National Homeownership Month in June shines a spotlight on supporting the American Dream of homeownership. It’s also a time to recognize the organizations that help individuals and families to achieve their goals.
From the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Federal Housing Administration to the realtors, financial and housing counselors, and assistance programs, they all play a part in helping first-time homebuyers make their dream come true.
After an extreme low in 2016, homeownership has been making a gradual recovery. Ownership trends are changing, though. With priorities changing, so do the types of homes people are seeking.
NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH HISTORY
In 1995, National Homeownership Week began as a strategy of President William Clinton’s administration to increase homeownership across the nation. In 2002, President George W. Bush expanded the observance to the entire month of June.
If you are considering purchasing a home for the first time and don’t know where to start, visit NewHomeSource for a guide and list of resources.
Consider your options and learn your market. A good realtor will show you many options and resources, too. Ask friends who have bought a home for recommendations.
May kicks off the busiest moving season of the year when home sales begin to rise throughout the summer months. That’s why it’s also National Moving Month!
Moving can be more than a hassle, it can be a frightening proposition. Regardless of the size and distance, you want to protect your possessions and family. Either way, moving can be an adventure, too. New home, new places to explore. We expand our horizons and make connections. The possibilities are endless.
There are ways to make moving less of a hassle and more of an escapade. By checking resources, making a few lists and delegating responsibility, the goal is to get everything to your new home in one piece, peacefully.
Have a garage sale to help eliminate what shouldn’t be moved then donate the rest.
Make a checklist of each service to transfer.
Update your mailing address with family, friends and the post office.
Give each room a different colored marker for labeling boxes.
On the day of the move, have a go-bag and cooler ready. Fill with one with essentials such as a change of clothes, first aid, emergency information, and medications. In the cooler, have beverages and snacks to keep everyone fueled.
The Allure of April: A Celebration of Renewal, Reflection, and Rebirth
Welcome to April, the golden child of the spring season. There is a distinct magic that happens this month—a shift in the atmosphere that feels both energetic and serene. The last whispers of winter have faded, and the world outside our windows is waking up in full force. The trees are budding, the bulbs we planted months ago are finally blooming into tulips and daffodils, and the daylight stretches longer into the evening, inviting us to spend more time outdoors. April doesn’t just mark the continuation of spring; it feels like the true starting line for the year ahead. It’s a time of gentle momentum, where we are encouraged to clear out the cobwebs—both literally in our homes and metaphorically in our minds—and make space for the color and light that this month promises to deliver.
Beyond the holidays, the true allure of April lies in the season itself. This is a month that engages all five senses. It’s the sound of birdsong returning in the early morning and the gentle patter of a “April shower” against the window. It’s the sight of cherry blossoms painting the streets pink and white, and the bright green “fuzz” of new leaves on bare branches. It’s the smell of wet earth and fresh grass after a spring rain—a scent so unique it actually has a name: petrichor. As the weather warms, we trade our heavy coats for light jackets and our comfort food cravings for fresh salads and citrus. April invites us to reconnect with nature, to take the long way home, and to simply pause and appreciate the beauty of growth happening all around us.
For many, Easter is the emotional and spiritual heart of April. Whether you observe the holiday for its religious significance or embrace its secular traditions, it is a day centered on themes that perfectly mirror the month: hope, renewal, and joy. There’s a special kind of charm in preparing for Easter Sunday. It might involve hosting a brunch featuring a glazed ham and hot cross buns, or watching the children dash across a dew-soaked lawn in search of hidden eggs and chocolate baskets. It is a day that encourages gathering, whether you are dressing up in your pastel best for a church service or sitting around a table with loved ones. Easter reminds us to look for the sweetness in life, to celebrate new beginnings, and to welcome the light back into the world.
April also plays host to two very different, yet equally significant, types of celebrations: personal milestones and planetary awareness. To all the April babies—the Aries and the Taurus—this is your time to shine. There is something wonderful about having a birthday during such a vibrant month; it feels like the whole world has put on a floral display just for you. As you celebrate your own trip around the sun, you’ll also be celebrating the birthday of our planet on April 22nd. Earth Day serves as an important collective reminder of our role as stewards of this beautiful world. It’s a wonderful opportunity to align your personal new year with actions that benefit the earth—whether that’s planting a tree, starting a compost bin, or simply participating in a local park cleanup. It’s a beautiful synergy: as we celebrate our own lives, we also honor the planet that sustains us.
Notable Birthdays
· William Shakespeare (April 23, 1564): England’s most famous playwright and poet. · Charlotte Brontë (April 21, 1816): British novelist who wrote Jane Eyre. · Harper Lee (April 28, 1926): American author of the classic To Kill a Mockingbird. · Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928): American poet and civil rights activist.
Charlie Chaplin (April 16, 1889): English silent film star and director. · Eddie Murphy (April 3, 1961): American comedian and star of Beverly Hills Cop. · Robert Downey Jr. (April 4, 1965): American actor famous for playing Iron Man.
