RSS feed for Items tagged 'Home Ownership Matters'

See Highlights From the Historic REALTOR® Rally

Check out photos, videos, and Tweets about the Rally to Protect the American Dream.

Housing Will Play a Major Role in Presidential Election, Say Leading Political Insiders

WASHINGTON (May 15, 2012) - Housing and the economic recovery will play a large part in deciding the outcome of the 2012 presidential election, according to public policy experts at today's Legislative and Political Forum during the Realtors® 2012 Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, leading Democratic strategist Celinda Lake, and National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling provided their unique insights into issues affecting the long-term direction of the... Read More

Survey Shows More Reason to Buy Than Rent

Fannie Mae's March 2012 survey of the adult U.S. general population's attitudes about home ownership, renting a home, the economy and household finances finds that Americans feel there are more reasons to buy a home than rent.

Home Ownership Matters Resources for Your Business

NAR has extensive resources for its Home Ownership Matters campaign. These materials help practitioners be the go-to contacts when customers wonder about the impact of lawmakers' actions on their homes and the housing market.

Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing

This 16-page paper looks at how homeownership leads to positive social outcomes. It examines not only the ownership of homes, but also the impact of stable housing.

New Legislation Would Extend Mortgage Cancellation Relief

April 2, 2012

Three bills have been introduced by members of the tax-writing committees that would extend the 2007 mortgage cancellation relief that is currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2012. Senators Stabenow (D-MI) and Heller (R-NV) have introduced S 2250 along with several bipartisan cosponsors. Almost all members of the House Ways and Means Committee have cosponsored either H.R. 4336 (Reed -- R-NY) or H.R. 4202 (Rangel - D-NY). While these bills are unlikely to move as stand-alone legislation, having these extensions introduced as separate legislation underscores their... Read More

March 12, 2012: Raising the Bar

In the March 12 edition of "Mondays with Moe," 2012 NAR President Moe Veissi invites one of NAR's most respected leaders and statesmen, 2001 NAR President Richard Mendenhall to share an inspirational story about General Schwarzkopf, and how he began his military career an infantry leader, but found himself in charge of an air patrol of helicopters. He knew he would have to raise the bar if he was going to succeed in his new position that he wasn't skilled in. Mendenhall then relates how this story is similar to what NAR President Moe Veissi is doing with the Rally to... Read More

In the Store

Show Your Support: Home Ownership Matters Buttons

Proudly wear the Home Ownership Matters mantra. Buttons are available from the REALTOR.org store (50 buttons for $5.50); share them with colleagues or clients.

Share the Facts About Why Home Ownership Matters

Did you know home owners’ net worth is typically 31 to 46 times that of renters? Or that housing accounts for more than 15% of the national Gross Domestic Product? The Home Ownership Matters flier lists 13 easy... Read More

Podcasts

President's Podcast: Reforming the Secondary Mortgage Market

(Feb. 15) President Ron Phipps talks about NAR's position on secondary market reform and the Home Ownership Matters Bus Tour.

President's Podcast: New Public Awareness Campaign Ads Coming to a Show Near You

(Jan. 18) Ron Phipps explains why he's excited about the 2011 Public Awareness Campaign ads, which launched... Read More

March 5, 2012: Register Now for the Rally to Protect the American Dream

In the March 5 edition of "Mondays with Moe," 2012 NAR President Moe Veissi announces that the website for the Rally to Protect the American Dream is now live. He encourages every member to go the site now to register, as well as every association to go to the site to request a bus to help bring members to the Rally.

2012 List Issue: Take the Lead

We've compiled 229 tips and trends to help you get where you want to be. Now, the ball's in your court.

NAR Collaborates With U.S. Treasury on Short Sale "Help for Homeowners"

Washington, February 22, 2012

A new National Association of Realtors® collaboration with the U.S. Department of the Treasury will help Realtors® better assist homeowners who are struggling to sell their homes in a short sale.

Realtors® who attend upcoming Making Home Affordable “Help for Homeowners” outreach events, sponsored by the Treasury Department, will learn insights to help them navigate the short sale process and have the opportunity to meet directly with loan servicers on their clients’ behalf for assistance with difficult... Read More

Feb. 21, 2012: 3.8% Health Care Tax and Realtor Rally Update

In the February 21st edition of the President's Podcast, 2012 NAR President Moe Veissi discusses two important issues facing REALTORS®. First, he corrects misinformation that members may have heard about a 3.8 percent tax in the new health care law, and reiterates that it is not a transfer tax. Second, he provides an important update on the rally that REALTORS® are holding to protect the American Dream of Home Ownership on May 17th, 2012 in Washington, DC. He encourages everyone to attend to ensure that REALTORS®' voices will be heard.

