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Homeownership Is Still at the Heart of the American Dream

Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains at the heart of the American Dream. Unlike renting, owning a home means more than just having a place to live – it offers a sense of belonging, stability, and freedom. According to Nicole Bachaud, Senior Economist at Zillow:

“The American Dream is still owning a home. There’s a lot of pent-up demand for ownership; that isn’t going to go away.”

Let’s explore just a few of the reasons why so many Americans continue to value homeownership.

The Financial Benefits of Owning a Home

One possible reason homeownership is viewed so highly is because owning a home is a significant wealth-building tool. That may be why Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief and VP of Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

“Homeownership is the number one way to build wealth in America.”

Over time, owning a home not only helps boost your own net worth, but it also sets future generations up for success as you pass that wealth down. Habitat for Humanity explains:

“Overall, homeownership promotes wealth building by acting as a forced savings mechanism and through home value appreciation. Homeowners make monthly payments that increase their equity in their homes by paying down the principal balance of their mortgage. . . . In addition, owning a home promotes intergenerational homeownership and wealth building. Children of homeowners transition to homeownership earlier — lengthening the period over which they can accumulate wealth . . .”

It can also provide meaningful financial stability compared to renting. When you buy with a fixed-rate mortgage, you can lock in your monthly housing payments for the length of your home loan.

The Non-Financial Benefits of Homeownership

But, owning a home offers more than just financial benefits—it benefits you socially and emotionally too. Your home provides feelings of achievement, responsibility, and more. In a recent survey, Fannie Mae outlines just a few of these more emotionally-driven benefits, including:

“The top three were having control over what you do with your living space (94%) to having a sense of privacy and security (91%) and having a good place for your family or to raise your children (90%) . . .”

What Does That Mean for You?

If your idea of the American Dream involves greater freedom, security, and prosperity, homeownership could be a key player in bringing that dream to life. And with mortgage rates now on a downward trend, it might be a good time for you to consider making a move.

If you’re ready and able to buy, know that there are incredible benefits waiting at the end of your journey. You’ll gain more than just a home – it’s a place to grow your wealth and call your very own. Like Ksenia Potapov, Economist at First American says:

“…homeownership remains an important driver of wealth accumulation and the largest source of total wealth among most households.”

Bottom Line

Buying a home is a powerful decision and the cornerstone of the American Dream. If finding a place to call your own is part of your dream for this year, let’s connect to start the process today.


Posted on December 1, 2023

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    Jul 15

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    ✨ When you work with Josh, you’re getting more than just a skilled negotiator — you’re getting a trusted advocate who’s focused on protecting your bottom line and making the smartest financial moves possible.

Lauren S. said it best:

“Josh built complete trust with us… and was focused on making sure we didn’t leave any money on the table during the negotiation process.”

That kind of advocacy doesn’t happen by accident — it comes from deep expertise, constant communication, and a genuine commitment to doing what’s best for the client at every step. At Story House, we believe your real estate decisions should be guided by someone who cares about the outcome just as much as you do. Josh embodies that — and it’s why his business has continued to grow organically almost entirely through repeat and referral clients.

#CharlottesvilleRealEstate #CentralVirginiaHomes #RealEstateNegotiation #TrustedAdvisor #StoryHouseDifference #ClientFirstAlways @joshwhite_shre
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    Jul 15

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    COMING SOON | 🏠 1411 Chesapeake Street Charlottesville VA 22902 | MLS #666885 | $546,000 | 🛏️ 5 bed 🛁 4 full| 🎉 

Welcome to 1411 Chesapeake Street, a unique opportunity in the heart of Charlottesville! Whether you're an investor or a homeowner with a knack for DIY, this property offers incredible potential. Situated with road frontage on Chesapeake and Short 18th Street, this home boasts a prime city location. The main level features 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, leading to a spacious attached workshop—perfect for storage, hobbies, or even a small business. But that’s not all. 

The property includes two basement apartments that, with a little TLC, could become excellent income-generating units. Imagine the possibilities: live upstairs while renting out the lower units, or transform the entire property into a lucrative investment. Don’t miss this chance to create something truly special.

 📩 Email showings@storyhouseRE.com with questions!

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    Jul 15

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    COMING SOON | 🏠 40 E Jack Jouett Road Louisa VA 23093 | MLS #666881 | $500,000 | 🛏️ 3 bed 🛁 2 full/1 half | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Sunday, July 20th from 11 AM - 1 PM!

This thoughtfully renovated home offers modern comfort in a quiet Louisa County setting—perfectly positioned for an easy commute to bothCharlottesville and Richmond. Inside, you’ll find beautiful hardwood floors throughout and a stylishly updated kitchen with sleek finishes, ample storage, and room together. The spacious primary suite features double vanities and a walk-in closet, while a flexible main-level room easily serves as a 4th bedroom, home office, or home gym. And for pet lovers—the entire property is fully fenced, front and back!

 📩 Email showings@storyhouseRE.com with questions!

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    Jul 11

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    🚨 Welcome to REAL, Ryan! 🚨 

Please help me give a warm welcome to @ryanburksrealtor, one of the newest additions to our REAL family!

Ryan is a seasoned agent in Waynesboro, VA, with a background in homebuilding and a true heart for helping people navigate their real estate journey. We first connected at a conference years ago, and since then, Ryan’s been a familiar face—showing up to classes, webinars, and implementing what he’s learned. 🙌🏼

When he reached out recently for mentorship and alignment with REAL, I was deeply honored. It’s agents like Ryan—committed, community-driven, and collaborative—who are helping us grow something really special in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.

✨ Stay tuned as we announce even more incredible agents joining our REAL crew this month!

Curious why so many top agents are making the move to @realbrokerage?
Wondering if now is the time to align with a modern brokerage model that actually works for you?

📩 DM me—I’d love to share more.

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    Jul 11

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    JUST LISTED | 🏠 824 Nassau Street Charlottesville VA 22902 | MLS #666775 | $299,000 | 🛏️ 4 bed 🛁 2 full bath | 🎉 OPEN HOUSE Saturday, July 12th from 11 AM - 1 PM!

This 4-bedroom, 2-bath attached home offers an open main level with a spacious kitchen and living area that’s perfect for entertaining. A convenient first-floor bedroom adds flexibility for guests, a home office, or multi-generational living. 

Upstairs, you'll find three additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a laundry room— 2 bedrooms have been freshly painted! Whether you’re looking to walk to your favorite Belmont restaurants or grab a quick coffee downtown, this location can’t
be beat. 

 📩 Email showings@storyhouseRE.com with questions!

 #Charlottesvillerealestate #StoryHouseRealEstate #StoryHouseRE #startyournextstory #comingsoon #Charlottesville #StartYourStoryWithUs
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    STORY HOUSE REAL ESTATE
    2110 Ivy Road
    Charlottesville, VA 22903
    Phone: (434) 260-1435
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