Story Ideas

Are you looking for a story idea? This page is updated on a regular basis with story suggestions regarding what is currently going on in the local and national real estate markets. For more information on the story ideas below or to be connected with an industry expert, please contact Jonna Fernandez, Communications Director, at 972-618-3800 or jonna@ccar.net.

 
Home is Where the Community is
A new National Association of REALTORS® research report demonstrates a correlation between homeownership and social benefits for both families and the community at large. According to the research detailed in the report, "The Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing," homeownership boosts the educational performance of children, encourages higher participation in civic and volunteering activity, improves health care outcomes, lowers crime rates and reduces welfare dependency. The research also revealed that most American households still aspire to homeownership, which helps families to accumulate wealth as well as social status.

Story Springboard: Identify popular communities in the North Texas area, and talk to residents about why they chose to live there. Compare homeownership rates in those areas to levels of community involvement, neighborhood amenities, and educational opportunities.
 
 

When Mortgages Pay
One of the benefits many homeowners enjoy is the mortgage interest deduction (MID). This tax deductibility of interest paid on mortgages has been an incentive for homeownership since 1913. Individuals can deduct interest paid on mortgage debt of up to $1million. The deduction is available for interest on mortgages for a principal residence and one additional residence. Sixty-three percent of families who claim the MID earn between $50,000 and $200,000 per year. While the MID is a great benefit, people usually don't buy homes only because of the deduction. They buy homes to satisfy social, family and personal goals. However, an NAR survey of home buyers found that both first-time buyers and repeat buyers ranked the desire for tax incentives as an important reason to buy.

Story Springboard: Ask a REALTOR® about how the MID factors into their clients' home buying decisions. What impact does it have over a period of homeownership? Profile homeowners in your area to learn how different families and households benefit from the MID and from other tax benefits related to owning a home.

Some of the above story ideas and text is courtesy of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, used with permission.