NAR to Administration: Do No Harm to Housing

Washington , February 13, 2012

The following is a statement by National Association of Realtors® President Moe Veissi:

“As the leading advocate for housing and homeownership, NAR is strongly opposed to elements of President Obama’s budget proposal that would limit itemized deductions, including the mortgage interest deduction, for thousands of families.

“NAR firmly believes that the mortgage interest deduction is vital to the stability of the American housing market and economy. We urge the president and Congress to do no harm.

REALTOR® Action Center

Home of the REALTOR® Party: An energized movement of real estate professionals fighting to keep the dream of homeownership alive for this country.

The Long-Term Value of Home Ownership

Home ownership continues to be a sound investment over the long term. In the October 2010 white paper “The Long-Term Value of Home Ownership in the U.S.,” the National Association of REALTORS® offers a historical look at the social and economic effects of home ownership over the last 50 years.

Some highlights from the report:

Over time, during most of the past 50 years, roughly two out of three households in the U.S. have been home owners.
Today, home owners pay 80 to 90 percent of the income taxes in the U.S. and, among... Read More

Feb. 6, 2012: Keeping Home Ownership Affordable

In the February 6th edition of "Mondays with Moe," 2012 NAR President Moe Veissi discusses an important issue that could cause the cost of home ownership to increase, and why he is urging members to contact their member of Congress and tell them to do no harm to housing. President Veissi also provides an update on the Midyear Legislative Meetings and Expo and encourages everyone to attend the special rally where REALTORS® will tell Congress that Home Ownership Matters.

REALTORS®: Bernanke Underscores Need for Housing Recovery

WASHINGTON (February 2, 2012) – The following is a statement by National Association of Realtors® President Moe Veissi:

“NAR appreciates remarks made by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke in support of homeowners and the struggling housing market in testimony today before the House Budget Committee.

“We fully support Chairman Bernanke’s comments that the lack of available and affordable mortgage financing, low home values and high foreclosure inventories are inhibiting a meaningful housing market recovery. His remarks coupled with... Read More

REALTORS® Support Obama's Efforts to Assist Housing Market and Help Homeowners Refinance

Washington, February 01, 2012

The National Association of Realtors® commends President Obama for pledging to assist homeowners and the struggling housing market, because restoring the health of the housing market is critical for the nation’s economic recovery.

“As the nation’s leading advocate for homeownership and housing issues, NAR knows that stabilizing the housing market is key to the health of our economy and communities across the country,” said NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi &... Read More

Homeownership Matters to State of the Union

Washington, January 24, 2012

The following is a statement by NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® President Moe Veissi:

“The National Association of Realtors® commends President Obama for his remarks in support of homeowners and the struggling housing market during tonight’s State of the Union address. As leading advocates for homeownership, REALTORS® know that restoring the health of the housing market is the only way to achieve a broader economic recovery.

“REALTORS® stand ready to help Congress and the administration implement... Read More

Jobs Impact of an Existing Home Purchase

The National Association of Realtors® estimates that one job is generated for every two home sales. Using that ratio, 1,000 home sales generate 500 jobs.

The ratio is derived from the economic impact of an existing home sale. Each home sale contributes about sixty thousand dollars to the economy or Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The component measures of this figure are shown in the table below (full methodology page available).

Impact of Single Existing Home Purchase

Median Price $173,000

Materials

Looking for information to share with clients or your community? The resources here—flyers, videos, and more—are designed to help REALTORS® and brokers communicate easily and effectively about the positive benefits of home ownership.

New Brochure: The Field Guide the Benefits... Read More

Background

The media has questioned whether home ownership is good for America and challenged federal initiatives that favor home ownership—including the mortgage interest deduction. The attacks seek to lay the groundwork for curtailing public policies and to persuade the public that such actions are in their best interest.

