The Emotional Rewards of Homeownership and Why It’s Worth Celebrating in June

June is National Homeownership Month, a time not only to talk about the practical steps toward owning a home but also to reflect on the emotional rewards that make the journey worth it. As a mortgage professional, I spend a lot of time working with numbers such as credit scores, down payments, and interest rates. But the most powerful part of homeownership is what cannot be measured with a calculator.

Pride in Ownership
Owning a home brings pride. There is something deeply satisfying about unlocking your front door and knowing that it belongs to you. Whether it is your very first home or the one you have been dreaming about for years, that sense of ownership carries emotional weight. You are not just investing in property. You are investing in your future and in something that reflects your effort, your goals, and your dreams.

Freedom to Make It Yours
Homeownership also brings freedom. As a renter, you are limited by rules that are not your own, like restrictions on decorating, pets, or even how many guests can visit. When you own your home, you can paint the walls any color you like, plant a garden, or renovate the kitchen. It is your space to shape, and that creative freedom can be incredibly empowering. Your home becomes a true extension of who you are.

A Sense of Stability
Then there is the sense of stability. A fixed-rate mortgage offers predictability that renting rarely provides. You are not at the mercy of a landlord’s decisions or unexpected rent increases. You have control over your housing costs, and that can create peace of mind, especially in uncertain times. For families, that stability means children can stay in the same schools, build friendships, and grow up in a consistent environment that feels safe and familiar.

Connection to Community
Owning a home also creates a sense of belonging. Neighborhoods become communities when people put down roots. Whether it is waving to a neighbor, attending a block party, or supporting a local school, homeownership helps people feel connected. That emotional connection often leads to stronger, more resilient communities. And that is worth celebrating during National Homeownership Month.

A Place Where Life Happens
Of course, the emotional rewards go hand-in-hand with the financial benefits of building equity and long-term security. But for many buyers, it is the intangible value that makes the most lasting impact. A home is where milestones are celebrated, where holiday traditions are created, and where life happens every day.

Helping Others Find That Joy
As a mortgage originator, I am privileged to help people take that first step. I see the joy when an application is approved, the excitement when the offer is accepted, and the pride when keys are finally in hand. Each of those moments reflects the emotional core of what homeownership means.

Celebrate More Than a House
This June, during National Homeownership Month, let’s celebrate not just the homes people buy but the lives they build inside them. The value of homeownership is much more than the price tag. It is in the pride, freedom, and sense of place that owning a home brings.

5 Things To Know About Severe Weather And Homeowners Insurance

5 Things To Know About Severe Weather And Homeowners InsuranceThe average homeowner feels secure knowing they have insurance in the event of a severe weather calamity. Most people believe that no matter what happens, they have paid for protection against disaster.

Unfortunately, not every homeowners insurance policy provides full reimbursement from severe weather losses. Hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes and other rare catastrophes may not be covered under your current policy.

Consider the impact of these extreme events and whether you are fully insured for the subsequent losses.

1: Hurricane Damage May Not Be Fully Covered

The recent national mobilization to deal with the fallout from Hurricane Florence highlights just how catastrophic severe weather can be to people and property. That being said, homeowners generally anticipate calling their insurance carrier to file a claim after returning home and assessing the damage.

It may come as a surprise, but many policies limit reimbursement to damage attributed to high winds. For example, a tree falls on a garage or vehicle and the insurance outfit writes a check.

But damage attributed to water can be tricky. Many policies do not cover flood insurance. That could mean that water backed up in the street or a stream, lake or pond overflowing into your home might not be covered. That’s why homeowners are advised to clarify water-related coverage.

2: Floods May Not Be Covered

People living near bodies of water may be required to carry flood insurance when applying for a mortgage. Flooding represents a high risk that can result in a total loss. Lenders are often apprehensive about approving mortgages for properties in so-called “floodplains.”

FEMA offers coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program. Homeowners living just outside a flood zone may not be required to buy additional coverage. However, you are taking a significant risk.

If your policy does not cover flooding, you could be on the hook for the full cost of the home’s repair or replacement. Considering the average flood insurance policy runs about $700, it may be worth the expense to protect your investment.

3: Tornado Insurance Coverage Can Be Murky

Although most policies cover damage from tornados, premiums can run higher in regions prone to these severe weather storms. But, like hurricanes, tornados that additionally bring about flooding can pose a problem for homeowners who make a claim. A carrier may conclude that the high wind and impact damage enjoys coverage. Water, however, can be a very gray area. 

4: Earthquakes Often Not Covered

Like people who live in flood plains, earthquake riders may be required in certain areas of the country. Without additional coverage, the destruction caused by these catastrophic events may not be reimbursed. It’s imperative that people living in or around regions prone to earthquakes carry specific coverage. Imagine losing your home and still owing a monthly mortgage payment.

The important thing to glean from this overview about severe weather claims is that homeowners are wise to dig deep into their policies and have a clear, concise understanding about coverage. Keep in mind that water damage from flooding, rain and even sewer back-ups pose a significant threat to your home. For a few dollars more, enhanced severe weather insurance may be worth every penny.

Homeowner’s insurance is a requirement for most home loans. It’s important to note that some properties at high risk may not qualify for financing or you may find that insurance for high risk properties adds too much to your bottom line. Consult your trusted home mortgage professional to find out what specific insurance is necessary to finance your new home.

The Different Foundation Options For Your House

The Different Foundation Options For Your HouseAre you thinking about purchasing a home in the near future? Or, are you thinking about building one? If so, you must think carefully about the foundation of the home. It is responsible for supporting the rest of the structure, so you need to find the right foundation to meet your needs. What are a few of the top options available?

Basement

One of the first options you should consider is a basement foundation. This is a popular choice because it can create additional living space in your home. It can also act as an additional entrance, which can be useful in some situations. On the other hand, a basement does not always contribute to the square footage of your house. In addition, it can be a bit more susceptible to leaks when compared to other types of foundations. You must make sure you take care of your basement to prevent mold and mildew from growing.

Crawl Space

Another very common type of foundation you may encounter is a crawlspace foundation. A crawl space is not nearly as tall as the basement, so it does not provide any additional living space. On the other hand, it can be used as additional storage space, and it can provide some protection against environmental hazards. You must make sure the crawlspace is ventilated to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Furthermore, it requires routine maintenance to provide structural issues from developing with the house. Always take a look at the quality of the crawl space before you decide to make a purchase.

Slab Foundation

You should also consider a slab foundation for your house. A slab foundation is very quick to build, very difficult for infestations to access, and incredibly durable. The biggest downside is that it does not provide you with any additional storage space. In addition, it may make it hard to access the plumbing if there is a problem that has to be addressed.

Find The Right Foundation 

Ultimately, these are just a few of the many options available if you are looking for a new house. Familiarize yourself with the benefits and drawbacks of different foundation types. Then, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional who can help you find the right house to meet your needs.