Tuesday, June 22, 2021 - by Robert Backer, president, Greater Chattanooga Realtors
Each year during June, Greater Chattanooga Realtors joins other associations around the country to celebrate homeownership by showcasing individual homeowners, government officials and various programs that protect and promote the American Dream of homeownership.
The purpose of Homeownership Month is to encourage current and future homeowners to advocate for homeownership and to ensure current and prospective homeowners have their voices heard at local, state and national levels of government.
To many people, the very nature of owning a home offers a sense of pride and security.
It also represents a testament to one’s hard work and sacrifices. As realtors, we believe it is vital to take time out to observe and promote homeownership and the benefits it provides. In addition to personal pride in ownership, homeownership strengthens American communities, offers long-term, generational-building opportunities and helps stabilize and solidify America’s broader economy.
To that point, real estate is an essential driver of our economic growth, accounting for more than 16 percent – or $3 trillion – of America’s Gross Domestic Product. In the United States, home sales support more than 2.5 million private-sector jobs in an average year. And over this past year, thanks in part to millions of dedicated realtors and countless hardworking homebuyers, the real estate industry did its part to keep the country’s economy afloat during the pandemic.
A recent study from NAR – the Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing Report – shows that homeowners tend to be happier and healthier. On average, they vote more, volunteer more and contribute more to their communities. And their children tend to perform better academically and socially, too. In short, homeowners tend to be more involved in their community, and that involvement makes a big impact.
During Homeownership Month and beyond, Greater Chattanooga Realtors continues our Let’s Talk! Diversity & Inclusion web series. This month’s conversation is with our friends at Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise on June 24. Check gcar.net for details or a recording of the webinar if you see this news after the event.
Realtors are looking to engage current and future homeowners – to highlight the importance and critical benefits of homeownership in America. That’s Who We R.