But The CE Shop National Mortgage and Real Estate Experts, Michelle White and Amy Adams, think otherwise. They note that while rising costs and misconceptions about affordability have left many feeling discouraged, the key to empowering aspiring homeowners is education and advocacy.
Whether you’re an agent, mortgage loan officer, home inspector, or appraiser, you have the power to help aspiring homeowners turn what feels like an unreachable dream into a lived reality.
Here are five concrete ways you can educate your network, advocate for homeownership, and even generate a few leads along the way.
#1: Simplify the Homebuying Process
Overwhelmed. Intimidated. Confused. These are just a few feelings all too common among first-time homebuyers, and they can act as real barriers to homeownership. From securing financing to having keys in hand, the process can feel like an endless maze. This is where your expertise makes all the difference.
Break down the homebuying process — or your particular role in it — into manageable steps, using simple, direct language. Charts, infographics, or other engaging visuals can help convey the information while keeping things approachable. Better yet, consider hosting workshops, webinars, or one-on-one rap sessions with the public, ensuring potential homebuyers feel confident (and supported) with each step.
Pro Tip: “Most real estate professionals provide extra care to first-time homebuyers. A real estate professional can help buyers make an informed purchase, ensuring they buy within a price range they can afford while saving for unexpected repairs. A home inspector can help buyers understand the condition of the home and identify systems that may need replacing soon. A reputable lender can help buyers understand their borrowing capacity and advise them not to shop at the top of their price range.” – Amy Adams
#2: Highlight Resources That Lessen Financial Barriers
Money worries are a big hurdle for aspiring homeowners, especially first-time buyers. While it’s important to encourage buyers to be smart about their money, there are so many financial resources that can make buying a home more affordable. From Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs to special grants and crowd-sourced funding options, buyers have more options than they may realize.
Your role is to make them aware of these opportunities. Share informative, digestible resources with your network and clients (like the one below!), address concerns around costs like down payments and closing fees, and show them that their dream is within reach.
Pro Tip:“Gone are the days of the 20% down payment; many borrowers can now own a home with as little as 3-5%. So, stay current in your knowledge of programs, local or otherwise, by reading blogs and articles. Better yet, start your own blog and regularly write about these programs yourself. Writing about them helps you learn and grows your knowledge that you can share with your clients.” – Michelle White
Shareable Resource: Download this Creative Financing Options cheat sheet and share it with those in your network who may be looking for non-traditional ways to finance their new home.
#3: Provide Timely Market Insights
Real estate markets are always evolving, so it’s important to help first-time homebuyers understand how these shifts impact their options. Sharing information around local and national trends like mortgage rate changes, average home prices, or demand for specific features (e.g., energy-efficient appliances) not only informs their decisions, but helps build trust in your brand.
In areas where energy efficiency matters, for example, homes with upgraded insulation or Energy Star appliances may stand out. In neighborhoods with historic charm, buyers might prefer original hardwood floors over a smart thermostat. Helping first-time buyers navigate and synthesize these insights helps them feel confident they’re making the right purchase.
Pro Tip: "Make sure your clients understand that value and marketability are not the same thing. Take smart homes, for example — while they can add value, buying a tricked out home with features like solar panels, smart thermostats, and home batteries in a neighborhood where that’s uncommon might not align with the local market. On the flip side, choosing a home without tech in an area where it is the norm could mean missing out on features that are expected. " – Amy Adams
While social media can sometimes feel like a bit of a runaway train, it is an incredibly useful place to connect with your audience and advocate for homeownership. You can use your platform to dispel homeownership myths (e.g., the 20% down payment requirement), share inspiring homeownership journey stories, and educate clients about lesser-known lending options.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X are especially effective for reaching younger, first-time buyers. Share quick tips, behind-the-scenes videos, or ask your followers to share their own homeownership goals. Sharing client testimonials or success stories (with permission, of course) can also make your efforts more relatable and motivational.
Pro Tip: “Be willing to meet your audience where they are — and most of them are on social media. You can provide accurate and timely information about the market, educate people about programs, and dispel myths about homebuying. You can even create a whole campaign raising awareness and celebrating Homeownership — not just for the month of June, but all the time.” – Michelle White
Shareable Resource — Social Media Post: Create posts like the one below to build interest and engagement for your business, all while educating your network. And feel free to copy/paste this one directly onto your platform!
Confused about home appraisals? 🤷♀️ We’ve got you! This blog explains everything you need to know — valuation methods, factors that impact value, and more.
#5: Advocate for Affordable Housing in Your Community
Get involved in your community by partnering with local initiatives, volunteering for organizations like Habitat for Humanity, or attending community events. Start by researching online or reaching out to your local government. You can also connect with community groups or visit libraries and community centers, which often have helpful information on how to get involved.
Share your experiences with these local organizations on social media to highlight the real-life benefits of equitable housing policies, such as making homeownership accessible to diverse communities. By positioning yourself as a trusted advocate, you’re not just helping people buy houses — you’re helping them build better lives.
Pro Tip: “There are many opportunities to volunteer in your local community — build homes with Habitat for Humanity, provide education to the public, or maybe offer homebuying counseling workshops. You may even become civically active by voting for legislation that supports the advancement of homeownership or affordable housing. Many people think they can’t buy a home; but after taking a class, they realize they can. It can be very empowering.” – Michelle White
Shareable Resource: Check out this guide on 4 Programs That Build Houses for Low-Income Families from Affordable Housing Hub. Share the article with your network and let them know you’re available to answer any questions! Alternatively, feel free to share the templated social post below on your platforms — just be sure to insert a link to your favorite local community housing program!
If you dream of owning a home but think it’s too far out of reach, you might have more options than you think! 🌟Check out this incredible local community housing program to explore alternative paths to homeownership. Your dreams are possible, and there are resources ready to help! 🏡
[Insert Link to Your Local Community Housing Program Website]
#6: Raise Awareness About Housing Insecurity and Spark Change
While homeownership comes with great financial benefits, it offers more than that. It’s the foundation for stable, thriving communities, helping to combat mental health challenges stemming from housing insecurity. Owning a home can help reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and instill a sense of belonging. When families have a safe place to call home, children excel in school, workers are more productive, and entire communities thrive.
Share this information, in combination with actionable paths to homeownership, with your network to inspire action and make a lasting impact. Become known as the advocate for equitable access to housing in your community to help foster positive change and give individuals the information they need to thrive.
Pro Tip: “Real estate professionals aren’t the ones buying homes; they’re helping people to buy homes. From financing and inspections to appraisals and closing, they’re helping their clients every step of the way. The key word here is ‘helping.’ As long as you keep the focus on that, you can’t go wrong.” – Michelle White
Shareable Resource: Share this National League of Cities article, Exploring the Link Between Housing Stability and Mental Health, with your network to highlight the importance of affordable, secure housing and help them learn about practical ways communities are making a difference.
Inspire Confidence and Lead the Way
Homeownership Month reminds us that achieving the American Dream is still possible — with thoughtful guidance from real estate professionals like you. As real estate professionals, you have the power to educate and use your expertise, compassion, and platform to help aspiring homeowners overcome challenges and secure that future they’ve been dreaming of.
By educating your network, sharing resources, and fostering community connections, you can inspire lasting change in your community — and maybe even grow your business in the process. As Michelle White reminds us, “There’s no reason you can’t celebrate and be an advocate for homeownership all year long.”
Now’s the time to empower aspiring homeowners to take that first step. Show them the way, inspire confidence, and watch your local communities thrive.
The CE Shop Team
The CE Shop Team is comprised of subject writers, subject matter experts, and industry professionals.
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