June is National Homeownership Month

What is National Homeownership Month?

Each June, we celebrate National Homeownership Month. Across the USA, agencies and individuals recognize the importance of owning a home and acknowledge the many benefits of homeownership while working to help those who struggle to achieve this goal.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of National Homeownership Month, which was founded on the belief that everyone deserves to access the security & dignity of homeownership. While we’re committed to this idea every month, June is when we share a national focus on homeownership with HUD, the FHA, and other national organizations. 

How We Can Help during Homeownership Month

Throughout this month of June, we will be offering education, advice, and access to our certified housing counselors who can help anyone, no matter where they are in their homeownership journey.

First-Time Homebuyer Education

For those who are considering or actively working to buy their first home, first-time homebuyer education (FTHB) is the place to start.

This comprehensive education will help you get started the right way and help you make smarter choices throughout the process. Even those who previously owned a home and spent some time away can benefit from this education.

Graduates of FTHB education courses get a certificate that can help them access special assistance programs at the local, state, and federal levels. Depending on the borrower’s financial eligibility, there may be down payment assistance programs or grants to help make homeownership a reality.

Check back regularly to see when our next home buyer education workshop is being held. We offer classes online so you can take them any time, from anywhere.

Foreclosure Prevention Assistance

Those who already have a mortgage should still participate in National Homeownership Month and ensure their mortgage is secure. Anyone who is afraid they may be facing foreclosure in the near future should reach out for foreclosure prevention assistance.

We urge people to act now and face their mortgage problems. You’re only setting yourself up for a crisis if you wait. Address your housing issues now, during homeownership month, and be first in line to get help with your mortgage situation.

Federal programs are available to help people save their homes, and our free HUD-approved housing counseling will help you find out if you qualify. Now is a critical time for people to act, as interest rates are rising.

The recent rise in home values may make it seem like homeowners have nothing to worry about, but that really means the stakes are higher than ever, as anyone who loses their home or is forced to sell will have a harder time finding alternate affordable housing. Don’t let that happen to you!

Homeownership Resources & Guides

Educating people about personal finance is central to our nonprofit mission at credit.org. That includes educating people about homeownership. Check back with us throughout the month of June for more information about homeownership, and be sure to check out some highlights from our archives:

• 10 Myths About Homeownership
• Homeownership Preparation Tips
• Differences Between Homeownership and Renting
• The First Step to Buying a Home
• The Home Buying Process [Infographic]

And even when it’s not National Homeownership Month, we’re always offering new content on our blog and free educational materials from our FIT Academy. Make time to take advantage of these free financial resources!

Home Buyer Coaching

For those who are ready to tackle homeownership, we have experts available to give one-on-one guidance through pre-purchase coaching.

This coaching helps you determine what your housing needs truly are, and budget to achieve them. You’ll also explore any available homebuyer programs to help you get a mortgage and ensure you can afford it.

Wherever you are in the process of homeownership, there are resources ready to help you get or maintain your mortgage. Don’t hesitate to reach out for personal guidance today.

National Homeownership Month 2022

June is National Homeownership Month every year, and also happens to be Pride Month. For 2022, we’re celebrating Pride Month by reaching out to LGBTQ+ home buyers. This is important to us because homeownership is for everyone, and LGBTQ+ homeownership rates lag behind the national average by 16%.

There are lots of reasons for this discrepancy, from discrimination to income disparities, to the higher property values in areas that legally recognize full equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals. 

Unmarried same-sex couples should check out our Guide to Buying a Home Together Before Marriage, as it’s important to protect your joint ownership if you’re not legally married, and contact us for counseling and assistance if needed. We understand that LGBTQ+ home buyers face special challenges when it comes to attaining homeownership, and we’re here to help.