Navy Fellas Realty Group

Real Estate, Residential sales and purchase

How the National Association of REALTORS Supports the Path to Homeownership

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June marks National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate one of the most important milestones in life, owning a home. While many organizations work to make homeownership accessible, one of the most influential is the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). As the largest trade association in the U.S., NAR plays a critical role in promoting, protecting, and expanding homeownership opportunities for all Americans.

With over 1.5 million members, NAR is not just an association for real estate professionals, it’s an advocate for buyers, sellers, and communities nationwide. During National Homeownership Month, it’s the perfect time to highlight how this organization supports current and future homeowners.

Championing the American Dream
At its core, NAR believes that homeownership is the foundation of strong communities and personal financial stability. Through its advocacy efforts, NAR works with lawmakers, regulators, and industry leaders to protect property ownership rights and ensure housing policies support both buyers and sellers.

Whether it is pushing for tax incentives for homeowners, supporting fair housing laws, or promoting financial literacy, NAR plays a hands-on role in shaping the policies that directly impact your ability to buy and keep a home.

Educating and Empowering Buyers
Education is essential for a successful homeownership journey, and NAR provides a wide range of resources to help buyers navigate the process with confidence. Their affiliated site, Homeownership Matters, offers articles, tips, and updates on housing-related issues, while Realtor.com connects consumers with market data, listings, and professional guidance.

NAR also promotes the importance of working with a REALTOR, a professional who not only abides by a strict code of ethics but is also trained to advocate for your best interests throughout the transaction.

As we celebrate National Homeownership Month, NAR reminds buyers that they do not have to go it alone, having a trusted expert by your side makes the path smoother and more secure.

Promoting Housing Equality
NAR is a strong proponent of fair housing and equal opportunity. The association has launched several initiatives, including Fairhaven, a fair housing simulation training program for REALTORS®, and ACT!, a program focused on accountability, culture change, and training to combat discrimination in real estate.

In alignment with National Homeownership Month’s focus on expanding access, NAR’s commitment to inclusivity helps ensure that the dream of homeownership is achievable for individuals and families from all backgrounds.

Advocating for Affordability and Access
Through ongoing research and outreach, NAR also addresses the challenges many potential buyers face, such as affordability and limited inventory. By sharing market trends and working with policymakers, NAR supports solutions that aim to expand housing availability and promote sustainable ownership.

Celebrating National Homeownership Month wouldn’t be complete without recognizing the work of the National Association of REALTORS®. Their dedication to advocacy, education, and equality continues to make a lasting impact on communities across the country.

If you’re considering homeownership or simply want to learn more, NAR’s resources and network of professionals are a great place to start.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 23rd, 2025

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With the passing of the FOMC rate decision, it has become clear that the Federal Reserve is taking a wait-and-see approach to the current situation regarding tariff policies. Although the vast majority of economists around the world have made predictions about what lies ahead, the effects have not yet been pronounced. Many of the recent tariff changes have also been revoked or put on pause for the largest industries, leaving many markets uncertain about the future. The key takeaway is that conditions will likely remain steady for now. The only other data release offering insight into what’s to come is the notable decline in U.S. retail sales, reflecting a reduction in consumer activity.

U.S. Retail Sales
Simmering trade wars have created a sort of start-and-stop economy, and the latest snapshot of retail sales in May underscores the threat to U.S. growth. Sales at retailers nationwide fell for the second month in a row, the government reported Tuesday. Receipts tumbled 0.9% in May after a small decline in April, based on seasonally adjusted numbers.

FOMC Rate Decision
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday stuck to its forecast of two interest-rate cuts in 2025 despite seeing a burst of inflation coming in the next few months as a result of higher tariffs. In an updated forecast, Fed officials now expect inflation, as measured by the core personal-consumption expenditures (PCE) index, to jump to 3.1% by the end of the year, up from a rate of 2.5% in April.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index
• 15-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.01% for this week, with the current rates at 5.96%
• 30-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of of -0.03% for this week, with the current rates at 6.81%

MND Rate Index
• 30-Yr FHA rates saw a decrease of -0.04% for this week, with the current rates at 6.41%
• 30-Yr VA rates saw a decrease of -0.05% for this week, with the current rates at 6.42%

Jobless Claims
Initial Claims were reported to be 245,000 compared to the expected claims of 246,000. The prior week landed at 250,000.

What’s Ahead
Job data is due ahead next week as well as the more recent data from the U.S. trade deficits, which many have had their eyes on.

