TOP KITCHEN TRENDS DESIGNS-2018
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We are continuing our report on the hottest designs for 2018 with the KITCHENS and what to look out for this year!!
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JUNETEENTH: FREEDOM, HOMEOWNERSHIP & THE WORK STILL AHEAD
A Message from Hinton Real Estate
On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free.
That day became known as Juneteenth.
Today, Juneteenth is more than a celebration of freedom. It’s a celebration of resilience, achievement, culture, and community. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go.
FREEDOM DELAYED
Imagine being legally free but not knowing it.
For more than two years, thousands of enslaved people continued to live in bondage because the news of their freedom had not reached them.
Juneteenth reminds us that freedom delayed is freedom denied.
It also reminds us that progress requires action.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN JUNETEENTH AND HOMEOWNERSHIP
Every June, our nation recognizes both Juneteenth and National Homeownership Month.
That connection is powerful.
Homeownership has long been one of the most effective ways for families to build wealth, create stability, and pass opportunities to future generations.
For many Americans, owning a home represents a key part of the American Dream.
But access to that dream has not always been equal.
THE HOMEOWNERSHIP GAP
Today, only 43% of Black households own their homes.
The gap between Black and White homeownership rates remains approximately 30 percentage points—one of the largest disparities in modern history.
Even decades after the Fair Housing Act of 1968, the homeownership gap remains wider than many people realize.
These aren’t just numbers.
They represent families who missed opportunities to build wealth, create equity, and establish long-term financial security.
WHY HOMEOWNERSHIP MATTERS
Homeownership is about much more than having a place to live.
It’s about building a foundation.
For most families, a home is the largest asset they will ever own and one of the primary ways wealth is created and passed to future generations.
The numbers tell the story:
Median White family wealth: approximately $285,000
Median Black family wealth: approximately $44,900
At the same time, there is reason for optimism.
Between 2019 and 2022, Black household wealth increased significantly, with housing accounting for nearly 44% of total Black wealth.
When families gain access to homeownership, communities gain access to opportunity.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Here in Ypsilanti, Juneteenth is more than a historical observance.
It’s a community celebration.
This year’s Juneteenth festivities will once again bring together neighbors, local businesses, organizations, entertainers, and families to celebrate freedom, culture, and progress.
It’s a chance to honor history while investing in the future.
It’s a chance to teach our children where we’ve been and inspire them about where we can go.
And it’s a reminder that strong communities are built when everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
OUR COMMITMENT
At Hinton Real Estate, we believe homeownership should be accessible, understandable, and achievable.
We’re committed to:
✔ Promoting fair housing
✔ Educating buyers and sellers
✔ Connecting families with resources
✔ Helping create pathways to homeownership
Because every family deserves the opportunity to build equity, stability, and a legacy.
LOOKING FORWARD
Juneteenth celebrates freedom.
Homeownership creates opportunity.
Together, they tell a story about building a better future.
As we gather with family, friends, and neighbors this Juneteenth, let’s remember that freedom is not just about what was won in the past.
It’s about what we’re building today.
A stronger community.
A brighter future.
And more doors opened for the generations that follow.
Because at Hinton Real Estate, we believe keys unlock more than homes.
They unlock possibilities.
Happy Juneteenth from Hinton Real Estate.
Let’s keep building together.
Sources
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC)
Brookings Institution
Urban Institute
History.com
Ypsilanti Juneteenth Celebration
Real Estate 2018: What to Expect
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Get ready for another strong year in the 2018 housing market! U.S. home values and sales volume will continue to rise in 2018. Find out how you can maximize your Real Estate selling or buying this coming year.
Read More93% Believe Homeownership Is Important In Attaining The American Dream
/Americans continue to believe that homeownership is important in achieving the American Dream. A recent survey by NeighborWorks America reported that:
“Owning a home remains a core element of the American Dream.”
When asked “How important a part of the American dream is owning a home?”
- 18% of those surveyed said it was the most important part
- 53% of those surveyed said it was very important
- 22% of those surveyed said it was somewhat important
Homeownership and Financial Stability
The survey also revealed that 81% of Americans believe that owning a home leads to a family being more financially stable. This feeling was reiterated by Zillow Senior Economist Aaron Terrazas who, in a recent press release, explained:
“After about a two-year slowdown, rent growth is starting to pick back up across the nation…Looking into 2018, rent is expected to continue gaining.
More widespread rent growth could mean home buying demands stay high, as renters who can afford it move away from the unpredictability of rising rents toward the relative stability of a monthly mortgage payment instead.” (emphasis added)
Bottom Line
Owning a home always has been, and always will be, a crucial part of attaining the American Dream.
The Impact Of Tight Inventory On The Housing Market
/The housing crisis is finally in the rear-view mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up, home sales are up, and distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) have fallen to their lowest points in years. It seems that the market will continue to strengthen in 2018.
However, there is one thing that may cause the industry to tap the brakes: a lack of housing inventory. While buyer demand looks like it will remain strong throughout the winter, supply is not keeping up.
Here are the thoughts of a few industry experts on the subject:
National Association of Realtors
“Total housing inventory at the end of November dropped 7.2 percent to 1.67 million existing homes available for sale, and is now 9.7 percent lower than a year ago (1.85 million) and has fallen year-over-year for 30 consecutive months. Unsold inventory is at a 3.4-month supply at the current sales pace, which is down from 4.0 months a year ago.”
Joseph Kirchner, Senior Economist for Realtor.com
“The increases in single-family permits and starts show that builders are planning and starting new construction projects, that’s a good thing because it will help to relievethe shortage of homes on the market.”
Sam Khater, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic
“Inventory is tighter than it appears. It’s much lower for entry-level buyers.”
Bottom Line
If you are thinking of selling, now may be the time. Demand for your house will be strong at a time when there is very little competition. That could lead to a quick sale for a really good price.
27 New Year’s Resolutions for Homeowners
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Personal resolutions can be motivating, exciting or just plain silly. This year I will…lose weight, run a marathon, go to Paris, break the hot-dog-eating record. As a homeowner, resolutions can also be empowering. Some are mission-critical for a solid financial year, others maybe fall in the wish list. Need ideas? This list should get you (and your real estate clients) started:
Read More5 Home Projects You Should Tackle Before You List Your House
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Your home is a major investment, and it’s something that you want to get the most from when you move on. Don’t let minor flaws get in the way of your profits. Something as simple as picking up toys in the yard or clearing away your collection of soda bottles can make a major difference in how potential buyers feel about your home. Add these projects to your checklist if you want to make a good first impression and sell your home for top dollar.
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