June is National Homeownership Month, a time of year when Florida Realtors®, Realtors® across the U.S. and others celebrate the importance of owning a home and the impact it has on the lives of American families, local communities and the nation’s economic health.
“Every day, Realtors promote housing opportunities and help people realize their dreams of homeownership,” says 2021 Florida Realtors President Cheryl Lambert, broker-owner with Only Way Realty Citrus in Inverness. “Opening the door to homeownership helps families find security and stability. While buying a home is usually the biggest financial investment someone may make in their lifetime, it also offers a sense of place and community. The impact of homeownership isn’t just measured in dollars and equity, but in the priceless memories of the lives that people share and the future they build together in their homes.”
For generations of families, homeownership has been essential to achieving the American dream. Beyond the emotional benefits, homeownership builds household wealth. A homeowner’s average net worth in 2019 was $254,500 – about 40 times that of a renter at $6,270, according to the Federal Reserve.
President Joe Biden issued a proclamation recognizing June as National Homeownership Month, showcasing homeownership as source of economic strength and the need to increase the ranks of homeowners, especially among minorities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the homeownership rate in Florida was 68.10% in first quarter 2021; the U.S. homeownership rate was 65.6% for the same period.
This national spotlight on homeownership began as a weeklong recognition in 1995 and was first proclaimed to last the entire month of June in 2002 under former President George W. Bush.
With the help of materials from Florida Realtors, Realtors are celebrating June as Homeownership Month with homebuyers and sellers in communities across Florida.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers more information about homeownership, housing policies, programs, counseling and more.
Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to about 200,000 members in 51 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Newsroom is available at http://floridarealtors.org/newsroom.
