June is National Homeownership Month, when we raise awareness about the benefits of owning a home and the importance of making homeownership more attainable for all Americans.
Every family deserves to have the opportunity to reap the benefits of homeownership—from building generational wealth to building memories for years to come.
Members of the National Association of REALTORS® help consumers navigate the homeownership experience, providing critical support and serving as a trusted advisor through one of the biggest financial decisions of their lifetime.
REALTOR®-Led Initiatives Turning Barriers into Doorways
Join the National Association of REALTORS® for a focused, solutions-driven webinar showcasing how REALTORS® are expanding access to homeownership nationwide. This session highlights how national advocacy, local leadership and targeted resources come together to turn barriers into real pathways. Participants will leave with practical examples and actionable strategies to leverage grants, partnerships and advocacy to drive impact in their own communities
Date: June 2, 2026
Time: 2pm-3pm ET
Speakers:
- Judy Covington, NAR Housing Issues Liaison
- Amy Peterson, Chair, NAR Housing Opportunities Committee
- Alexia Smokler, Director, Fair Housing Policy and Programs, NAR
- Elayne Weiss, NAR Senior Policy Representative, Federal Housing, NAR
- Laurie Benner, Manager, Community Development Advocacy Resources, NAR
- Lisa May, Director, Advocacy and Public Policy, Maryland REALTORS®
- Jamie McMillen, Vice President, Advocacy, Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS®
What NAR Is Doing To Increase Homeownership Opportunities
Making homeownership accessible to more people starts with adding to the nation’s severely limited inventory. The U.S. is facing an underbuilding gap of 5.5 million units, equaling a $4.4 trillion underinvestment in housing.
America’s tax law can and must do more to promote homeownership, build stable communities, and boost economic growth.
NAR is advocating for these bills and solutions:
- The More Homes on the Market Act (H.R. 1340) to decrease the equity penalty and incentivize more long-term owners to sell their homes.
- The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act (H.R. 2854), which would attract private investment to build and rehabilitate owner-occupied homes.
- The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (S. 1515/H.R. 2725), which would encourage creating and preserving affordable housing.
- The Housing Supply Framework Act (H.R.2840/ S.1299) to create a national strategy for boosting housing production and affordability by reducing barriers to new housing development.
- The Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act (H.R. 2410) to convert underused commercial properties into residential and mixed-use housing.
- The Uplifting First-Time Homebuyers Act (Awaiting bill number) to increase the amount that can be withdrawn penalty-free from IRAs for a down payment on a first home.
- Support small business by preserving the 199A qualified business income deduction and keeping taxes on business income lower for independent contractors and pass-through business owners.
- Support commercial real estate investment by preserving 1031 like-kind exchanges.
- Incentivize homeownership by increasing the $10,000 cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction and eliminating the marriage penalty.
NAR is also advocating to ensure equal access to professional representation and support fair housing. Priorities include:
- The Fair and Equal Housing Act to add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under the Fair Housing Act.
- Ensuring veterans maintain access to professional representation and can compete in the market by allowing VA buyers to compensate their professional representative directly.
- Serving as a founding member of the Black Homeownership Collaborative and supporting the 3by30 initiative, with the goal of adding three million net new Black homeowners by 2030.
Read more about NAR’s priority issues.
What GBRAR Is Doing To Increase Homeownership Opportunities
Community Build with Habitat For Humanity
On Wednesday, May 27th, GBRAR members joined Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge for a community build day, contributing hands-on work toward a home for a local family in need. Increasing access to homeownership for families in our community is at the heart of what GBRAR and our members do every day. We are grateful to Habitat For Humanity for this partnership and to every member who participated.
Ms. Shirley’s Home Dedication
Last fall, GBRAR participated as a corporate team in the 20th Women Build with Habitat For Humanity. This year, on Thursday, May 28th, GBRAR had the honor to attend Ms. Shirley’s home dedication ceremony. The program brought together volunteers, supporters, and community members in prayer and celebration of this milestone. We are grateful to everyone who volunteered their time and skills to help Ms. Shirley on her path to homeownership!
