{"id":8240,"date":"2024-01-15T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-15T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thezakariagroup.com\/homeownership-is-still-at-the-heart-of-the-american-dream\/"},"modified":"2024-01-15T11:30:00","modified_gmt":"2024-01-15T11:30:00","slug":"homeownership-is-still-at-the-heart-of-the-american-dream","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thezakariagroup.com\/homeownership-is-still-at-the-heart-of-the-american-dream\/","title":{"rendered":"Homeownership Is Still at the Heart of the American Dream"},"content":{"rendered":"
Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains at the heart of the American Dream. Unlike renting, owning a home means more than just having a place to live \u2013 it offers a sense of belonging, stability, and freedom. <\/span>According<\/a> to Nicole Bachaud, Senior Economist at <\/span>Zillow<\/em>:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201c<\/em>The American Dream is still owning a home<\/em><\/strong>. There\u2019s a lot of pent-up demand for ownership; that isn\u2019t going to go away.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Let\u2019s explore just a few of the reasons why so many Americans continue to value homeownership.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One possible reason homeownership is viewed so highly is because owning a home is a significant wealth-building<\/a> tool. That may be why Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief and VP of Research at the National Association of Realtors<\/em> (NAR), says<\/a>:<\/p>\n \u201cHomeownership is the number one way to build wealth in America.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Over time, owning a home not only helps boost your own <\/span>net worth<\/a>, but it also sets future generations up for success as you pass that wealth down. <\/span>Habitat for Humanity<\/em> <\/span>explains<\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOverall, homeownership promotes wealth building by acting as a forced savings mechanism and through home value appreciation. Homeowners make monthly payments that increase their equity in their homes by paying down the principal balance of their mortgage. . . . In addition, owning a home promotes intergenerational homeownership and wealth building. Children of homeowners transition to homeownership earlier \u2014 lengthening the period over which they can accumulate wealth . . .\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n It can also provide meaningful financial stability<\/a> compared to renting. When you buy with a fixed-rate mortgage, you can lock in your monthly housing payments for the length of your home loan.<\/p>\n But, owning a home offers more than just financial benefits<\/a>\u2014it benefits you socially and emotionally<\/a> too. Your home<\/a> provides feelings of achievement, responsibility, and more. In a recent survey, Fannie Mae<\/em> outlines<\/a> just a few of these more emotionally-driven benefits, including:<\/p>\n \u201cThe top three were having control over what you do with your living space (94%) to having a sense of privacy and security (91%) and having a good place for your family or to raise your children (90%) . . .\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n If your idea of the American Dream<\/a> involves greater freedom, security, and prosperity, homeownership could be a key player in bringing that dream to life. And with mortgage rates<\/a> now on a downward trend, it might be a good time for you to consider making a move.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re ready and able to buy, know that there are incredible benefits waiting at the end of your journey. You’ll gain more than just a home \u2013 it’s a place to grow your wealth and call your very own. Like Ksenia Potapov, Economist at First American<\/em> says<\/a>:<\/p>\n \u201c…homeownership remains an important driver of wealth accumulation and the largest source of total wealth among most households.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Buying a home is a powerful decision and the cornerstone of the American Dream. If finding a place to call your own is part of your dream<\/a> for this year, connect with a local real estate advisor to start the process today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe Financial Benefits of Owning a Home<\/strong><\/h4>\n
The Non-Financial Benefits of Homeownership<\/strong><\/h4>\n
What Does That Mean for You?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Bottom Line<\/h3>\n