Homeownership Matters

The Hidden Value of Homeownership

Owning a home doesn’t just help you build wealth. It also impacts your life and your children’s lives. Here are some of the specific benefits homeowners may enjoy over renters.

Homeowners are healthier and live longer.
Homeowners are less likely to suffer from depression.
Children of homeowners often achieve a higher level of education.
Children of homeowners have significantly lower teen dropout and pregnancy rates.
Homeowners have a better understanding of politics and are more likely to vote.

Owning a home reduces the likelihood of divorce.
City homeowners are less likely to be victims of crime.
Children of homeowners are likely to earn more over their lifetimes.
Homeowners are more likely to be involved in neighborhood groups.

Hidden Value of Homeownership Flier

Protecting Rights, Expanding Access, Building Prosperity.

2023 REALTOR® Legislative Priorities

Address America's Housing Shortage

REALTORS® strive to ensure all Americans have the opportunity to achieve homeownership, which is the centerpiece of the American Dream and the pathway to economic well-being and intergenerational wealth building. However, a historic 50-year record shortage of affordable homes available for purchase has severely limited access to the residential real estate market.

A recent NAR study estimates that the U.S. has developed an “underbuilding gap” of over 5.5 million housing units
over the last 20 years. This translates into a $4.4 trillion underinvestment in housing. Even relatively modest steps
taken now to reduce this gap will unleash tremendous economic activity.

Incentivize more owners to sell their homes by increasing the maximum amount of capital gains a homeowner can exclude on the sale of a principal residence and annually adjusting it for inflation.
Attract private investment for building and rehabilitating owner-occupied homes by offering tax credits that create a pathway to neighborhood stability through sustainable homeownership.
Incentivize the conversion of unused commercial buildings to residential and mixed-use properties.
Create incentives for housing provider participation in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.

Ensure Fair Housing For All