While the September 2010 issue of Time Magazine and other media reports have sought to question the value of homeownership and the government policies that promote homeownership, the National Association of REALTORS^® has launched a campaign to counter these detractors and assure consumers that the fundamental reasons for owning a home remain as compelling as ever.

The NAR Homeownership Matters campaign reaches out to lawmakers, consumers and the media and emphasizes the importance of this American institution for consumers, neighborhoods, communities and our country. Valuable resources and tools that Association Executives and REALTORS^® can use to address consumer concerns may be found at www.realtor.org/homeownership. The content of this site will grow as the months go on and NAR’s efforts increasingly take the spotlight. Nonetheless, it is important for REALTORS^® to be prepared today to alleviate any consumer concerns with homeownership.

The following are examples of NAR Homeownership Matters talking points:

• Owning a home is one of the best ways to build long-term wealth. Homeownership is an investment in your future. Historically, a homeowner’s net worth has ranged from 31 to 46 times that of a renter.
• Owning a home offers immediate shelter benefits and long-term value. Most homeowners enjoy stable housing costs — a fixed-rate mortgage payment might not change for 15 to 30 years while rent typically increases 3 percent per year.
• Homeowners can typically deduct mortgage interest and property taxes on their federal individual income tax return.
• According to U.S. Census Bureau data, homeowners do not move as frequently as renters, providing more neighborhood stability. Homeowners are more likely to be involved and engaged in local issues. In turn, this stability helps reduce crime and supports neighborhood upkeep.
• Homeowners are more likely to vote and they volunteer for political and charitable causes more frequently than renters, according to the NAR study, “Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing,” at http://www.realtor.org/research/research/homeownershipbenefits. 
• Children of homeowners do better in school, stay in school longer, are more likely to participate in organized activities and spend less time in front of the television.
• Homeowners pay 80 to 90 percent of federal individual income taxes, contributing to federal programs that benefit all Americans.

According to the 2010 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, first-time buyers most often cite the desire to own a home as the primary reason for their recent home purchase. 85 percent of all recent home buyers consider home purchase a solid investment, and 76 percent of them believe owning a home is as good as or better than an investment in stocks. The Profile includes interactive maps and resources. Visit http://www.realtor.org/research_secured/research/home_buyers_sellers_maps.

All REALTORS^® should spread the word that Homeownership Matters! For more information and data, see www.REALTOR.org/Homeownership.

Debbi Conrad is Senior Attorney and Director of Legal Affairs for the WRA.