Contact:

Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
407/438-1400, ext. 2314
JeffZ@far.org

Marla Martin, Communications Manager
407/438-1400, ext. 2326
MarlaM@far.org

Florida Association of Realtors® Celebrates June As National Homeownership Month

ORLANDO, Fla., June 2005 -- 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 2005 as National Homeownership Month. 

“As Realtors, we work every day to help people realize the American Dream of owning their own home,” says 2005 FAR President Frank Kowalski. “Opening the door to homeownership helps families find security and stability. Buying a home is not just the best financial investment that most people make in their lifetime, it also gives them a sense of place. Our homes hold our hopes, dreams and memories.” 

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 remained at a record 69.1 percent in the first quarter of 2005. 

“Our more than 1 million members have the experience, the energy and the enthusiasm required to find just the right home for people of all ages, all races and nationalities, and all walks of life,” says National Association of Realtors® (NAR) President Al Mansell. “While homeownership in the United States is at record high levels, there is still a great opportunity to help millions more have a home to call their own. And Realtors have a great responsibility to help make that happen.” 

Kowalski 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 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 “Open the Door to Homeownership!” to members. For more information, Realtors can go to: http://www.realtor.org/nhom.nsf/pages/home

The Florida Association of Realtors, the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its more than 125,000 members in 70 boards/associations.

© 2005 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS