Photograph by Paul Myers

American Home Week is scheduled for April 7-13 when homeowners will celebrate their constitutional freedom to own private property.




American Home Week celebrates home ownership

By Jean Newton

Every spring since 1952, Realtors across America have led their communities, townships and neighborhoods in a celebration of homeownership and private property rights. Known today as American Home Week, this year's April 7-13 observance will mark the 50th anniversary of this tribute to one of the cornerstones of democracy.

American Home Week is a celebration aimed at reminding citizens of their constitutional freedom to own private property. Realtors from around the country sponsor activities such as property improvement projects to aid the needy, essay contests centering on the theme of homeownership and special seminars on home-buying and home-selling trends.

"The heart of American Home Week has always been to remind Realtors and citizens of their rights and responsibilities to work together in creating a positive community in which to live and work," said Martin Edwards Jr., president of the National Association of Realtors. "It's second nature for Realtors to lead the way in neighborhood involvement, volunteerism and in giving back something to the communities where they make a living."

Locally, Silicon Valley Association of Realtors members and affiliates make a difference all year round, thanks to a variety of events that benefit the community. Last year volunteers conducted a clean-up day to pick up litter, distributed presents and food at Christmas through Operation Reindeer and aided the homeless through their annual Home for the Holidays fundraiser for the benefit of the Housing Industry Foundation.

This year the association will add a new program called Realtor Safety and Service Volunteer Program. Designed to help senior citizens or those with disabilities with repairs and other tasks to help improve health and safety around the home, the community outreach program will be held during the week of May 19-25.

Sponsored by the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, the cost-free program provides a hands-on effort by local Realtors and affiliates who will perform tasks such as changing furnace filters, replacing smoke detector batteries, painting house numbers on curbs, washing windows or cleaning gutters. Application forms for seniors and those with disabilities are currently available by calling volunteer coordinator Bill Marr at 408.369.7975.

"Our community outreach program is focused on those who need extra help in keeping their homes safe," said Alicia Tuvell, president of Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, a 3,000-member nonprofit trade association. "In addition to monetary donations from our Charitable Foundation as well as individual Realtors and companies, this is a great opportunity for our members to actively volunteer their time in the community.

"We are committed to providing programs that support the communities in which we live and work," Tuvell added. "This is also a great way for us to commemorate American Home Week as part of a nationwide effort to give something back."

American Home Week began in 1952 as the "Build America Better" program, with a focus on re-energizing rundown neighborhoods in urban areas. By 1954, the program gained wide recognition and was cited in the Municipal Yearbook of International City Managers as a major development in the field of housing conservation.

In 1956, the program was renamed "Realtor Week" to highlight the differences between Realtors and non-members, as well as to encourage the involvement of Realtors in civic, social and patriotic values of their communities.

In 1975, the name was changed to "Private Property Week" to emphasize every American's right to own and transfer property. Finally, in 1986 the name changed to American Home Week, reflecting the most popular perception of private property--the home.

"Realtors are in the business of attracting new citizens to their communities," said Edwards. "They really care about making their neighborhoods strong and safe and vibrant."

In the wake of last year's terrorist attacks on this country, Realtors feel an even stronger commitment to the activities that American Home Week fosters. President Bush has called upon all Americans to work to improve their communities, and Edwards encouraged Realtors to step up to the plate.

The activities of American Home Week highlight the role Realtors play in making homeownership a reality for all people, no matter what their background. "It's no accident that American Home Week falls in the middle of Fair Housing Month, a time when the country is reflecting on the 1968 Fair Housing Act's call for equal housing opportunities for everyone," said Edwards.

Realtors know that increasing America's homeownership base is not only good for families, but it's good for the economy and communities, as well.

Because homeowners put down roots, they tend to participate in community affairs and the business of local government. That commitment to making the democratic process work leads to better local communities, said Edwards.

National Association of Realtors research indicates that homeowners are voters and that they volunteer their time for political and charitable causes. For homeowners, the value of their homes--the largest investment many of them will make in their lifetimes--creates an incentive to stay abreast of local government actions.

"In short, owning a home gives people greater reason to care--and that makes a huge difference," Edwards said.

American Home Week is also a time to focus on the housing opportunity crisis and promoting affordable housing for everyone.

"As Realtors, we are in the unique position to be the best advocates and educators for, and promoters of, real solutions to today's critical housing needs. Celebrating American Home Week, Realtors can be the catalyst for change by making a commitment to address these issues," said Edwards.

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