The National Homebuyer Fund’s Role in National Homeownership Month

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June is National Homeownership Month, a special time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and highlight programs that help make homeownership more attainable. One standout resource for many aspiring homeowners is the National Homebuyer Fund (NHF), an organization dedicated to providing vital financial assistance to low-to-moderate income families striving to buy their first home.

What Is the National Homebuyer Fund?
The NHF is a nonprofit that offers down payment and closing cost assistance to qualified homebuyers. This support often comes in the form of grants or forgivable loans, meaning that recipients may not have to repay the funds if they meet program requirements, making the dream of homeownership more affordable and achievable.

NHF’s assistance programs are typically paired with government-backed loans such as FHA, VA, and USDA loans, which themselves are designed to lower barriers for buyers who might not qualify for conventional mortgages. By combining these programs, the NHF helps bridge the financial gap that often prevents many families from making the leap to homeownership.

Why NHF Is Essential for Aspiring Homeowners
One of the biggest obstacles to buying a home is coming up with the upfront costs—particularly the down payment and closing costs. Even with low-interest rates, these initial expenses can be a significant hurdle. The NHF’s assistance programs directly target this challenge by providing funds that reduce the amount buyers need to bring to the table at closing.

Moreover, the NHF places a strong emphasis on helping first-time buyers and families who otherwise might be overlooked by traditional lending practices. By easing the financial burden, the fund empowers these buyers to build stability, equity, and wealth through homeownership.

Aligning with National Homeownership Month
National Homeownership Month is about more than celebrating—it’s about creating opportunities and removing barriers. The National Homebuyer Fund fits perfectly into this mission. As housing affordability continues to be a pressing issue in many communities, NHF’s support ensures that the path to owning a home is accessible to more families.

Programs like NHF remind us that homeownership is a powerful tool for economic security and community strength. They also highlight the importance of targeted assistance and education to help buyers make informed decisions and succeed long term.

How You Can Benefit or Help Spread the Word
If you’re a prospective buyer, learning about the NHF and how it partners with various loan programs can be a game-changer. Real estate professionals and lenders can also play a crucial role by informing clients about NHF’s resources, helping them apply, and connecting them with homebuyer education programs.

During this month, consider sharing information about the NHF with your network. Whether you’re a buyer, an agent, or a community advocate, spreading awareness can help unlock homeownership for more families.

HUD’s Role in Homeownership and Supporting the American Dream

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June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the value of owning a home and to promote opportunities for more Americans to achieve that goal. One of the key players helping make homeownership more accessible, especially for first-time buyers and those with limited financial resources, is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

HUD plays a critical role in advancing the mission of National Homeownership Month by providing essential resources, education, and support for homebuyers. Established in 1965, HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. This month is the perfect time to spotlight HUD’s efforts in making the dream of homeownership a reality for millions of Americans.

Making Homeownership More Attainable
One of HUD’s most impactful contributions to homeownership is through its Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan program. FHA loans are designed to help buyers who may not qualify for conventional financing due to lower credit scores or smaller down payments. By insuring loans through approved lenders, HUD makes it easier for individuals and families to qualify for mortgages and achieve homeownership.

In the spirit of National Homeownership Month, HUD encourages homebuyers to explore these flexible financing options and understand how government-backed programs can lower the barrier to entry.

Educational Resources for First-Time Buyers
HUD also empowers future homeowners with education. Its network of HUD-approved housing counselors offers free or low-cost advice on buying a home, budgeting, understanding credit, and navigating the mortgage process. These counselors are particularly helpful for first-time buyers who may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about where to begin.

National Homeownership Month emphasizes the importance of education in making informed housing decisions. HUD’s focus on financial literacy and buyer readiness supports this effort by ensuring individuals are well-prepared before taking on a mortgage.

Addressing Housing Inequality
HUD is also instrumental in addressing systemic housing challenges, including affordability, discrimination, and lack of access in underserved communities. Through initiatives like the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO), HUD works to protect buyers from discrimination and ensure that everyone has a fair chance at homeownership.

During National Homeownership Month, these efforts serve as a powerful reminder that the dream of owning a home should be within reach for all Americans, regardless of income, background, or location.

Looking Ahead
As we celebrate National Homeownership Month, it’s essential to recognize the behind-the-scenes work that HUD continues to do every day to support this vision. Whether through financial assistance, education, or advocacy, HUD is helping open doors, literally and figuratively, for those ready to make the move into homeownership.

If you or someone you know is considering buying a home, now is a great time to explore the resources available through HUD. Their support could be the difference between waiting and walking through the front door of a home you can call your own.

