June is National Homeownership Month. Homeownership is often considered part of the American dream, and for a good reason. Owning a home brings value to families, neighborhoods, and communities in general. National Homeownership Month celebrates all those values and also encourages people to achieve homeownership.
Why National Homeownership Month Matters
The fact is, historically most Americans were not able to own a home in the 1800s. While we’ve come a long way since then, there are still families who struggle to purchase a home. Highlighting the value of homeownership and the different programs available to people can help make homeownership a reality for more Americans.
Homeownership Facts That Might Surprise You
Owning a home is a great accomplishment, but also a fun one. Take a look at some of these fun facts about homeownership throughout history and today.
Ever wonder where the term ‘House Warming’ comes from?
Housewarming parties are a common event for homeowners when they move into a new home. But, have you ever wondered why that term was coined? Historically, the term refers to the literal act of warming up a home. Guests would bring firewood for the new fireplace to help warm up the house.
Worried about interest rates today?
Interest rates today pale in comparison to what they were in the 1980s. The highest interest rates were in October 1981 at a staggering 18.45%.
Front doors are more than an entrance.
Most people slide their keys into their door without a second thought. However, the color of your door can have more meaning than you know. Historically, a red door signified protection and refuge. In Scotland, a red door has a different meaning behind it and signifies that the homeowner has paid off their home.
Interestingly, here in the US, the color of your front door can impact your home’s value. According to Zillow, a front door that is either black or gray can increase a home’s value by thousands of dollars.
Afraid of ghosts?
If you’re afraid of ghosts, the state of New York has you covered. New York has a “Ghostbusters Ruling” that homeowners must comply with when listing their home. This ruling is a result of the case Stambovsky v. Ackley and requires that homeowners disclose if any ghosts inhabit or frequently visit a home.
The Bathtub Laws
On Average, American homeowners have 300,000 items in their homes. However, some states prohibit what Americans can keep in their bathtub. In Brooklyn, it’s illegal to keep a donkey in your bathtub. Arkansas prohibits keeping an alligator in the tub. Finally, South Carolina prohibits keeping your horse in the bathtub. These bathtub laws beg the question of what happened in those states. It’s safe to say, it’s a good idea to stick with skin and haircare in the bathtub.
Worried that you haven’t bought a home yet?
Sometimes people feel down that they don’t own a home yet. While there are programs available to make that dream a reality, here are a few facts that may make you feel better in the meantime.
The average homeowner will move up to 12 times in their lifetime and in only 3 of those instances, the person owns that home. Also, the average age for a first-time homebuyer is 36 years old.
The fact is, American adults can become a homeowner at any age. Talk to your trusted lender about how to make homeownership a reality at the time that makes the best sense for you.
Contact Michigan Mortgage Lender, Julie Krumholz
Julie Krumholz has over 35 years of mortgage industry experience and helps clients make the dream of homeownership a reality. Julie has worked in processing, closing and loan origination, underwriting, QC auditing and has even co-owned a mortgage brokerage firm. Her wealth of experience has helped her match clients with the mortgage program that makes sense for them.
This National Homeownership Month, contact Julie from Superior National Bank at 586-382-5482 to learn how she can help you with your homeownership dreams!
