As we ride the tailwinds of our country's 250th birthday there is no better time than now to focus on the American Dream as it applies to homeownership. Setting down roots and owning a home fully embodies our country's Constitutional mandate to "the pursuit of happiness". Homeownership offers a number of important benefits: long-term financial security, a sense of community, and the personal freedom to customize living space without landlord restrictions. Homeownership gives our younger generations "skin in the game" which leads to better civic participation. It's no wonder that homeownership has long been the cornerstone of the American Dream. But today that dream is far out of reach for many, particularly first-time buyers. It's clear that saving the American Dream of homeownership … [Read more...] about Saving the American Dream of Homeownership
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The Problem with High Equity Homeownership
It might seem antithetical that high equity would be a problem for homeowners until you dig a bit deeper. For the last several years many potential sellers wanting to sell have not done so because of the "golden handcuffs" of two to three percent interest rates. But due to life circumstances a number of sellers can no longer wait and must now sell. Meanwhile many buyers are stuck on the sidelines by unaffordable home prices, high interest rates, and skyrocketing insurance expenses. This despite recent findings that inventory is at an all time high and the number of sellers has now outnumbered buyers. But there is another set of handcuffs you and your sellers should be aware of and they are far from golden. Here's more on the problem with high equity homeownership: … [Read more...] about The Problem with High Equity Homeownership
Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Homeownership
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: … [Read more...] about Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Homeownership