At Williams Mortgage, we believe homeownership isn’t just about having a place to call your own—it’s a powerful tool for building long-term wealth, security, and generational opportunity. As we celebrate National Homeownership Month, let’s take a look at the numbers behind why owning a home can change lives, families, and communities.
The median net worth of a homeowner in the U.S. is $396,000, compared to just $10,400 for renters. That’s nearly 38 times greater. It’s no coincidence. Homeownership is one of the most reliable paths to wealth creation in America, especially when home values appreciate over time and equity builds with each mortgage payment.
Real estate is not just a place to live—it's a proven wealth-building asset. According to one study, roughly 40% of a typical millionaire’s net worth comes from real estate holdings. Even more striking, data from the National Association of Realtors indicates that about 90% of millionaires hold at least part of their wealth in real estate. Whether it’s a primary residence, investment property, or land, real estate continues to be a cornerstone in wealth accumulation.
Homeownership doesn’t just impact the present—it shapes the future. Over the next few decades, America will witness the largest wealth transfer in history, with an estimated $83.5 trillion projected to pass between generations by 2048. Real estate is expected to make up about 40% of that transfer. In fact, nearly 80% of all generational wealth in the U.S. is passed through real estate assets.
Data shows that neighborhoods with higher homeownership rates tend to have lower crime rates. In fact, a 1% increase in homeownership has been associated with hundreds of millions of dollars in reduced crime costs nationwide. Additionally, studies link stable housing with greater employment security. People who own their homes are more likely to maintain stable employment—partly because they aren’t facing housing instability or eviction threats that can disrupt income and job access.
Despite all the benefits of homeownership, many potential buyers hesitate because of a common misconception: that they need 20% down to buy a home. In reality, only 34% of adults know they can purchase a home with as little as 3–5% down, and 44% either incorrectly believe that 20% is required—or simply aren’t sure. This misinformation keeps too many families on the sidelines when affordable, flexible options are available.
If you’re unsure how much down payment you need—or if you qualify for programs that reduce that requirement—Williams Mortgage is here to help. We work with buyers across all stages of life, including those using FHA, VA, USDA, or low down-payment conventional loans.
It’s a path to financial security, community connection, and generational progress. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or helping a loved one make the leap, now is the time to explore the possibilities of homeownership.
Need help getting started? Contact Williams Mortgage—because we’re not just about closing loans; we’re about “Making the Complicated Simple.”
