It is a true honor to be with you here today to celebrate this prestigious, 25th anniversary of Homebuyers Clubs.
Since childhood, we have all heard the resounding, decisive statement from our parents, our grandparents and others that owning your own home is a major part of the American Dream. However, our country continues to feel the effects of the recent financial crisis – a crisis that shook the housing market to its very roots and revealed the weaknesses in consumer education and preparation for home ownership. Some may ask why we should continue to care about homeownership?
I’ll tell you why. First, homeownership remains a goal for many Americans — according to the National Association of Realtor’s 2011 National Housing Pulse Survey released in June 2011, 72% of renters say homeownership is a top priority for them. People want to own their own home. That reality hasn’t diminished despite the financial crisis...