Jackie Chan (April 7, 1954): Hong Kong martial artist and actor known for his stunt work (while primarily an actor, his martial arts skills place him here). · K. LeRoy Irvin (April 3, 1957): Former American NFL cornerback and Super Bowl champion. · Joe Welch (April 3, 1963): Former American MLB pitcher.
Queen Elizabeth II (April 21, 1926): Longest-reigning British monarch. · Booker T. Washington (April 5, 1856): American educator, author, and advisor to presidents. · Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743): Third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence.
As we journey through these next few weeks, let’s allow the spirit of April to inspire us. Let’s embrace the showers because we know they bring the flowers. Let’s gather for Easter, celebrate the Earth, and raise a glass to the Aries and Taurus souls marking another year. April isn’t just a month on the calendar; it’s a feeling—an optimistic, breezy, and colorful feeling. So, open the windows, let the fresh air in, and step outside to enjoy the show. After all, the world is blooming, and we get to bloom right along with it.
Happy April, everyone! How are you welcoming the new season? Let me know in the comments below!
Brighten up your home during National Decorating Month in April! A fresh coat of paint, stylish fabrics, and furnishings give a tired space a fresh look and make something old look new again.
It’s amazing what we can do with a few strategically placed items. Whether a decorator’s trained eye or a natural sense of color and space leads to a beautiful new space, the achievement is always satisfying.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating projects around the home. No matter where you decide to update, be sure to do your research and prepare. The do-it-yourself handbook has been written multiple times. If you’re hesitant, help can be found in the form of videos, the service counters of hardware stores and decorators, too.
National Decorating Month originated in 1968 as National Home Decorating Month. The National Decorating Products Association (now known as the Paint & Wallpaper Association of America) in association with House and Garden Magazine launch the event.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Decorating Tips and Ideas
Form a painting club. Each member gets a room painted by the club. An ideal size would be six members. If you paint one room every other month, everyone gets a room painted in a year. The member whose room is being painted provides snacks and painting supplies.
If you smoke in your home and are trying to quit smoking, a great motivator is to paint the interior of your home. The freshly painted (and possibly decorated) home may be a deterrent from smoking in the home.
If you’re uncertain of a color choice, purchase a small amount of the paint or swatch of fabric. Paint a small patch or leave the swatch in the room where it will be used. Let the sun rise and set in that room so you can see how the color changes. You will soon know if you love it or hate it.
When choosing furniture for a room, be sure to measure more than just the space for the furniture when deciding on a piece. Measure the openings and corners leading into the room even if there are no stairs. If you cannot get the furniture into the room, you may have to return your new furniture.
Don’t settle for a plain square room. Add your personality to it with some expert advice or do-it-yourself redesign. Use #NationalDecoratingMonth to share on social media.
Spring cleaning: it’s a tradition that feels as old as time itself, yet remains as relevant today as ever. As the days lengthen and the temperature warms, there’s something about the onset of spring that instinctively prompts us to open the windows, let in the fresh air, and undertake a thorough cleaning of our homes. This annual ritual, steeped in history and varying cultures, is not just about maintaining a clean environment; it’s a symbolic gesture towards renewal, rejuvenation, and starting anew.
The concept of spring cleaning can be traced back to several origins, from the Iranian Norouz, the Persian New Year, which falls on the first day of spring, to the Jewish tradition of cleaning the house in preparation for Passover. No matter its origins, the core idea remains the same: clearing out the old to make way for the new. In a modern context, this means decluttering, deep-cleaning, and organizing our living spaces to usher in the season of growth and renewal.
Why is spring cleaning so important? Firstly, it’s a practical necessity. After months of being shut indoors with windows sealed against the cold, our homes are likely to have accumulated dust, grime, and clutter. A thorough cleaning helps remove allergens, improve air quality, and simply make our living spaces more pleasant and hygienic. But beyond the practicalities, spring cleaning holds psychological benefits. It can be incredibly satisfying and mentally refreshing to clear out clutter, organize our belongings, and make our spaces feel fresh and new. It’s an act that can signal a fresh start, not just for our homes, but for ourselves as well.
So, how can we tackle spring cleaning in an effective and manageable way? Here are a few tips:
1. **Make a Plan:** Start with a checklist of all the tasks you want to accomplish. Breaking the process down into smaller, more manageable tasks can make the project feel less daunting.
2. **Declutter First:** Before you start cleaning, declutter. It’s easier to clean spaces that aren’t filled with unused or unnecessary items. Plus, decluttering can have its own therapeutic effects.
3. **Room by Room:** Tackle your cleaning room by room. This strategy ensures that you’re thorough and allows you to see progress, which can be motivating.
4. **Natural Cleaners:** Consider using eco-friendly cleaning products. They’re better for the environment and often just as effective as chemical-based cleaners.
5. **Don’t Forget the Outdoors:** Spring cleaning isn’t just for the interior of your home. Take some time to clean up your outdoor spaces as well.
As you embark on your spring cleaning journey, remember that it’s not just about the physical act of cleaning. It’s about creating a space that reflects and supports your wellbeing, a home that serves as a sanctuary as the world blooms anew. Happy cleaning!
