Be it ever so humble…

"To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition.” Or so wrote famous writer and essayist Samuel Johnson in the 18th century.Johnson, who was famous for such important works like “A Dictionary of the English Language”, knew what many people who came afterward began to realize. That owning your own property, your own home, could enrich your life. That it will give you a feeling of purpose and stature.

Americans have always felt that home ownership, whether a small apartment home or sprawling estate, should be viewed with the pride of ownership and sense of accomplishment. As author John Howard Payne stated, “Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.”

Homeownership in the United States reached an all-time high in 2004 at 69.2%. But the housing crisis, which began in 2006, resulted in many foreclosures and short sales. Ownership rates began a steady decline reaching an all-time low of 62.9% in July of 2016.

With the housing crisis now well behind us many of the people that were affected are again able to purchase houses. It is a chance to restart their pursuit of the American dream. Homeownership is important because it has been shown that homeowners in the United States tend to have greater wealth and higher incomes than their tenant counterparts.

Today the ownership rate has climbed back to 64.3%. With the improved economy and job outlook that movement should continue.

What does home mean to you? Is it a place that gives you unconditional love, happiness, and comfort? A place where you can bury your sorrows and shame without guilt? To have a happy home, you don’t need the trappings of opulence. Any place can be home as long as you are comfortable and secure. A small house in need of repair would be a palace to a homeless person.

While the number of delightful historical references to the wonders of home are nearly boundless. Here are a few that may warm your heart or lift your spirits.

 

“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort”. – Jane Austen

“I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world”. – George Washington

“Home is a shelter from storms; all sorts of storms.” - William J. Bennet

 

Or you can simply sum it up by saying: “Home Sweet Home”

 

Joe Domino is a Realtor® serving the Phoenix & Scottsdale metro area. You can find more great information by visiting his website at www.Scottsdale-AZHomes.com.

 

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