Love Where You Live: 7 Benefits of Homeownership

Real estate decisions feel stronger when they’re grounded in clarity instead of pressure. Whether you already own a home or hope to in the future, understanding the why behind homeownership can help you make decisions that feel aligned with your life, not rushed by the market.

As part of our Love Where You Live theme, we’re looking beyond interest rates and price points to explore the deeper benefits of homeownership, the ones that influence how you live, how you feel, and how connected you are to your community.

Here are seven ways homeownership can support a life you love.

Stability That Grounds You

By the Numbers

The median homeowner now stays in their home for 11 years, a record high, reflecting longer-term residential stability.
Source: National Association of Realtors, Buyer & Seller Profile
Approximately 63% of U.S. adults own their homes, reinforcing homeownership’s continued role as a long-term housing solution.
Source: Federal Reserve, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households
Housing instability is associated with higher levels of stress and poorer mental health outcomes, while stable housing is linked to improved well-being.
Source: National Institutes of Health, public health housing studies

Beyond the Numbers

Fewer moves mean fewer unknowns. When your housing feels stable, it becomes easier to plan ahead, rest more deeply, and feel grounded in your day-to-day life.

Stability isn’t boring, it’s regulating. And for many people, it’s the foundation that allows everything else to function more smoothly.

Belonging That Builds Community

By the Numbers

Higher homeownership rates are associated with greater neighborhood stability and stronger local social networks.
Source: Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies
Homeowners are more likely to participate in civic life, including volunteering, voting in local elections, and engaging in neighborhood activities.
Source: Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies
Nearly half of homebuyers prioritize proximity to friends and family when deciding where to live.
Source: National Association of Realtors, Buyer Profile

Beyond the Numbers

When people stay in place, relationships have time to form. Homeownership often creates the conditions for deeper connection, knowing your neighbors, showing up locally, and feeling invested in the place you call home.

People don’t just buy homes. They buy into communities.

Confidence to Plan What’s Next

By the Numbers

14% of recent buyers purchased multigenerational homes, often to support aging parents, adult children, or shared caregiving needs.
Source: National Association of Realtors, Buyer & Seller Profile
Children of homeowners are more than three times as likely to become homeowners themselves compared to children of renters.
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Home equity represents approximately 43% of net wealth for the median U.S. household, making it one of the most significant long-term assets for financial security.
Source: Federal Reserve data

Beyond the Numbers

Homes today are less about “keeping up” and more about creating flexibility for real life, space to care for others, plan ahead, and adapt as life changes.

This isn’t about fast money. It’s about options: having choices, buffers, and confidence over time. Homeownership can support peace of mind that feels steady, not stressful.

And Yes, There Are Financial Benefits Too

Because loving where you live doesn’t mean ignoring the numbers.

Alongside the personal and community benefits, homeownership can also offer meaningful financial advantages over time.

Appreciation: U.S. Census data show the median home price increased from $172,900 in 2000 to $417,700 in 2023, reflecting long-term growth averaging over 6% annually.
Equity Growth: Each mortgage payment builds ownership in your home—not a landlord’s—creating a financial resource that can support future goals and flexibility.
Tax Advantages: Depending on your situation, you may qualify for deductions on mortgage interest and property taxes. (Your accountant is your best friend here.)
Wealth Preservation: When selling a primary residence, homeowners are eligible to exclude up to $250,000 in capital gains ($500,000 for married couples) from federal taxes.

Love Where You Live, On Purpose

Real estate doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With clarity and the right support, it becomes a series of informed choices aligned with your life, your values, and your future.

Whether you’re loving where you live now or planning what’s next, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.

Reach out anytime to set up your Real Estate Review or Real Estate Readiness Plan.