How HomeReady and Home Possible Open Doors During National Homeownership Month

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June is National Homeownership Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the American dream of homeownership and spotlighting the tools and resources that help make that dream a reality. For millions of aspiring homeowners, especially those with modest incomes, programs like Fannie Mae’s HomeReady® and Freddie Mac’s Home Possible® provide a critical pathway forward.

These two government-backed loan programs are specifically designed to increase access to affordable mortgage options for low-to-moderate income borrowers. In a market where rising home prices and limited inventory can feel discouraging, HomeReady® and Home Possible® are helping more people achieve the stability and wealth-building potential that comes with owning a home.

What Is HomeReady®?
Fannie Mae’s HomeReady® program was created to support creditworthy borrowers who may not meet the typical requirements for a conventional loan. With features like down payments as low as 3%, income flexibility, and homeownership education, HomeReady® is especially helpful for:

  • First-time homebuyers
  • Multigenerational households (co-borrowers who don’t live in the home can help qualify)
  • Borrowers with limited savings

HomeReady® also allows for non-traditional income sources to be considered, which can make a big difference for gig workers or those who supplement their income with part-time jobs or family support.

What Is Home Possible®?
Freddie Mac’s Home Possible® program offers similar benefits with additional flexibility. It’s designed to help low-income borrowers and first-time homebuyers overcome some of the most common barriers to homeownership. Highlights include:

  • Down payment options starting at just 3%
  • Flexible credit requirements
  • Reduced mortgage insurance costs
  • The ability to include rental income (like from a basement apartment) to help qualify

Home Possible® also supports homebuyers in underserved areas, promoting more equitable access to homeownership across diverse communities.

Why These Programs Matter During National Homeownership Month
This month is more than a celebration, it is a call to action. As we continue to face affordability challenges and widening wealth gaps, HomeReady® and Home Possible® represent real, tangible solutions. They align perfectly with the mission of National Homeownership Month by:

  • Expanding access to first-time and underrepresented buyers
  • Promoting education and responsible borrowing
  • Encouraging multigenerational and community-focused homeownership

These programs are proof that responsible, sustainable homeownership is still within reach, even in today’s competitive market.

Helping More Families Say “Yes” to Homeownership
The dream of owning a home shouldn’t be limited by income alone. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s initiatives help bridge the gap between renters and homeowners by offering smart, flexible options designed for today’s realities. For real estate professionals, lenders, and community leaders, this month is an opportunity to raise awareness about these programs and help more families step confidently into the next chapter of their lives.

Recognizing the Power of Having a Place to Call Home During Homeownership Month

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June is National Homeownership Month, it is a time to celebrate the American dream of owning a home and to reflect on what homeownership means to individuals, families, and communities. I believe in the power of homeownership to build stability, create generational wealth, and provide a true sense of belonging. Whether you are already a homeowner or still working toward that goal, this month is dedicated to you.

National Homeownership Month was originally recognized as National Homeownership Week in 1995. In 2002, President George W. Bush expanded it to the entire month of June to stress the importance of homeownership and make it more accessible to more Americans. Today, it continues to serve as a reminder of the value of owning a home and the support available to those who aspire to buy one.

Why Homeownership Matters
Owning a home is more than just having a place to live, it is about putting down roots and investing in your future. Homeownership offers financial benefits such as building equity, potential tax advantages, and protection against rising rent costs. The benefits go far beyond finances, a home offers a sense of security, control over your living space, and the freedom to personalize it in ways that reflect your style and values.

Resources and Support Are Available
One of the key goals of National Homeownership Month is to make sure potential buyers know about the resources available to help them along the journey. Organizations like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the National Association of REALTORS®, and Habitat for Humanity offer valuable guidance, tools, and programs designed to assist first-time buyers, low-income families, and others facing challenges in today’s housing market. We will discuss them more this month.

If you are dreaming of buying a home, this month is the perfect time to explore your options. From down payment assistance programs to affordable financing options, there are many paths to homeownership that might be more within reach than you think.

Local Efforts and How You Can Get Involved
Throughout June, many local communities and real estate professionals host events to promote homeownership, share educational resources, and connect buyers with trusted experts. Whether it is a homebuyer workshop, an open house tour, or one-on-one consultations, these efforts are designed to empower you with knowledge and confidence.

If you have been thinking about making a move, we would love to help guide you through the process and explore your opportunities. National Homeownership Month is more than just a celebration, it is an invitation to take that first (or next) step toward a home you can truly call your own.