here are a few meaningful ways to celebrate homeownership:
SPRUCE IT UP
Honor your home by splurging on a new paint job, furniture, or landscaping. Tackle any deferred maintenance and embrace what’s known as “pride of ownership.” Your home is most likely your largest investment and history has shown that homeowners are rewarded financially by owning a home. Protect your investment and show it some love.
GET LOCAL
Connect with the community in which your home resides. By doing business locally you are supporting your local infrastructure which benefits your home investment. Homes appreciate faster when they live in healthy, supportive communities.
HOST A BLOCK PARTY
Get to know your neighbors. There really is nothing like a good neighbor to offer peace of mind within your neighborhood. Host a 4-hour “open house” and invite your neighbors to stop by for a chat and some refreshment. Make time to connect and take care of each other.
HELP GROW HOMEOWNERSHIP
In today’s housing market, know that you are one of the lucky ones if you own your own home. We are all stronger when more people own their own homes. Get in touch with Habitat for Humanity to see how you can help others to become homeowners.
GET YOUR HOME’S PORTRAIT TAKEN
Hire a local artist or drone photographer to create a work of art of your home. It’s fun to compare the image over time as things change in your area.
MAKE A HOME LINTEL
Place a homemade lintel over your front door featuring a message. Ideas include your address, your name, a blessing or poem. Adding this touch gives your home some authentic “personality” and creates good “fung shui.”
CONSIDER A HOME WARRANTY
A home warranty can help protect your home’s systems and appliances. It’s an effective way to help with the maintenance expenses that come with homeownership.