Among the articles that launched the recent debate:

06/17/2010 - Rethinking Part of the American Dream, The Wall Street Journal

09/... Read More

Webinars

GSE Reform: The Issues That Will Impact Your Business

This webinar featured Michael Calhoun, president, Center for Responsible Lending, Jeff Lischer, managing director, NAR Regulatory Affairs, and Tony Hutchinson, senior analyst, NAR Legislative Affairs. The session covered: the Obama administration's government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) report; regulatory changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; NAR's GSE reform principles; the latest in Congress; and... Read More

Research and Statistics

Here are links to the most recent and relevant research from NAR’s economists and other experts about the social and economic benefits of home ownership.

11/08/2011 — Move Inc. Survey Reveals Voter Perceptions on Housing
Of those surveyed, nearly 70% felt candidate positions on housing will be important in 2012 elections. And, only 2% plan to purchase in the next 12 months, while 23% say they've delayed a home purchase.

02/24/2011 — ... Read More

Articles and Blog Posts

Here are links to news you can use from the National Association of REALTORS® and other sources on the topic of home ownership. Find something interesting? Get the word out, by linking to the articles on Facebook, Twitter or your blog or Web site.

Featured Stories

On Mortgage Rates, Obama Wants Proposal for How Government Can Keep Big Role
(Aug. 16) President Obama has... Read More

Bus Tour Wraps After Visiting 33 States, 50 Cities

Over the course of eight months, NAR's 2011 Home Ownership Matters Bus Tour travelled through 33 states and visited more than 50 cities. Watch a recap of the tour and its impact on consumers, REALTORS®, and those cities hard hit by natural disasters.

Field Guide to Social Benefits of Home Ownership

The financial and tax benefits of owning a home vs. renting are very clear. Home ownership also provides many benefits to the family, children and the community, such as increased education for children, lower teen-age pregnancy rate and a higher lifetime annual income for children, as discussed in the following articles and studies.

Selected Features of Social Benefits of Homeownership Urbanism

Financial gain

Stability

Health benefits

Benefits the children

Social Benefits

... Read More

National Bus Tour Underscores Importance of Home Ownership Matters

Anaheim, November 10, 2011

After travelling through 33 states and visiting more than 50 cities across the country, the National Association of Realtors® Home Ownership Matters Bus arrives in Anaheim, Calif., today for the Realtors® Conference & Expo here this week. The bus will be parked on the floor of the Anaheim Convention Center throughout the conference.

The bus’s final stop in Anaheim wraps up a successful eight-month trek that kicked off in Chicago, Ill., this past March. The multi-city bus tour was launched as part of NAR’s Home Ownership... Read More

Congress and Obama Administration Must Act to Stimulate Housing Recovery

Washington, October 25, 2011

America needs strong housing policies that ensure a robust recovery and do not further weaken the nation’s housing market. That was one of several recommendations resulting from the bipartisan New Solutions for America’s Housing Crisis forum on October 4 and endorsed by the National Association of Realtors®.

The forum was hosted by the Progressive Policy Institute and Economic Policies for the 21st Century and brought together policy leaders, industry representatives, members of Congress, thought leaders and the media... Read More

Government Plays Valuable Role in Homeownership, Say Realtors®

Washington, October 13, 2011

Owning a home has had long-standing government support in the U.S. because homeownership benefits individuals and families, strengthens communities, and is integral to the nation’s economy, the National Association of Realtors® said in testimony today.

NAR President-Elect Moe Veissi outlined the association’s recommendations for housing finance reform before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on International Monetary Policy and Trade.

“We must be better stewards of the U.S... Read More

Preserving Home Ownership Tax Benefits Vital to Housing Market, Say Realtors®

Washington, October 6, 2011

The following is a statement by National Association of Realtors® President Ron Phipps.

“Today, witnesses before the Senate Finance Committee were in complete agreement that now is not the time to make changes to the mortgage interest deduction. NAR is pleased that a range of witnesses testifying at the committee’s hearing on tax incentives for homeownership reinforced the message Realtors® have been delivering to Washington: do no harm.

“As the leading advocate for housing and homeownership issues, NAR... Read More

Housing Must Remain Nation's Top Priority, Say Realtors®

Washington, October 04, 2011

We need to keep housing first on the nation’s public policy agenda, because housing and homeownership issues affect all Americans, and a housing recovery is necessary for the nation’s economic well-being.

