Real Estate Archives

What Is National Homeownership Month and Why It Matters to You

Each June, we celebrate National Homeownership Month — a time to recognize the value of owning a home and the many ways it strengthens lives, builds financial security, and empowers communities. Homeownership isn’t just about having a place to live — it’s about creating roots, building stability, and gaining the freedom to shape your own future. Whether you’re just starting to dream about owning a home, planning to sell, or considering refinancing, this month is a reminder that your goals are worth pursuing — and support is available to help you get there.

National Homeownership Month was originally established in 1995 as a weeklong celebration and expanded to a full month in 2002 by presidential proclamation, but its purpose goes much deeper than a date on the calendar. It was created to highlight the importance of expanding access to homeownership, especially for people who may have thought it was out of reach. For many, owning a home is one of the most significant steps toward financial independence and long-term stability. It can also reduce stress, increase confidence, and provide a sense of pride in something you’ve built for yourself. This month serves as a national reminder that homeownership is still one of the most powerful ways to build personal and generational wealth — and that everyone deserves a fair shot at achieving it.

Why Your Employer Offers an Employee Homeownership Program

Your employer believes in the power of homeownership — not just as a financial milestone, but as a foundation for stability, confidence, and long-term well-being. They also recognize that the journey to buy, sell, or refinance a home can feel overwhelming and expensive. That’s why they’ve made this program available: to give you trusted support, expert guidance, and meaningful savings as you navigate one of life’s biggest financial decisions.

Your Employee Homeownership Program is designed to help you make smart, confident decisions — whether you’re just starting to plan, actively house hunting, preparing to sell, or exploring ways to refinance. Through the program, you get access to:

Free one-on-one consultations with your Homeownership Advisor

Educational webinars to build your knowledge

Personalized planning tools to assess affordability and financing

Savings on real estate commissions and mortgage closing costs*

Support every step of the way

Celebrate National Homeownership Month by Taking Action

There’s no better time to start planning than now. Whether homeownership feels close or years away, the guidance you’ll receive through your employee program can help you get clear on your options — and potentially save thousands along the way.

Schedule your free consultation today and take one smart step closer to the future you’ve worked hard to build.

The information contained and the opinions expressed in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Advantage Home Plus does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. * Real estate commission contributions are available as state laws allow.

Understanding Home Appraisals: A Key Step in Your Homeownership Journey

Whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a home, a crucial step in the process is obtaining a home appraisal. An appraisal provides an unbiased estimate of a property’s market value, ensuring all parties—buyers, sellers, and lenders—have a clear understanding of the home’s worth.

What Is a Home Appraisal?

A home appraisal is conducted by a licensed professional who evaluates the property’s condition, location, size, features, and comparable recent sales in the area (known as “comps”). This helps determine the home’s fair market value, which is especially important when a lender is involved in the transaction.

Why Are Appraisals Important?

For Buyers: Ensures you don’t overpay for the property.

For Sellers: Helps set a competitive and realistic listing price.

For Refinancing: Establishes if you have enough equity to qualify for better loan terms.

What Happens If the Appraisal Comes In Low?

If you’re buying a home and the appraisal comes in lower than your offer price, it can affect your ability to secure financing. But don’t panic — you have options:

Renegotiate the Purchase Price: The seller may agree to lower the price to match the appraised value.

Make Up the Difference in Cash: You can choose to pay the gap out-of-pocket if it aligns with your budget and long-term plans.

Challenge the Appraisal: With the help of your real estate agent, you can review the appraisal for errors or missing comparables and request a reconsideration.

Walk Away: If your contract includes an appraisal contingency, you may be able to cancel the contract without penalty.

Your Employee Homeownership Program can guide you through this process to make the decision that best fits your goals.

How Much Should You Offer on a Home?

Most buyers aren’t sure how much to offer on a property — and that’s completely normal. The right offer price isn’t just about what the seller is asking. It’s about what the home is actually worth.

That’s where comparable sales (comps) come in. These are recently sold homes in the same area with similar features (like size, number of bedrooms, and condition). Reviewing comps helps you and your agent determine a realistic, competitive offer price based on actual market data — not guesswork.

The Role of Your Real Estate Agent

A knowledgeable real estate agent plays a critical role in guiding your offer strategy. They:

Analyze comps to help you write a smart offer

Advise you on when to go strong or when to negotiate

Help protect your interests in the contract

Assist you in responding to a low appraisal

Communicate with the seller’s agent to position you competitively

The average agent in the U.S. only handles a few transactions a year — but the agents approved through your Employee Homeownership Program are vetted for experience, skill, and proven results. They understand the appraisal process and how to navigate challenging situations to protect your financial interests.

How Your Homeownership Program Supports You

Through your Employee Homeownership Program, you have access to:

Trusted, high-performing real estate agents

One-on-one coaching from your Homeownership Advisors

Help preparing for appraisals and making smart offers

Support if your appraisal comes in low

Educational tools to build confidence at every step

Reduced mortgage and real estate costs*

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — and it shouldn’t be done alone. Take advantage of the expert support available to you through your benefits.

Schedule your free consultation today and get help navigating appraisals, home buying, offers, and everything in between.

SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com | (800)511-2197

The information contained and the opinions expressed in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Advantage Home Plus does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. * Real estate commission contributions are available as state laws allow.