Marla Martin, Communications Manager, or Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
407/438-1400, ext. 2326 or 2314
Florida Association of Realtors® Celebrates June As National Homeownership Month
ORLANDO, Fla., June 7, 2006 – Opening the doors to homeownership is a top priority for Florida Realtors® and the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). Therefore, Realtors across the state and throughout the U.S. are joining forces to promote housing opportunities and the removal of barriers to homeownership in recognition of June 2006 as National Homeownership Month.
"As Realtors, we work every day to help people realize the American Dream of owning their own home," says 2006 FAR President Mike Dooley. "Opening the door to homeownership helps families find security and stability. Buying a home is the biggest and best financial investment that most people make in their lifetime, but it also gives them a sense of place. Florida's homeownership rate of 72.4 percent in 2005 represented a record high level, but there is still a great opportunity to help more people have a home to call their own. And Florida Realtors have the great privilege of helping to make that happen."
Recognizing June as National Homeownership Month encourages all in the real estate and housing industries to promote homeownership as source of economic strength and to increase the ranks of homeowners, especially among minorities. The White House has challenged public and private entities to work together to boost homeownership by 5.5 million homeowners by 2010. According to the most recent U.S. Census data, the overall U.S. homeownership rate was 68.5 percent in the first quarter of 2006, down from the record 69.1 percent homeownership rate in first quarter of 2005.
"Realtors build communities and we are carrying out the nation’s housing mission -- helping to elevate homeownership to more than 69 percent of U.S. households," says National Association of Realtors® (NAR) President Thomas M. Stevens.
Dooley adds that homeownership serves as a solid foundation for communities, instilling pride and a sense of belonging among individuals. Research on homeownership supports Realtors’ belief that homeownership provides a variety of tangible and intangible benefits to the community, the economy and the individual homeowner. For instance, studies have found that homeowners volunteer for political and charitable causes more frequently than renters do. Also, children whose parents own their own home tend to do better in school and to be better behaved; the greater stability of homeownership also has been found to be good for child development, according to recent research.
As part of National Homeownership Month, Realtors sponsor activities such as property improvements to aid the needy, essay contests centering on the theme of homeownership, financial counseling, homebuyer fairs and neighborhood revitalization initiatives, to name just a few of the events going on nationwide. To encourage involvement, NAR is offering a promotional kit called “It Takes a Realtor" to members and local Realtor organizations. For more information, Realtors can go to: http://www.realtor.org/nhom.nsf/pages/home
The Florida Association of Realtors (FAR), the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its nearly 155,000 members in 68 boards/associations.
© 2006 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