That was the message delivered today by National Association of Realtors® President Ron Phipps during the New Solutions for America’s Housing Crisis forum, where he joined a panel of experts to discuss solutions for addressing the country’s housing and economic challenges. The event was hosted by Economic... Read More

Homeownership Tax Benefits Must Be Preserved, Say Realtors®

Washington, July 28, 2011

Any changes to the mortgage interest deduction now or in the future could threaten recent progress toward stabilizing the housing market, critically erode home prices and values, destroy middle-class wealth accumulation and hurt economic growth.

That was the message delivered by National Association of Realtors® NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun during today’s Rethinking the Mortgage Interest Deduction forum, where he joined a panel of experts to debate the future of the MID. The event was hosted by the Tax Policy Center, a... Read More

Bus Tour Brings Home Ownership Matters to Memphis

Washington, July 21, 2011

If regulators get their way, many qualified home buyers in Memphis, Tenn., may be shut out of the market very soon. That’s one of the reasons the National Association of Realtors® will be in town this weekend as part of its Home Ownership Matters Bus Tour.

“As leading advocates for home ownership and housing issues, Realtors® are committed to keeping people in their communities informed about public policy changes that could dramatically affect their lives,” said NAR President-elect Moe Veissi, who is in Memphis this... Read More

Tornado Recovery Underscores How Much Home Ownership Matters

Washington, July 20, 2011

As NAR’s Home Ownership Matters bus crosses Alabama this week, Realtors® are providing assistance to victims of the April 27 tornadoes with funds raised from Realtor® donations across the country.

“When we see the devastation of families losing their homes in natural disasters, we’re reminded of just how much home ownership matters,” said National Association of Realtors® 2012 First Vice President Steve Brown, who met with Realtors® and families affected by the tornadoes. “Realtors® not only... Read More

Realtors® Support Bill for Comprehensive Reform of Secondary Mortgage Market

Washington, DC, July 07, 2011

The long-term viability of America’s housing finance market requires comprehensive reform of the secondary mortgage market. Toward that end, the National Association of Realtors® supports H.R. 2413, the “Secondary Market Facility for Residential Mortgage Act of 2011.”

“As the leading advocate for home ownership and housing issues, Realtors® want a secondary mortgage market that will serve home owners today and in the future, as well as support a strong housing market and economic recovery,” said NAR... Read More

Seven Out of 10 Renters Say Owning a Home is a Top Priority

Washington, DC, July 06, 2011

Most Americans still believe that owning a home is a solid financial decision, and a majority of renters aspire to home ownership as a long-term goal. According to the 2011 National Housing Pulse Survey released today by the National Association of Realtors®, 72 percent of renters surveyed said owning a home is a top priority for their future, up from 63 percent in 2010.

Seven in 10 Americans also agreed that buying a home is a good financial decision while almost two-thirds said now is a good time to purchase a... Read More

Celebrating America's History of Home Ownership

Washington, DC, July 01, 2011

The ability to buy, sell and own property has defined our nation throughout its history, and as the U.S. prepares to celebrate its 235 birthday, Americans continue to reaffirm their support of and aspirations toward home ownership.

“For over 100 years, Realtors® have helped bring families home,” said NAR President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I. “There’s a reason why home ownership is called the American Dream – it’s part of our collective history and an essential part... Read More

NAR Grants Help Make Home Ownership an Affordable Opportunity

Washington, May 31, 2011

Seventeen local and state Realtor® associations have been awarded over $60,000 through the Housing Opportunity Program Grants, a National Association of Realtors® grant program. The funds will be used by the associations to promote and expand affordable housing opportunities in their communities.

“Realtors® strive to preserve and expand housing opportunities for all Americans,” said NAR President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I. “The Housing Opportunity grants program and its recipients... Read More

Foreign Buyers Recognize Value of Home Ownership in U.S.

Washington, May 18, 2011

The U.S. continues to remain a top destination for foreign buyers as international purchases surged by $16 billion this year, one of the highest increases in recent years.

This is according to the National Association of Realtors®’ 2011 Profile of International Home Buying Activity. According to the survey, total residential international sales in the U.S. for the past year ending March 2011 equaled $82 billion, up from $66 billion in 2010. Total international... Read More

Minority Homeownership Award Winners Help Others Realize, Sustain American Dream

Washington, DC, May 13, 2011

While the past few years have been challenging for many, owning a home continues to be a goal for Americans of every background, according to John D. Trasviña, Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Trasviña made his remarks during the Multicultural Housing & HOPE Awards Symposium yesterday at the National Association of Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in... Read More

