5 Ways to Celebrate National Homeownership Month

It's June — do you know what that means? It's National Homeownership Month! It's the perfect time to raise awareness about the benefits of homeownership and to encourage people to consider buying a home.

This benefits you by bolstering your local reputation as a source of solid real estate information — and by helping drum up new business. After all, increased homeownership rates are great not just for communities, but for the real estate professionals that serve those communities.

Here are some ideas you can use to celebrate National Homeownership Month:

1. Educate your sphere on the benefits of homeownership

Step one on this journey: Education, education, education. It's unlikely that the majority of your sphere of influence even realizes that June is National Homeownership Month. Be the one that brings that knowledge to them first.

One way to do this is by highlighting the benefits of homeownership on social media and your website. Fortunately, organizations like NAR and HUD make this easy. Check out the resources below for information, tools, videos, social media sample posts, and other creative assets you can share with your sphere of influence:

• National Association of Realtors
• National Association of Home Builders
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development**

** As of this writing, HUD hasn't yet updated their page for 2023 (government bureaucracy, amiright?). However, there are still plenty of useful resources there that shouldn't be missed.

2. Highlight homeownership programs in your area

Let's face it, we all know the biggest barrier to homeownership right now: sky-high interest rates combined with sky-high home prices. However, there are homeownership programs that aim to take some of the financial sting out of buying a home. Research local down payment assistance and other homeownership programs and share this information with your followers. Programs are available to the general public, teachers, veterans, first responders and other diverse groups.

Your MLS, association, or local mortgage lender can be a great resource if you don't know where to start. If your MLS has integrated Down Payment Resource into their system, MLS listings will show which programs a specific property is eligible for. You can also direct potential buyers to this page to see which programs they're personally eligible for.

Lenders are also creating new borrowing programs to bring homeownership into reach for more people. You can share information about these programs, as well.

3. Organize a seminar, webinar, or a home buying fair

Sometimes simply demystifying the homebuying process helps potential buyers move off the fence. To help, consider organizing a seminar or webinar on the home buying process, including topics such as financing, home inspections, and closing costs. You can invite local experts such as mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and real estate attorneys to share their insights and expertise.

Or, if you're feeling a little more ambitious, consider organizing a home buying fair. Bring together mortgage lenders, home inspectors, title companies, and other real estate professionals in an event that's open to the public. This event can be a great opportunity for potential homebuyers to learn about the home buying process, ask questions, and network with professionals in the industry.

4. Volunteer in your community

It's always a great idea to give back and show your face in the community. Participate in local events that promote homeownership and support affordable housing initiatives. You can volunteer with local organizations such as Habitat for Humanity or attend community meetings on housing issues.

5. Show appreciation to your clients

We're so often focused on potential new clients that we overlook past clients. Take the time this month to show appreciation to your existing clients. Send a personalized note or gift to your top supporters and those who refer your services to their sphere.

To other former clients, consider reaching out with a home valuation report. After all, a house isn't just a home — it's an investment in the future. And people love to see how their investments are faring!