A
s we celebrate National Homeownership Month, it's a crucial time to discuss what homeownership truly means and how to protect this fundamental aspect of the American dream. For many, owning a home represents stability, security, and building wealth for their families. It's also about having a space that's truly yours, where you can grow and invest in your future.

    However, the reality is that achieving homeownership has become increasingly challenging. Affordability issues plague communities across the country, including Ashland and Southern Oregon. Housing prices remain high, inventory is low, and interest rates and insurance costs are putting additional strain on buyers. This makes it harder for people to achieve their dream of owning a home.

    That's why advocacy matters. As Realtors, we're not just transactional professionals; we're passionate advocates who work tirelessly outside of day-to-day sales to protect property rights and promote housing opportunities for all. We advocate for policies that expand home financing options, encourage the construction of affordable homes, and preserve tax benefits that make homeownership more financially viable.

    Locally, Realtors are working with city and county leaders to address our housing shortage head-on. We're advocating for more housing at all price points, not just luxury homes, and supporting policies that make it easier to develop workforce housing so that essential workers can afford to live here. We're also raising awareness about related challenges, such as the increasing difficulty of securing fire insurance in Southern Oregon.

    As someone who helps clients navigate the path to homeownership every day, I see firsthand how life-changing it can be when someone receives the keys to their first home. That's why we're fighting to keep homeownership accessible, affordable, and protected for all. So, if you're dreaming of owning a home, don't give up – know that there are advocates on your side working to make that dream a reality. And if you already own a home, take a moment this month to appreciate the opportunity and responsibility that comes with it. Homeownership is a privilege worth protecting for ourselves and future generations.