Realtors® Advocate Mortgage Liquidity for Creditworthy Home Buyers

Washington, May 10, 2011

The pendulum on mortgage credit has swung too far in the other direction after the recent housing downturn and is putting an unnecessary burden on creditworthy consumers, impeding the economic and housing market recoveries. That’s what a panel of industry experts told several thousand Realtors® gathered at a special symposium, Ensuring Mortgage Availability for Creditworthy Homebuyers, during the Realtors® 2011 Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C., here... Read More

Realtors® Working for Tomorrow's Home Owners Today

Washington, May 9, 2011

Realtors® from across the country are meeting with legislators, public policy makers and industry leaders this week to address pressing concerns and issues that affect home owners, aspiring home owners and real estate investors everywhere as the Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo begins.

“As leading advocates for home ownership, housing issues and private property rights, Realtors® know that the time for action is now,” said NAR President... Read More

Realtors® Urge Congress to Approach GSE Reform Slowly

Washington, DC, March 31, 2011

The National Association of REALTORS® today urged Congress to move cautiously when reforming government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Reforming America’s housing finance market can only be achieved through a forward-looking, comprehensive approach that supports the housing and economic recoveries, said NAR President Ron Phipps in testimony before the House Subcommittee on Capital Markets today.

“As the leading advocate for home ownership, NAR strongly agrees that the existing system failed and... Read More

Realtors® Oppose High Down Payment Requirement for Qualified Residential Mortgage Exemption

Washington, March 29, 2011

High down payment requirements being proposed by federal regulatory agencies as part of the upcoming rulemaking under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act will unnecessarily burden homebuyers and significantly impede the economic and housing recovery, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Six agencies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., Federal Housing Finance Agency, Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the U.S.... Read More

Tax Time Less Taxing for Home Owners

Washington, March 15, 2011

“Owning a home offers myriad benefits throughout the year, but some of the financial advantages of home ownership are most apparent at tax time,” said NAR President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I. “As many of today’s hard-working American families are feeling a financial squeeze, the tax benefits that can come from owning a home can be a welcome relief.”

A number of tax deductions and credits are still available for home owners; these include deductions – with specific limits... Read More

Home Ownership Essential to Job Growth and Economy, Say Realtors®

Washington, DC, March 09, 2011

Testifying before a Senate panel today, National Association of REALTORS® President Ron Phipps told members of Congress that sustainable home ownership must be the goal when considering future federal housing policies.

“As the leading advocate for home ownership, NAR wants to ensure public policies that promote responsible, sustainable home ownership and that any changes to current programs and incentives don’t jeopardize a housing and economic recovery,” Phipps told the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs... Read More

NAR Bus Tour Opens National Home Ownership Dialogue

Washington, DC, March 01, 2011

Throughout this month, consumers across the country can engage Realtors®, local officials, and their neighbors on an issue that literally hits close to home – home ownership – as the National Association of Realtors® kicks off a month-long Home Ownership Matters Bus Tour in cities across the nation.

“Americans today are debating what home ownership means to their families, communities and the nation as a whole,” said NAR President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I. “We want... Read More

Owners, Renters Agree: Owning a Home is a Smart Decision

Washington, January 19, 2011

A substantial majority of both home owners and current renters agree that owning a home is a smart decision over the long term. That’s according to the results of a National Association of Realtors® survey of 3,793 adults conducted online by Harris Interactive.

The American Attitudes About Homeownership survey found that in today’s challenging economy, 95 percent of owners and 72 percent of renters believe that over a period of several years, it makes more sense to own a home. In addition,... Read More

The Facts Ad: Defending the Mortgage Interest Deduction

Following the release of the Deficit Reduction Commission’s report, which recommends scaling back the mortgage interest deduction, the National Association of Realtors® is warning Congress of the potentially devastating effects of such change on American families and the economy. As part of this effort, NAR placed an ad in several prominent Capitol Hill publications, including: Politico, The Hill, and National Journal.

It reads:

The Facts:

Repealing the mortgage interest deduction (MID) is a form of tax... Read More

The Basics: Deficit Reduction Commission Report

On Dec. 1, 2010, the bipartisan deficit-reduction commission, appointed by President Obama, released its final plan for cutting the U.S. deficit—which included suggestions to pare back the mortgage interest deduction. While 11 of the 18 commissioners voted to support the proposals in the report, the group fell short of the super majority (14 out of 18 votes) needed to automatically send the recommendations to Congress.
Read the commission's report >... Read More